Whenever we talk about aid, benefits, and pensions for senior citizens, one question keeps coming up: “Are pensioners included in the social pension?” For many, especially those with SSS and GSIS pensions, they hope for additional assistance from the government as they age. But despite the news and the words “universal,” the reality remains unclear for most.

In this article, we will lay out the full story behind the Universal Social Pension—what it is, who is currently covered by the social pension, why SSS and GSIS pensioners are not yet included, and why millions of senior citizens across the country continue to wait for it.

What is the Universal Social Pension?

Many senior citizens are confused by the term “Universal Social Pension.” In the minds of many, when they say universal, it means for everyone—whether they have a pension or not, whether they are poor or have sufficient income. But in the current situation in the Philippines, it is important to clarify one thing: there is no Universal Social Pension Law in place yet.

The Universal Social Pension is still a bill. This means that it is not yet a fully implemented law and cannot be distributed as a regular benefit. Although it was approved at the committee level in the House of Representatives on December 16, 2025, there is still no clear update on when it will be enacted as a full law until February 2026.

Because of this, the expected increase in pensions for all senior citizens—especially those with SSS and GSIS pensions—remains a dream for now.

The Existing Social Pension in the Philippines

Currently, there is only one social pension program that is actively implemented by the government, and this is the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens which is administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

It is important to note the word “indigent.” It was not added arbitrarily. This program is exclusively for senior citizens who:

– Poor and without sufficient source of income
– Not receiving any pension from SSS, GSIS, or private institution
– Sick or physically weak
– No regular support from their family

In other words, the current social pension is not for everyone. It is assistance for those most in need—senior citizens who have almost no one to rely on.

Why Are SSS and GSIS Pensioners Not Included?

This is the painful truth for many pensioners. Under the current law and program, those receiving pensions from the SSS and GSIS are automatically ineligible for the DSWD social pension.

The government’s logic here is simple: pensioners receive a regular monthly pension, while the social pension is intended for those who have no pension or income. But in reality, many pensioners say that what they receive is not enough to meet the rising prices of goods, medicines, and daily expenses.

Many of them have contributed for decades when they were still strong and working. They have endured monthly pay cuts, hoping to have reliable support in their old age. But over time, they seem to have been left behind in new social programs.

The Hope for Universal Social Pension

This is where the proposed Universal Social Pension comes in. It aims to provide an additional monthly pension to all senior citizens—whether indigent or pensioners.

Once this becomes a law, it will be possible for SSS and GSIS pensioners to receive a social pension in addition to their current pension. But for now, it remains just a proposal.

This type of bill has been submitted many times in different Congresses. But every time the term of Congress ends without it being passed, it is necessary to resubmit a new bill in the next Congress. Repeated process, repeated hopes, and repeated disappointments for senior citizens.

The Issue of “Sports” in Social Pension

One of the hottest and most painful issues associated with the current social pension is the so-called “sports system.”

There are reports and complaints from citizens that some social pension beneficiaries are not actually indigent. In some cases, the recipients have sufficient means, even have a pension from the SSS, and are allegedly connected to employees of the agency.

Meanwhile, the truly indigent senior citizens—the weak, the sick, and the hopeless—are the ones who are stuck on the waiting list. There are seniors who have been waiting for a slot for years but still haven’t been given the chance to be part of the payout.

This is why the call for a universal and more transparent pension system—a system that is fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory—is growing stronger.

The Call of Senior Citizens

For many senior citizens, the Universal Social Pension is not a luxury but a necessity. At an age when they are already frail, ill, and have limited earning capacity, even a little extra help is a great relief.

Many SSS and GSIS pensioners say they are not asking for double or excessive benefits. They just want recognition for their contributions to the economy and society when they were at the peak of their powers.

They didn’t steal their pension. They worked hard for it. And despite this, they hope the government will still show concern for their situation.

Where is the Bill?

Until now, the progress of the Universal Social Pension proposal has remained quiet. There has been no clear announcement on when it will be discussed again, who will push for it, and whether there are enough funds to implement it.

The only thing that is clear is that senior citizens continue to wait. They are waiting to hear the news they have long been waiting for—that social pension is now for everyone.

The Clear Truth Today

At the moment, the situation is clear:

– There is no Universal Social Pension Law in place
– DSWD social pension is only for indigent senior citizens
– SSS and GSIS pensioners are not yet included
– This hope still depends on Congress

Until there is a law, no one can claim or expect an additional social pension for pensioners.

A Reminder and a Hope

It is important to be critical of the information that is being spread, especially on social media. Not all news is true, and not all promises are immediately fulfilled.

But despite everything, hope remains. As long as there are senior citizens who continue to ask questions, share their thoughts, and call for change, there is a possibility that their voices will be heard.

The Universal Social Pension is not just about money. It is about dignity, recognition, and concern for Filipinos who have dedicated their energy and time for the nation.