The single biggest question at retirement: monthly pension or one-time lump sum? 120 contributions decides it. Estimate your pension below.
≈ total contributions ÷ 12. Ten or more = pension.
Uses the official 3-formula pension method — full details on the pension calculator page. Below 120 contributions, SSS pays a lump sum of contributions plus interest instead.
| 120+ contributions | Fewer than 120 | |
|---|---|---|
| What you receive | Lifetime monthly pension + 13th month pension every December | One-time lump sum: your contributions + interest |
| Survivorship | Pension continues to qualified beneficiaries | — |
| The fix if you're short | — | Continue as a voluntary member past 65 until you reach 120 |
If you're anywhere near 120, completing it is usually the right money move — a modest lifetime pension typically overtakes a lump sum within a few years, and it comes with the December 13th month pension and survivorship protection.
Don't forget WISP: if your MSC ever exceeded ₱20,000, that provident account pays out on top of everything here — and SSS retirement benefits are tax-free.
60 optional (must stop working), 65 mandatory (either way).
120+ contributions = pension; fewer = lump sum of contributions plus interest.
Working again before 65 suspends the pension until you stop or turn 65.
Keep paying as a voluntary member until you reach 120; the lifetime pension is usually worth it.
Paid out at retirement on top of the pension or lump sum.
No — SSS retirement benefits are tax-exempt.