SSS covers private-sector, self-employed, OFWs, and voluntary members.
To get a monthly retirement pension, you typically need at least 120 monthly contributions and to meet the retirement age requirement.
GSIS covers government employees.
Standard retirement generally requires at least 15 years of government service, the right retirement mode (e.g., RA 8291), and age conditions (optional at 60; compulsory at 65).
When You Can Receive Both Pensions
You can receive two separate pensions if you independently qualify under both systems—e.g., 15–20 years in government for GSIS, plus 120+ SSS contributions from private work or self-employment.
In this case, totalization is not needed, and each fund pays its own full benefit.
Using The Portability Law (Totalization)
If you don’t meet the minimum requirement in one system, the Portability Law lets you add up your creditable service/contribution periods in SSS and GSIS to meet eligibility.
After you qualify, each fund pays only its proportional share based on actual service/contributions under it.
Important: Overlapping months (when you contributed to both at the same time) are counted only once; they cannot be double-credited.
Survivorship Pensions
If one spouse worked in SSS and the other in GSIS, their eligible survivors may receive separate survivorship pensions from each fund—provided each deceased member met that fund’s rules.
Survivorship rules (like priority beneficiaries and documentary requirements) are handled separately by SSS and GSIS.
Key Rules At A Glance
| Scenario | Can You Get Both? | How It’s Paid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| You independently qualify under SSS (≥ 120 contributions) and GSIS (≥ 15 years service) | Yes | Each fund pays its own full pension | Totalization not applied |
| You qualify in one system but fall short in the other | Yes, via totalization | Pro-rated: each fund pays its share | Use the Portability Law |
| You have overlapping contributions in both | Depends | Overlaps counted once | Prevents double-counting |
| Survivor of members from different systems | Often yes | Separate survivorship pensions | Subject to each fund’s rules |
Quick Checklist To Know Your Path
- Map your work history: list public vs private employment timelines.
- Count SSS contributions: target 120 months to get a monthly pension.
- Count GSIS service: aim for 15 years for standard retirement modes.
- Check overlaps: mark periods when you paid both—count once.
- Decide your approach: if both sides already qualify, file separately; if one side is short, apply using the Portability Law for totalization and pro-rating.
It is possible to receive both SSS and GSIS pensions in the Philippines, but your outcome depends on your work mix.
If you fully qualify under each system, you can receive two independent pensions.
If you fall short in one system, the Portability Law lets you combine periods so you qualify, with each fund paying its rightful share and no double counting of overlaps.
The smartest first step is to audit your contributions and service, then choose the separate filing or totalization route that maximizes your lifetime benefits.
FAQs
Can I pay SSS while working in government under GSIS?
Yes—if you also have self-employment or a side business covered by SSS. For retirement, overlapping months are counted once, and benefits may be pro-rated if you use totalization.
If I already qualify in both, do I still need totalization?
No. If you independently qualify under SSS and GSIS, you can claim two pensions. Totalization applies mainly when you fall short in one system.
How are amounts split under totalization?
Each fund pays a proportional share based on the length of service/contributions under that fund. The more years you have with a fund, the larger its share of your pension.
