SSS reply to widow of SSS member

This refers to Carmen L. Yutuc’s letter titled “Paging SSS president Dooc and Dr. Viola” (Opinion, 5/1/17).

We wish to inform Yutuc that the SSS Medical Claims Review Committee (MCRC) has recommended the granting of Employees’ Compensation (EC) Funeral Benefit for her deceased husband in October 2016.

Though her EC Funeral Claim Application had been earlier denied by SSS Tarlac Branch in August 2015, it was elevated to the MCRC for reconsideration. Upon evaluation, the MCRC ruled that the confinement of her husband prior to death was a work connected illness and recommended the granting of the EC Funeral Benefit.

We advise Yutuc to file her EC Funeral Claim Application and EC Death Claim Application in the nearest SSS branch and submit the medical records and certificate of employment of her husband, together with her two valid IDs.

We appeal for Yutuc’s understanding over the delays in the processing of her EC Funeral Claim due to the strict examination of information and documents pertaining to EC benefit claims.

We want to give our assurance that we are finding ways in expediting the processing of benefit claims to better serve our members.

MARISSU G. BUGANTE, vice president, Public Affairs and Special Events Division, Social Security System