GSIS adopts contactless filing of social insurance claims, benefits

In a bid to help curb the spread of COVID-19, state pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is now adopting contactless methods of accepting application for claims and benefits after successfully shifting to online loan application in March this year.

“We are moving to new methods of transaction to provide our members and pensioners the same quality service, without needlessly exposing them to health risks and viral infection,” GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

The pension fund chief approved three new ways by which government employees, retirees and beneficiaries may submit their application forms and requirements to GSIS, which may be through any one of the following:  1) postal mail or delivery courier, 2) drop boxes located in the lobbies of all GSIS branch offices nationwide, and 3) electronically through email.

The contactless transactions will apply to the filing of the following claims and benefits: retirement; life insurance (maturity or cash surrender regular or optional policies); survivorship; death; funeral; employees compensation; pre-need; and request for pension accrual.

“Claimants must download the pertinent application forms, which may be accessed in the GSIS website (via https://www.gsis.gov.ph/downloadable-forms/). Then, they may either choose to print the form and send it manually to GSIS either by drop box or by snail mail, or they may opt to send their application electronically via email through an email address designated by GSIS for a particular area,” Macasaet said.

Members who opt to file their application through email may do so in two ways: 1) file it through their agency authorized officer or liaison officer; or 2) submit it using their personal email, preferably the email address that was originally recorded in their GSIS files.

They must also attach the required documents for the particular claim that they are applying for. In addition to the requirements, they must submit a clear photo of the claimant holding the duly accomplished application form and Unified Multi-purpose ID (UMID) card (or two valid IDs in the absence of a UMID card).

Claims filed through email will be processed upon: 1) verification that documents submitted are complete and with no deficiency; and 2) submission of the original copies of the documents through drop box, within 10 work days, from sending the email application.

“Once received, the proceeds of their claim will be released and/or credited to their respective bank accounts,” Macasaet added.