SSS member entitled to permanent total disability benefits

I am an SSS (Social Security System) member with SS ID No. 02-0110946-7. I used to work with Central Azucarera de Tarlac as a train locomotive driver from 1967 to July 21, 1997.

In 1996, I suffered a work-related injury which was ruled compensable by the Court of Appeals (CA-GR SP No. 104470, June 30, 2009, Ninth Division) under Employees Compensation (EC) Law, Presidential Decree 626, as amended.

I was paid my EC Permanent Total Disability Benefits Income on Aug. 23, 2010, retroactive from July 21, 1997. According to law, (PD 1921 in relation to Department of Justice Opinion No. 8, Jan. 12, 1990), I am entitled to SS Permanent Total Disability Benefits Income from the SSS under the principle of simultaneous recovery of EC and SS benefits, as mentioned earlier.

I was given the wrong SS retirement benefit at age 60 on Feb. 27, 2010, considering that I became entitled to PTD (permanent total disability) benefits on July 21, 1997, at age 47.

—RODOLFO M. CUNANAN,

Zikowski, Barangay Central,

2301 San Miguel, Tarlac