The state pension fund has started to adopt contactless methods of accepting applications for claims and benefits to help curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a press statement released by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on June 3, it said it started the contactless methods after shifting to the online loan application in March.
“We are moving to new methods of [doing] 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.
Macasaet in a statement approved three new ways by which government employees, retirees, and beneficiaries may submit their application forms and requirements to GSIS. This could be through postal mail and/or delivery courier; drop boxes located in the lobbies of all GSIS branch offices nationwide, and 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; employee compensation; pre-need; and request for pension accrual, it added.
“Claimants must download the pertinent application forms which may be accessed on the GSIS website (via https://www.gsis.gov.ph/downloadable-forms/). They may then 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.
GSIS members who would file their application through email may file it through their agency authorized officer or liaison officer; or 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, it stated.
In addition to the requirements, applicants must submit a clear photo of the claimant holding the duly accomplished application form and UMID card (or two valid IDs in the absence of a UMID card).
Claims filed through email will be processed upon verification that documents submitted are complete and with no deficiency; and submission of the original copies of the documents through dropbox, within 10 workdays, 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.
