Pension and Benefits Protection

Pensions and benefits are core pillars of  our retirement security in AFICS Philippines. They provide us with  long-term financial safety and supplemental advantages—such as health care, disability, and support for our family members/beneficiaries. This section hopes to provide updates from the UNJSPF, the UN, or other entities on matters that have a bearing on our pensions, especially in the context of the recent General Assembly resolution mandating the Pension Fund to review the UN Pension Scheme. As needed, this section will also direct users to specific relevant resources.

Click here for a comprehensive information on pension and benefits for retirees.

Watch here the Video Recordings of  past UNJSPF townhall meetings which contain useful information for existing retirees.

Ensuring Continued Receipt of Pension Benefits

Each pension recipient should be responsible in ensuring that they continue the receipt of their benefits by being aware and compliant of the Pension Fund requirements.  

1. Foremost among these requirements is the submission of a Certificate of Entitlement (CE) or "proof of life" at the end of each year. Without this, the retiree benefits can be suspended by the Pension Fund. The CE can be submitted manually or electronically using a Digital Certificate of Entitlement (DCE) App which you can install and use on your phone.

2. There are other relevant information in your record in the Pension Fund that can also affect the benefits you are receiving. Most of these information have to be maintained in the  Member Self-Service (MSS) section of the UNJSPF website. The MSS provides you with access to your pension account and allows you to submit forms and documents to the Pension Fund. The main requirement in using MSS is your Unique Identification Number (UID) which you can record somewhere and easily retrieve when needed. Make sure the following information are up to date in MSS:

   • Personal Information

   • Marital Status 

   • Payment Instructions or Bank Information

   • Child Benefits 

*You can read more in the event of Non-Receipt of Monthly Payment.

Understanding our Pension Benefits

It is helpful that we understand the different options provided by the Pension Fund related to our benefits for our informed decision. There are certain factors also that can affect the benefits that we are receiving. Here are the sections from the Pension Fund related to these.

• Cost of Living Adjustment - It explains how our initial benefit is adjusted over time for movements of the consumer price index in the United States or for our country of residence.

• Fluctuations of Monthly Benefit - It explains why our monthly benefit can vary.

• Two-Track Pension Adjustment System - It explains the option for beneficiaries living in high cost of living countries to receive a periodic benefit that can adapt to the local cost-of-living changes.

• Residual Settlement and any Retroactive Benefit - It explains when your survivors may be entitled of this benefit.

Preparing for When the Time Comes

Preparing ourselves and loved ones are essential to ensure easy and quick transition of pension benefits from the retiree to the survivor/beneficiaries. AFICS-PH has provided the following guides that you and your survivors or family members can use when the time comes. 

1. Essential Documents and Information to Prepare - These can be used by your survivors or family members at the time of your passing.  You can download these guide and template and adjust, accordingly, for your guidance.

2. Steps to be Followed by Your Survivors - It is also crucial for your survivors to know the steps to be done to inform the Pension Fund of your passing and start the process of receiving the survivor's pension benefits including the continuation of the after-service health insurance, if applicable. Here's the guide from AFICS/NY that can be used for this purpose. 

In addition, the following sections from the Pension Fund can also be consulted for the latest related information.

• Notifying the Pension Fund on the Death of the Retiree - The Pension Fund should be informed of the retiree's death as soon as possible.

• Requesting for an Emergency Fund Support - Financial assistance can be provided to beneficiaries, who are in receipt of a small pension, and are facing temporary hardship. 

• Details of the Survivor's Benefits - Provides comprehensive information on benefits for the surviving spouse, partner, dependent child or secondary dependent.

• Legal Guardianship and Estate - Provides information to retirees, beneficiaries and their families on the Pension Fund's policies and procedures with regard to retirees and adult beneficiaries who are less autonomous or can no longer manage their pension affairs.

• Power of Attorney - An important note that the Pension Fund foes not accept a power of attorney or affidavit.