The Social Security System’s (SSS) newly announced pension increase is making waves not only in the Philippines but also among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly in Taiwan, where many continue to support aging parents and relatives back home.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launch of the program on September 1, during SSS’s 68th anniversary, marking the first significant hike since 2014. The phased increase is expected to benefit 3.8 million pensioners nationwide, including the families that OFWs continue to provide for, as shared in this PNA report.
Pension Increase Schedule and Coverage
The reform covers all SSS pensioners before September 1, 2025, and new retirees within 2025–2027. Beneficiaries include:
- 2.6 million retirement and disability pensioners
- 1.2 million survivor pensioners
Increments will roll out over three years:
| Year | Retirement & Disability | Survivorship (Death) | Cumulative Increase |
| Sept 2025 | +10% | +5% | — |
| Sept 2026 | +10% | +5% | — |
| Sept 2027 | +10% | +5% | 33% (Ret/Dis) / 16% (Survivor) |
For example, a ₱10,000 monthly pension in August 2025 will grow to ₱13,300 by September 2027.
Why This Matters for OFWs in Taiwan
Many OFWs in Taiwan regularly send remittances to help parents or surviving spouses in the Philippines. With this reform, families of migrant workers will have additional financial security.
- Less remittance pressure: A higher pension means parents can better afford food, utilities, and medicine without depending solely on their children abroad.
- Better family well-being: The increase helps cover health expenses, a key concern for elderly dependents of OFWs.
- Validation of contributions: For soon-to-retire OFWs still paying into SSS voluntarily, the pension hike shows that membership remains a worthwhile safety net.
Supporting Measures That Benefit Families
The reform is not just about the increase. SSS is also rolling out changes that matter to OFW households:
- MySSS Card: Replacing the UMID card, this will ensure faster pension disbursements that can be accessed by relatives through banks or e-wallets linked to DAEM.
- National Pensioners’ Week: Every second week of September, starting this year, pensioners will be recognized for their lifelong contributions.
- Digital Access Expansion: More online services and kiosks in remote provinces will make it easier for elderly dependents to claim benefits without the hassle of traveling.
Legal Basis and Long-Term Security
The increase is anchored on Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. Actuarial studies show the reform shortens the SSS fund life by only four years — a manageable adjustment compared to the ten-year impact of the 2016 hike.
For OFWs, this balance between sustainability and social protection means that their own future pensions are more secure.
You can read the official advisory from the SSS here:
Pension-Reform-Press-StatementConclusion
For OFWs in Taiwan, the SSS pension increase is more than just national news — it’s a direct boost to their families’ financial stability back home. It eases the burden of constant remittances and reassures soon-to-retire workers that their contributions will count in the years ahead.