Philippines
The Complete Guide to Retirement Pensions in the Philippines
Filipinos retire on one of three pensions: SSS for private-sector workers (from age 60 with 120 monthly contributions), GSIS for government workers (from 60 with 15 years of service), and the DSWD social pension of ₱1,000 a month for indigent seniors, as at 12 October 2026.
Key facts at a glance
- SSS monthly pension: at least ₱1,200 (10 years) or ₱2,400 (20+ years), plus a ₱1,000 additional benefit.
- SSS pays a 13th month pension every December.
- GSIS Basic Monthly Pension: 2.5% of revalued average pay per year of service, capped at 90% of average pay.
- DSWD social pension: ₱1,000 a month for indigent seniors aged 60+.
- Seniors aged 60+ get a 20% discount and VAT exemption on medicines, transport and more.
All figures correct as at 12 October 2026, sourced from the SSS, GSIS and DSWD. Next review: 1 September 2027.
Which pension applies to you?
| SSS | GSIS | Social pension | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | Private, self-employed, OFW, voluntary | Government employees | Indigent seniors |
| Starting age | 60 (65 mandatory) | 60 (65 compulsory) | 60 |
| Minimum record | 120 contributions | 15 years' service | Indigency assessment |
| Monthly amount | Formula-based | Formula-based | ₱1,000 |
Read the full rules in our guides to the SSS pension, GSIS retirement and the social pension, or ask a question.
SSS Retirement Pension Estimator
Enter your average salary credit and years of contributions.
Estimated result
₱11,300.00 a month
About ₱146,900.00 a year, including the 13th month pension paid every December.
- Formula 1: ₱300 + 20% of AMSC + 2% per year over 10
- ₱10,300.00
- Formula 2: 40% of AMSC
- ₱8,000.00
- Formula 3: minimum by years of service
- ₱2,400.00
- Highest of the three (basic pension)
- ₱10,300.00
- Additional benefit
- + ₱1,000.00
- If you take the 18-month advance at 60
- ₱203,400.00
This is an estimate based on the published rules and rates of the SSS, GSIS and DSWD, correct as at 12 October 2026. Confirm your actual entitlement with the SSS, GSIS and DSWD — your circumstances may include assessments this tool does not model.
Frequently asked questions
What age can I retire in the Philippines?
Both SSS and GSIS allow retirement from age 60. SSS retirement becomes mandatory-eligible at 65, and government employees must retire at 65. The DSWD social pension starts at 60.
How much is the SSS pension?
It depends on your salary credits and years of contributions. The monthly pension is the highest of three formulas, never less than ₱1,200 with 10 years or ₱2,400 with 20 years, plus a ₱1,000 additional benefit, as at 12 October 2026.
Is there an assets test for Philippine pensions?
No. SSS and GSIS pensions are earned through contributions and are not reduced by your savings or property. Only the DSWD social pension looks at your circumstances, through an indigency assessment rather than a formal assets test.
Can I get both SSS and GSIS pensions?
Yes, if you qualify under each system separately. Under the Portability Law (RA 7699), contributions to both systems can also be combined to meet the minimum service requirement, with each system paying its share.
Researched and fact-checked by
researches Australian retirement and social security policy full time. Not a licensed financial adviser — every figure on this page is sourced from the SSS, GSIS and DSWD or the Social Security Act of 2018 (RA 11199), RA 8291 and RA 9994 as amended by RA 11916.
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026
Figures as at: 12 October 2026
Next review: 1 September 2027
Change log: Philippine cluster published 12 October 2026; figures checked against SSS, GSIS and DSWD material correct as at 12 October 2026.