FACT CHECK: No scheduled March 2026 release of 13th month SSS pension

Claim: Social Security System (SSS) pensioners can expect to receive their 13th month benefit along with their March 2026 pension.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The YouTube video bearing the claim was posted on March 1 and has earned 39,000 views, 658 likes, and 257 comments as of writing. The YouTube channel that posted the video, “Senior Savers PH,” has released similar videos regarding the SSS. 

The video’s caption reads, “BABALA! 13th Month pay at pensyon sa Marso 2026 — maagang ilalabas para sa lahat ng SSS pensioners.” 

(Attention! 13th month pay and pension this March 2026 will be released early for all SSS pensioners.)

The facts: There are no reports that the 13th month pension will be released this March 2026. No such announcements from the SSS can be found on its official website. 

In previous years, the annual cash gift, which the SSS has been granting to eligible pensioners since 1988, has been released every December and automatically credited to their accounts.

A retiree is entitled to receive a 13th month pension, which is equivalent to one full month of their pension. The 13th month benefit also applies to all SSS pensioners receiving disability and survivorship pensions. 

The monthly SSS pensions, meanwhile, are released based on the date of contingency or when a member becomes eligible to receive a pension. Last November 30, 2025, the SSS announced that the 13th month pension and December pensions will be released in two batches: on December 1 for pensions credited on the first day of the month and on December 4 for pensions credited on the 16th of the month, respectively. 

The first batch covered around 2.13 million pensioners, while 1.53 million pensioners were part of the second batch, with a total of P18.8 billion distributed, according to the SSS.

Pension reform program: In September 2025, the state pension fund rolled out its three-year pension reform program, which will increase benefits for pensioners without a hike in contribution rates. Starting September 1, 2025, retirement and disability pensions were raised by 10%, and death and survivor pensions increased by 5%. 

According to SSS president Robert Joseph Montes De Claro, the second tranche of pension hikes will be rolled out on September 1, 2026, with the last tranche to take effect in September 2027. 

By the end of the three-year program, retirement and disability pensioners will receive 33% more, while death and survivor pensioners will see a 16% increase. This will cover over 3.8 million SSS pensioners. (READ: What you need to know about SSS’ 3-year pension hike)

Previous fact-checks: Rappler has previously fact-checked other posts about the SSS and pension programs: 

• FACT CHECK: P20,000 calamity assistance is a loan, not cash benefit for SSS members
• FACT CHECK: Universal social pension for all senior citizens is not yet law
• FACT CHECK: Indigent seniors to get P1,000 monthly pension, not P2,000

– Ramon Franco Verano/Rappler.com

Ramon Franco Verano is a graduate of Rappler’s volunteer program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
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