If you are a Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pensioner residing in the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, or abroad you must comply with the GSIS Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (APIR) during your birth month to maintain uninterrupted monthly pension disbursements.
GSIS allows overseas Filipino pensioners to complete their annual revalidation remotely without flying back to the Philippines.
What is GSIS APIR?
APIR or Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation is the yearly monitoring mechanism used by GSIS to confirm a pensioner’s active status and eligibility.
APIR was formerly called Annual Renewal of Active Status (ARAS), last implemented by GSIS in 2011.
APIR provides the assurance that the pension rightfully goes to the pensioner and ultimately secures the fund from unscrupulous individuals who prey on others’ pensions
Who should APIR?
- Old-Age Pensioners: Comply annually during your birth month.
- Survivorship Pensioners: Comply annually during your own birth month (as the surviving spouse/beneficiary).
Pensioners are required to comply with APIR during their birth month to avoid suspension of pension. Once suspended, pension will only be reinstated once the pensioner complies with APIR successfully.
Note: Missing your birth month compliance window results in the temporary suspension of your pension starting the following month until revalidation is complete.
Many retired healthcare workers, local government employees, civil servants, and public school teachers who migrated to the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia or anywhere abroad after retirement are searching: “How to do GSIS APIR while abroad?” GSIS now allows online compliance — no need to fly back to the Philippines.
Here is the complete guide for 2026.
3 Ways to Complete GSIS APIR While Abroad
Option 1: Via the GSIS Touch Mobile App (Recommended)
For pensioners with registered biometrics, the GSIS Touch App provides direct digital revalidation via facial recognition.
Pensioners must have an active GSIS Touch account registered with an updated mobile number or email address on file with GSIS.
The GSIS Touch App is compatible with IOS and Android mobile phones.
1. Open the GSIS Touch App on your smartphone.
2. On the main screen, tap APIR. Or if you have logged in, swipe over the Menu Cards on tap of your mobile screen, look for the Pension menu, then tap APIR.
3. Follow the on-screen facial recognition prompts to complete verification.
Forgot Password?
If you forget your GSIS Touch App login credentials, you can easily recover access by tapping the “Forgot Password?” link on the login screen.
You will be prompted to enter your BP Number (Business Partner Number) and date of birth, after which a One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number or email address on file with GSIS.
Enter the OTP to set up a new password and regain access to your account.
If you no longer have access to your registered mobile number or encounter account lockouts, overseas pensioners should contact the official GSIS Global Desk at [email protected] or email [email protected] with a copy of a valid government ID to request a contact information update and password reset.
Option 2: Email & Video Verification (GSIS Global Desk)
If you cannot access the GSIS Touch App or do not have registered biometrics, overseas pensioners can complete revalidation by submitting documents via email and attending a brief video interview.
GSIS now supports Viber, Microsoft Teams, and Skype for identity verification calls.
Step 1: Send your revalidation request via email
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
Subject Line: APIR ([Your Birth Month]) / [Surname], [First Name] [Middle Name]
(Example: APIR (December) / Dela Cruz, Juana Cortez)
Step 2: Include mandatory details and attachments
In the email body, provide:
1. Full Name (Surname, First Name, Middle Name)
2. Date of Birth
3. BP Number (Business Partner Number)
4. Complete overseas mailing address and contact number
5. Preferred Video Call Channel: Indicate whether you prefer Viber, Microsoft Teams, or Skype, and provide your associated phone number or account handle.
Attach clear copies of:
Photo ID: GSIS UMID card or eCard. If unavailable, attach two (2) valid government-issued IDs with photo and signature (e.g., Passport, US State ID, Green Card, or Canadian Driver’s License).
Selfie with Date Stamp: A selfie holding your valid ID alongside a current local newspaper or a handwritten note showing today’s date.
For Survivorship Pensioners: Duly accomplished Self-Declaration of Surviving Spouse Form (confirming non-marriage/non-cohabitation). (Go to GSIS Downloadable Forms)
For Permanent Disability Pensioners: Annual Medical Progress Report (MPR).
Step 3: Complete the 5-minute video interview
GSIS will evaluate your documents and reply via email with your scheduled video interview slot based on Philippine Standard Time (PST).
At the scheduled time, a GSIS officer will connect with you on your chosen platform (Viber, MS Teams, or Skype) for a quick proof-of-life interview.
Option 3: Via Philippine Embassy / Consulate General
If digital verification is not feasible:
1. Book an appointment with your nearest Philippine Consulate General (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, London, Sydney).
2. Obtain a Certificate of Appearance / Proof of Life.
3. Submit the certified document directly to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is GSIS APIR and who needs to comply?
APIR (Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation) is the mandatory yearly verification process used by GSIS to confirm a pensioner’s active status. Both Old-Age Pensioners and Survivorship Pensioners living abroad must complete APIR annually during their birth month to ensure continuous monthly pension disbursements.
I am a dual citizen (Fil-Am / Fil-Can), do I still need to do APIR?
Yes. Dual citizenship or foreign residency does not exempt you. All individuals receiving a monthly GSIS pension must comply with APIR annually.
What time zone does GSIS follow for online interviews?
All scheduled video verification calls are conducted following Philippine Standard Time (PST / GMT+8). When requesting an interview slot via email, ensure you specify your current location and time zone (e.g., EST, PST, GMT, AEST) so the GSIS Global Desk can assign a suitable schedule.
Can my relative in the Philippines complete APIR on my behalf?
No. APIR requires direct physical or digital verification of the primary beneficiary. However, family members may assist in submitting documents or coordinating communication with GSIS.
What is the official GSIS email address for pensioners abroad?
The dedicated desk for overseas pensioners is [email protected]. You may also copy the main contact address at [email protected].
What if I forgot my GSIS Touch App username or password?
Tap the “Forgot Password?” link on the GSIS Touch login screen. Enter your BP Number and date of birth to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number or email address.
If your contact details have changed, email [email protected] with a copy of your valid ID to request a profile update.
What happens if I miss my birth month deadline?
Your pension payments will be temporarily withheld starting the 1st day of the following month. Once you complete your revalidation via email or the GSIS Touch app, your account will be reactivated, and withheld funds will be released in the next payment cycle.
What should I do if my pension payments are already suspended?
If you missed your birth month deadline, your pension will be temporarily withheld starting the 1st day of the following month. Once you complete your APIR via the GSIS Touch App, email/Skype, or consular certification, GSIS will reactivate your account and disburse all back-pay funds during the next regular payout cycle.
How can bedridden or disabled pensioners abroad complete APIR?
For pensioners who cannot perform facial recognition or attend a video interview due to medical conditions, a designated guardian or family member should send an email to [email protected] containing:
• A recent Medical Certificate issued by a licensed physician abroad.
• A clear photo of the pensioner holding a current newspaper or handwritten date stamp.
• Valid IDs of both the pensioner and the authorized representative/guardian.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and is not directly affiliated with or endorsed by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these guidelines for 2026, official GSIS policies, submission channels, and mobile app features are subject to change without prior notice. Filipino pensioners abroad are encouraged to verify current requirement details directly on the official GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph) or through official GSIS communication portals.
Visit GSIS website to learn more.
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