How many years do I need to contribute to SSS to get a pension?

You need at least 120 monthly contributions (equivalent to 10 years of credited service) to qualify for the SSS retirement pension. These contributions do not need to be consecutive. You can check your total number of contributions through the My.SSS online portal.

What is the average monthly salary credit (AMSC)?

The AMSC is the average of your monthly salary credits (MSC) during your last 60 months of contributions, or the average of all your monthly salary credits, whichever is higher. The MSC is the basis for computing your SSS contributions and is capped at a maximum amount set by the SSS contribution schedule.

When can I start receiving my SSS pension?

You can claim your SSS retirement pension at age 60 (optional retirement) if you have separated from employment or ceased self-employment, or at age 65 (mandatory retirement) regardless of employment status. In both cases, you must have at least 120 monthly contributions.

Can I still contribute to SSS after retirement?

No. Once you start receiving your SSS retirement pension, you can no longer make additional contributions. However, if you continue working after age 60 without claiming your pension, you can continue contributing to increase your salary credit and credited years of service, which may result in a higher pension when you eventually retire.

How do I check my SSS contributions and estimated pension?

Log in to the My.SSS portal at www.sss.gov.ph using your SSS number and password. Under the 'Inquiry' section, you can view your contribution history, total credited years, and salary credit details. The SSS also has a mobile app that lets you check your records. For pension estimates, you can use our SSS Pension Calculator.

How to Compute Your SSS Pension

A step-by-step guide to understanding how your SSS retirement pension is calculated. Learn the three pension formulas, eligibility requirements, and see a worked example.

Updated March 14, 2026

Quick Answer

Your SSS monthly pension is the highest amount from three formulas: (1) PHP 300 + 20% of average monthly salary credit (AMSC) + 2% of AMSC for each credited year of service (CYS) over 10 years, (2) 40% of AMSC, or (3) PHP 2,000 (minimum pension if you have at least 10 CYS). You need at least 120 monthly contributions to qualify for a retirement pension.

1. What Is the SSS Retirement Pension?

The SSS (Social Security System) retirement pension is a monthly cash benefit paid to qualified members who have reached retirement age and have made enough contributions. It is designed to provide a basic income replacement during retirement and is paid for the rest of the member's life.

The pension amount depends on three factors: your average monthly salary credit (AMSC), your total number of credited years of service (CYS), and which of the three pension formulas produces the highest result.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the SSS retirement pension, you must meet:

At least 120 monthly contributions (equivalent to 10 years). These do not need to be consecutive.
Age requirement: 60 years old for optional retirement (must be separated from employment) or 65 years old for technical/mandatory retirement.
If you have less than 120 contributions, you may receive a lump sum benefit instead of a monthly pension.

3. The Three SSS Pension Formulas

The SSS computes your pension using all three formulas below and gives you whichever is highest:

Formula 1

PHP 300 + (20% x AMSC) + (2% x AMSC x CYS over 10)

This formula rewards long tenure. The 2% bonus applies for every credited year of service beyond the first 10 years. For members with 25+ years of contributions, this formula usually yields the highest pension.

Formula 2

40% x AMSC

A simpler calculation that gives you 40% of your average monthly salary credit. This formula tends to produce the highest amount for members with shorter contribution periods but higher salary credits.

Formula 3 (Minimum Pension)

PHP 2,000 (if CYS >= 10 years) or PHP 1,200 (if CYS < 10 years)

The guaranteed minimum pension. If Formulas 1 and 2 produce an amount below this floor, the minimum pension applies. Members with at least 10 credited years of service receive PHP 2,000.

Key terms:

AMSC (Average Monthly Salary Credit) — the average of your last 60 monthly salary credits, or the average of all your monthly salary credits, whichever is higher.
CYS (Credited Years of Service) — the total number of years you have made contributions. 120 monthly contributions = 10 CYS.

4. SSS Contribution Table Reference

Your monthly salary credit (MSC) is determined by the SSS contribution schedule. The MSC is not your actual salary but the nearest bracket amount used to compute your contribution and benefits. Here are some representative MSC brackets:

Monthly Salary Range	MSC	Employee Share	Employer Share
PHP 4,000 - PHP 4,249.99	₱4,000	₱180	₱380
PHP 9,750 - PHP 10,249.99	₱10,000	₱450	₱950
PHP 14,750 - PHP 15,249.99	₱15,000	₱675	₱1,425
PHP 19,750 - PHP 20,249.99	₱20,000	₱900	₱1,900
PHP 29,750 and above	₱30,000	₱1,350	₱2,850

This is a simplified excerpt. The full SSS contribution table has more brackets. Contribution amounts are based on the 2023 SSS schedule and may be updated.

5. How to Check Your SSS Contributions

Go to www.sss.gov.ph and log in to your My.SSS account.
Click on “Inquiry” in the menu, then select “Contributions”.
Review your monthly contributions to confirm they are posted correctly. Look for any gaps or missed months.
Note your total posted months and your most recent monthly salary credits to use in the pension formulas.

You can also download the SSS Mobile App (available on iOS and Android) to check your records on the go.

Worked Example: MSC of PHP 20,000 with 25 Years of Contributions

Scenario: A member has an average monthly salary credit (AMSC) of PHP 20,000 and 25 credited years of service (CYS).

Formula 1: PHP 300 + (20% x AMSC) + (2% x AMSC x CYS over 10)

= PHP 300 + (20% x PHP 20,000) + (2% x PHP 20,000 x 15)

= PHP 300 + PHP 4,000 + PHP 6,000

= PHP 10,300 per month

Formula 2: 40% x AMSC

= 40% x PHP 20,000

= PHP 8,000 per month

Formula 3: Minimum Pension

= PHP 2,000 per month (CYS >= 10)

Result: The SSS awards the highest amount: ₱10,300 per month from Formula 1. This member would receive PHP 10,300 monthly for life upon retirement.

Note: Members who retire at age 60 receive a 1.5% additional pension for every year of CYS beyond 10 years, while those who retire at 65 receive the full computed amount. Actual amounts may vary based on your specific SSS contribution history.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not checking for gaps in contributions. Even one missing month reduces your credited years. If you change jobs, make sure the new employer starts contributing immediately. Voluntary members should pay on time every month.
Confusing monthly salary credit with actual salary. Your MSC is capped at a maximum amount (currently PHP 30,000). Even if you earn more, your contributions and pension are based on the capped MSC.
Assuming you automatically qualify for a pension. You need at least 120 monthly contributions. If you fall short, you only receive a lump sum, which is significantly less than a lifetime monthly pension.
Not factoring in the 13th-month pension. SSS pensioners receive a 13th-month pension (paid in December) in addition to the regular monthly amount. When planning for retirement income, include this extra month.
Forgetting to update your SSS records after life changes. Marriages, new dependents, and change of beneficiaries should be updated at the SSS to ensure your benefits go to the right people.

SSS Pension Calculator

Estimate your SSS retirement pension based on your salary credit and years of contribution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Source & Freshness

Source: Social Security System (SSS)
Updated: March 14, 2026
Review cycle: Every 90 days

This page is not affiliated with any Philippine government agency. Information is based on publicly available official sources and may change. Always verify details with the relevant government office.

This tool is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Actual amounts may vary based on your specific situation, lender policies, and current rates. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making financial decisions.