Cash gifts for pensioners maybe ready for Christmas, says GSIS

Old-age pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) whose pension benefits have been suspended are reminded to renew their active status each year during their birth month. This is in order for them to continue receiving their monthly pension and to qualify them for other possible benefits, which include the annual Christmas cash gift and the pension increase.

            If a pensioner is under a suspended status at the time that the GSIS declares a cash gift and pension increase, the pensioner will not be eligible to receive such benefits. This is based on an existing GSIS policy, which has been around for 35 years, and which provides that only old-age pensioners who are in active status are entitled to cash gifts and pension increases.

            “Pension adjustments or cash gifts should not be given to pensioners under suspended status because of their failure to comply with the condition imposed by the GSIS for their continuous receipt of the monthly pensions, that is, the annual renewal of active status,” the GSIS said.

            “They shall be entitled thereto only after they have complied and any pension increase shall be given starting only from the time another pension adjustment or cash gift is granted provided the pensioners are, in accordance with policy, still in active status,” the GSIS added.

            The release of cash gifts as well as any pension increase is subject to approval of the GSIS Board of Trustees.

            A pensioner can renew his/her active status through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (G-W@PS) kiosk with the use of the eCard Plus. G-W@PS kiosks are installed in all GSIS servicing office and selected government agencies.

            Pensioners can also renew their active status by calling the GSIS Teleservice domestic toll free number (1-800-10-847-4747 for Smart and PLDT, and 1-800-8-847-4747 for Globe numbers) if the pensioner has already enrolled in the GSIS Voice Activated Processing System or GVAPS.

            Meanwhile, for pensioners who are bedridden or unable to leave their homes, they can coordinate with the GSIS for a home visit arrangement.

            Also, pensioners abroad can renew their active status using the GVAPS by calling the numbers 632-976-0860 or 632-884-7400. (GSIS)