GSIS releases ₱3.9-billion Christmas cash gift to 410,000 pensioners
By Derco Rosal
State-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will disburse ₱3.9 billion in Christmas cash gifts on Thursday, Dec. 4, to more than 410,000 pensioners, the first time the benefit is extended to pro-rata and Portability Law retirees.
In a statement on Thursday, Dec. 4, GSIS President and General Manager Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso announced that the expansion of the annual cash gift is intended as a show of support for these groups.
Pro-rata pensioners are defined as those who served at least 15 years but paid premiums for fewer than 15, while Portability Law (Republic Act 7699) beneficiaries qualified by combining contributions from the GSIS and the Social Security System (SSS).
The GSIS is also advancing the December pension payout to Dec. 5, moving up the schedule to provide retirees with additional time to prepare for the holidays.
The cash gift is available to old-age, retirement, and disability pensioners under RAs 8291, 660, 7699, and Presidential Decree 1146. Recipients must be active, receiving their regular or pro-rata pension, and confirmed as alive as of Nov. 30.
The maximum cash gift is capped at one month’s pension or ₱10,000, whichever is lower, and all funds will be automatically credited to the pensioners' GSIS ATM accounts.
Pensioners are strongly encouraged to complete their Annual Pensioners’ Information Revalidation (APIR). Those whose pensions are suspended due to APIR non-compliance as of Dec. 31 may still claim their cash gift once their status is reactivated, the insurer noted.
Excluded groups include survivorship and dependent pensioners, those who opted for a five-year lump sum and will resume pension payments after Dec. 31, 2025, and retirees from 2021–2025 who took the 18-month cash payment and immediate life pension under RA 8291 (who are eligible five years after retirement).
Additionally, members separated from service between 2006–2025 before age 60 who began receiving their regular pension in 2021–2025 are ineligible until they complete five years as regular pensioners.