A proposed law could give retired overseas Filipino workers at least Php 5,000 a month in pension benefits. Senate Bill No. 252, known as the OFW Pension Act of 2025, seeks to create a dedicated OFW Pension Fund managed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
For Filipinos in Hong Kong, the proposal is worth following — but the key fact is this: the bill has not yet become law.
What the Bill Proposes
Under SB 252, a qualified OFW would generally need to be:
- At least 60 years old upon retirement
- With at least 15 years of overseas employment
The measure pays particular attention to workers in manual, skilled, and technical jobs — including domestic helpers, caregivers, cleaners, and drivers. That covers a large portion of the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, has backed the measure as a way to help OFWs come home with financial security after years of hard work abroad.
Separate From SSS and GSIS
The proposed pension would not replace your SSS or GSIS benefits. If enacted, it would be a separate, additional benefit on top of what you already have.
This makes your existing SSS contributions just as important as ever. Under current SSS rules, members with at least 120 monthly contributions can qualify for a monthly pension for life. Keep paying if you can, and check your records through My.SSS.
A Similar Bill Is Pending in the House
The Senate isn’t the only chamber considering an OFW pension. House Bill No. 11257, filed on September 10, 2026, also proposes an OFW Pension Fund and remains pending with the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.
Both bills must clear the full legislative process — committee approval, plenary votes, bicameral reconciliation, and signing into law — before any pension program can begin.
No Application Exists Yet — Watch Out for Scams
There is currently no application or registration process for this proposed pension. If you see posts asking you to sign up, pay a fee, or submit personal details, treat them as red flags.
To stay safe:
- Do not pay any registration or processing fees.
- Do not share your SSS number, passport details, or bank information with unofficial sources.
- Get updates only from DMW, OWWA, and the Senate’s official channels.
- When in doubt, contact the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong or the Philippine Consulate General.
Current Options for OFW Retirement with Pension
The current choice for retirement after working abroad and going home for good is to avail of the SSS pension plan for OFWs. These are monthly contributions that OFWs must voluntarily pay every month with a minimum of 120 contributions (10 years worth). So even while the bill is pending, you can prepare:
- Keep your SSS contributions active. It’s the main pension available to OFWs today.
- Organize your work records. Save copies of contracts, visas, and passports. If the bill passes, proof of your years abroad will matter.
- Monitor official updates. You can track SB 252’s progress through the Senate’s Legislative Information System.
The proposed OFW Pension Act offers real hope for long-serving workers like those in Hong Kong. For now, treat it as a bill to watch — not a benefit you can claim today.