GSIS implements new schedule of monthly pension

MANILA, Philippines-Government Service Insurance System will send pension via ATMs on the eighth day of every month instead of the usual first banking day, the state-run pension fund said in a statement. In case the eighth day falls on a weekend or holiday, monthly pensions will be credited the next banking day. GSIS said the new schedule aims to allow more pensioners to enjoy their monthly benefit since this is still faster than the old disbursement system through checks. "The move was in response to numerous requests from pensioners to immediately resume the regular crediting of their pension in case their pension accounts are suspended due to their failure to renew their active status as pensioner," it said. "With the new schedule, those who have renewed their active status on the last week or even on the last day of the previous month will be able to receive their pension immediately the following month," it added. Former employees who retired from government service receive their monthly pension through their eCard Plus, which is used as an ATM card to withdraw their pension from any Bancnet, Megalink or Expressnet ATMs in the county. Pensioners, qualified spouses and dependents of deceased old-age pensioners have to renew active status every year during their birth month to ensure they receive their monthly pension. Pensioners must bring their eCard Plus to the nearest GSIS servicing office or the nearest government establishment installed with a GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosk or G-W@PS kiosk on their birth month. They can also renew using any phone through a new system called the GSIS Voice Activated Processing System (GVAPS). Pensioners can now enroll in the GVAPS in any GSIS servicing office. All they need to bring is their eCard Plus. Once enrolled, pensioners can use any phone and call the GSIS Teleservice domestic toll free number (1-800-10-847-4747 for Smart and PLDT, and 1-800-8-847-4747 for Globe numbers) to access the GVAPS. A voice prompt will guide the pensioner through the renewal process and advise him of the renewal of his active status as a GSIS pensioner. Pensioners abroad can also renew their active status using GVAPS by calling the numbers 632-976-0860 or 632-884-7400. The pensioner must have his eCard Plus ready whenever he accesses the GVAPS since he will be asked by the voice prompt to say his GSIS ID number, printed below his name on his eCard Plus, whenever he uses this new system. -GMANews.TV