Should You Work Until Age 65?

Posted on 15 August 2018 at 02:27

Video Credits: Risk Management via YouTube

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Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders

One of the major sources of income of most people around the world is through employment. Some are employed in the government while some opted to pursue a career in the private sector. A few percentages decided to be self-employed and others are into business. Generally, most of us set our minds to retire at the age of 65. Others may decide to retire earlier while others continue to work beyond age 65.

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Image Credits: Geralt via Pixabay

Whatever reason that would make us decide to retire early or work beyond the mandatory age, I hope it would be because it is our choice and not because we are forced to do it. It is a sad thing to know that some were forced to retire early due to health reasons and others are forced to work beyond retirement age because of financial deficiency.

For additional knowledge on financial management that would prepare us during retirement, I would suggest reading this very informative blog post by our friend, @Artbytes, Do You Know How Much You Will Need When You Retire?

I couldn't be happier to know if a friend would decide to retire earlier because they were able to save enough amount and they want to spend more time to enjoy life and those who opted to work after 65 are doing it for personal satisfaction.

A Closer Look at the Two Most Prominent Social Security Institutions in the Philippines

There are two major social insurance institutions in the country. The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for government employees and the Social Security System (SSS) for private employees. These two institutions have been established to help both the government and private employees with their financial needs at the current time. Meaning these two institutions are helpful while we are active in the service and after our retirement.

1. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

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Image Credits: GSIS.gov.ph

Under Republic Act 8291, membership in the system is mandatory to all permanently and regularly appointed government employees. A mandatory contribution shall be deducted from the concerned employee and shall be remitted to the GSIS along with the employer's counterpart. A fixed rate of 9% employee's share and 12% employer's counterpart shall be deducted and remitted on a monthly basis.

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Image Credits: Skitterphoto via Pixabay

The good thing about the system is that we are not alone in saving for our retirement. In fact, the government share is much higher than the personal share.

Moreover, a government employee is eligible to avail of the retirement benefits from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) if he/she complies with the following criteria:

Must serve at least 15 years
60 years or older at the time of retirement.
Must not be a permanent total disability pensioner

The amount we can receive during retirement and our pension depends on our contributions and the average monthly salary for the last 5 years in service.

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Apart from the retirement benefits, we can get when we retire from the service, government employees are allowed to avail of a loan from the institution payable within 6 years. There are three types of loan in which an active member could avail. These are an emergency loan, policy loan and consolidated loan. An emergency loan may be availed upon declaration of a state of emergency after an occurrence of a calamity in a particular area.

2. Social Security System (SSS):

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Image Credits: SSS.gov.ph

Similar to the GSIS program, employers of those who are working in the private sector are required to enroll their members in the SSS program. Additionally, self-employed individuals are encouraged to be a member and make the voluntary contribution.

SSS members are allowed to avail of the loan packages offered by the system. Active members are also entitled to other forms assistance of such as maternity benefits subject to the rules of the system.

Moreover, SSS members are entitled to retirement benefits subject to the following conditions:

At least 10 years (120 months) of mandatory contribution
At least 60 years old

A retired SSS member may avail of the retirement benefits either through a monthly pension or lump sum whichever is the choice of the member subject to the usual rules of the system.

Here is a video showing more about the SSS retirement benefit.

Video credits: SSS via YouTube

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Image Credits: Geralt via Pixabay

When is the Best Time to Retire?

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Image credits: Geralt via Pixabay

As I observed several employees, most of them would wait for the mandatory age which is 65 years old. Others would retire a year or two after 60. However, seldom that I encounter an instance where an employee retired at the age of 50 or 55 unless of course, they were physically incapacitated.