GSIS Marks National Pensioners ‘ Week, Expands Benefits and Services for Retirees

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) reaffirmed its commitment to provide greater financial security and more accessible services to retired government workers as it marks National Pensioners’ Week, highlighting the expanding range of benefits, financial assistance, insurance, housing and digital services available to pensioners.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Proclamation No. 1020, declared the second week of September of every year as National Pensioners’ Week in recognition of the valuable contribution of GSIS and SSS pensioners to national development. The proclamation directs GSIS and SSS to lead the annual observance and identify programs, activities and projects for pensioners.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the directive is being translated into concrete programs that provide pensioners with stronger financial protection, more options to manage their needs and easier access to GSIS services.

“Ang ating mga pensionado ay naglaan ng malaking bahagi ng kanilang buhay sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Kaya ang pagkilala sa kanila ay hindi lamang isang selebrasyon. Isinasagawa natin ito sa pamamagitan ng mga programang nagbibigay sa kanila ng mas maraming benepisyo, financial options at mas madaling access sa serbisyo ng GSIS,” Veloso said.

Under its Ginhawa for All Grand or GFAL Grand package for pensioners and surviving spouses, GSIS provides old-age pension, survivorship pension, pension increases, Christmas Cash Gift, Milestone Benefits and funeral benefits. Qualified pensioners may also avail themselves of pension loans, pensioners’ emergency loans and the Choice of Loan Amortization Schedule for Pensioners or CLASP.

Among the latest enhancements is the increase in the funeral benefit from ₱30,000 to ₱50,000 for qualified members and pensioners for claims arising from deaths occurring on or after July 13, 2026.

GSIS has also strengthened survivorship protection by removing the previous cap on the survivorship pension. Qualified surviving spouses may receive the full benefit equivalent to 50% of the deceased member or pensioner’s pension. Cohabitation is also no longer a ground for stopping the survivorship pension, while remarriage remains a ground for termination.

The annual Christmas Cash Gift has likewise been expanded. Beginning in 2025, qualified pro-rata pensioners and pensioners under the Portability Law were included for the first time. Eligible pensioners receive an amount equivalent to one month’s pension or ₱10,000, whichever is lower, subject to program rules.

Qualified old-age and disability pensioners in areas declared under a state of calamity may also avail themselves of the GSIS Emergency Loan, subject to applicable program requirements. GSIS has continued to open emergency loan windows in affected areas to provide financial assistance to qualified members and pensioners.

GSIS has likewise provided financial relief through Balik Ginhawa or the Loan Moratorium Through Refund, which allows qualified members and pensioners with eligible existing loans to receive refunds corresponding to covered loan amortizations without having to take out another loan. Applications are made through GSIS Touch and may be submitted until October 31, 2026, subject to program guidelines.

As of September 21, GSIS had returned close to ₱20 billion through the first and enhanced Balik Ginhawa programs, covering nearly 1.6 million loan contracts refunded to over 700,000 qualified members and pensioners.

On September 30, GSIS will further expand its financial options for retirees with the launch of the Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan or GSEL for qualified pensioners, extending the green financing program initially offered to active government workers.

Under GSEL, qualified pensioners may borrow up to ₱500,000, payable for up to five years at 5% interest per annum, with no service fee, to finance the purchase and installation of solar energy systems. Applications will be filed through GSIS Touch, subject to eligibility and documentary requirements.

GSIS launched GSEL for active members in March 2026 to make residential solar energy systems more accessible to government workers and help households manage long-term electricity costs.

“Sa pagbubukas ng GSEL sa ating mga pensionado, binibigyan natin sila ng karagdagang financial option na maaaring makatulong na mapababa ang kanilang gastusin sa kuryente. Patuloy nating tinitingnan kung paano natin maiaangkop ang mga programa ng GSIS sa tunay na pangangailangan ng ating retirees,” Veloso said.

Beyond pension and loan benefits, pensioners may also avail themselves of General Insurance products under GFAL Grand, including Fire Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance, subject to applicable terms and requirements. The GSIS Motor Vehicle Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance programs specifically include GSIS retirees and pensioners among those qualified to apply.

Housing options are also available through the Lease with Option to Buy or GFAL LWOB, which forms part of the programs under GFAL Grand. The program provides qualified clients access to selected GSIS acquired properties through a lease arrangement with an option to purchase, subject to applicable program guidelines and availability of properties.

GSIS continues to make these benefits and services more accessible through digital and alternative service channels. GSIS Touch enables pensioners to access services such as the Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (APIR) and loan applications without having to visit a GSIS office. Pensioners may also access GSIS through its website, 24/7 Contact Center, social media platforms and online filing facilities.

“Hindi lamang buwanang pensiyon ang maaasahan ng ating retirees sa GSIS. Mula sa survivorship, funeral, milestone at Christmas benefits hanggang sa loans, Balik Ginhawa, GSEL, general insurance, housing at digital services, patuloy nating pinapalawak ang suportang maaasahan nila pagkatapos ng maraming taon ng paglilingkod sa gobyerno,” Veloso said.

Veloso said GSIS will continue to enhance its programs and services to provide pensioners and their families with social protection that is more accessible, responsive and relevant to their changing needs.

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