In Short
- First, get several copies of the Death Certificate from the PSA or the Local Civil Registrar. Almost every claim needs one.
- SSS pays a death benefit to the family members named by law and a funeral benefit of ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 (or ₱12,000) to whoever paid for the funeral.
- GSIS covers government workers. Pag-IBIG gives the member's savings and a death benefit to the heirs (the family members who inherit).
- A bank may let the family withdraw from the account of the person who died, but it keeps 6% as tax (a final withholding tax) under the Tax Code.
First: The Documents Most Claims Need
- Death Certificate, registered with the local civil registry or issued by the PSA. Almost every claim needs one. Get several copies. See PSA certificates.
- Your Marriage Certificate (for a spouse) or Birth Certificates (for children or parents), to prove the relationship.
- Valid IDs of the claimant (the person claiming).
- Receipts for funeral expenses.
- If someone files for you, an Authorization Letter or Special Power of Attorney.
SSS Death and Funeral Benefits
Death benefit. The SSS pays it first to the member's primary beneficiaries: the spouse who depended on them (until the spouse marries again) and the children who depended on them (usually unmarried, not working and under 21, or unable to support themselves because of a disability). If there are none, it goes to the parents who depended on them, then to a person the member named, then to the legal heirs (the relatives who inherit by law).
- If the member paid at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death (the six-month period when they died), primary beneficiaries get a monthly pension.
- With fewer than 36, or for secondary beneficiaries (the parents and others next in line), it is a lump sum (paid once, in full).
Funeral benefit. This goes to whoever paid for the funeral. Since 20 October 2023 the SSS gives ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 if the member had at least 36 contributions, or a fixed ₱12,000 if they had fewer.
File at any SSS branch, or online through My.SSS in some cases (a legal spouse registered on My.SSS for the death claim; SSS members for the funeral claim). Bring the Death Certificate, proof of relationship, IDs and your bank or e-wallet details. For questions, the SSS hotline is 1455.
GSIS for Government Workers
If the person worked in government, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pays survivorship benefits (a pension or cash for the family left behind) to the surviving spouse and dependent children, a funeral benefit, and the member's life insurance. Unpaid salary and unused leave are claimed from the agency where they worked. Ask the agency's HR office and the nearest GSIS branch what to bring.
Pag-IBIG Savings and Death Benefit
When a Pag-IBIG member dies, the Fund releases their total accumulated value (all their contributions plus earnings, called dividends) to the legal heirs, along with a death benefit. If the member had a Pag-IBIG housing loan, the loan insurance (mortgage redemption insurance) usually pays it off. Ask the Fund about it. File the claim at a Pag-IBIG branch with the Death Certificate, proof of relationship and the heirs' IDs. The Fund may ask for an affidavit or settlement document showing who the heirs are.
Final Pay From the Employer
A private employer still owes the worker's unpaid salary, 13th month pay for the months worked, cash for unused leave and any other benefits due under the contract or company policy. These go to the heirs. Ask HR for a breakdown and what they need from you. Many ask for proof of who the heirs are, such as an Extrajudicial Settlement (an agreement among the heirs, signed before a notary) or an affidavit of the heirs. If the death was work-related, ask about benefits under the Employees' Compensation Program too. See final pay.
Bank Deposits and What the Person Left Behind
Bank deposits become part of the estate (everything the person left behind). Under Section 97 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the TRAIN Law (Republic Act No. 10963), a bank that knows of a depositor's death shall allow withdrawals from the account, but it keeps a final withholding tax of 6% (6% taken out as tax before you get the money). For a joint account, each withdrawal slip must carry a sworn statement that the other account holders are still alive.
In practice, banks also ask for documents showing who the heirs are and who may receive the money, often a settlement of the estate (a document showing how the heirs divided it). Ask the bank for its list.
The estate tax return is due within one year from death. The 6% withheld by the bank counts toward the estate tax. See settling an estate and the estate tax calculator.
Other Things to Check
- Life insurance and pre-need plans (plans paid in advance, such as memorial plans): look for policies and plans and call the companies. Disputes go to the Insurance Commission.
- Cooperatives, unions and employer group insurance.
- Burial assistance for families in need from the DSWD or your city or municipal social welfare office.
- Pensions of a deceased pensioner: report the death to SSS, GSIS or the paying agency so payments stop, and ask about survivor benefits.
PhilHealth has no death benefit, but it still covers the hospital bill for the stay in hospital before death.
Documents to Gather
Each agency has its own form and may ask for more.
Your ticks stay on this device only.
Common Questions
How Much Is the SSS Funeral Benefit?
Since 20 October 2023, ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 if the member had at least 36 contributions, or ₱12,000 if they had at least 1 but fewer than 36.
Who Gets the SSS Death Benefit?
The spouse and children who depended on the member come first. If there are none, the parents who depended on them, then the person the member named, then the legal heirs.
Can We Withdraw Money From a Deceased Parent's Bank Account?
Under Section 97 of the Tax Code as amended by the TRAIN Law, the bank shall allow withdrawals, keeping 6% as a final withholding tax. Banks usually also ask for proof of who the heirs are.
Is There a Deadline for the Estate Tax?
The estate tax return is due within one year from the date of death.
Not legal advice. This is general information. For advice on your own situation, consult a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) or an IBP legal aid office may help for free.
Government fees, rules and requirements change, so always check with the office concerned before you go. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.