FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FSM Social Security Administration Leadership Conducts Courtesy Visits Across Government Branches to Highlight Financial Outlook and Program Sustainability
PALIKIR, Pohnpei – August 6, 2026 — Leadership and representatives of the Federated States of Micronesia Social Security Administration (FSMSSA) concluded a series of high-level courtesy visits on August 4 and August 5, 2026, engaging with principal leaders across national executive, Pohnpei State Executive, and Legislative leadership branches.
Each meeting opened with remarks of appreciation and introductions led by Jack Harris, Chairman of the FSMSSA Board of Trustees, followed by welcoming remarks from the host leadership. FSMSSA Administrator Leon Panuelo, Jr. then presented comprehensive operational and financial reports covering the second quarter of 2026.
Addressing Program Growth and Strategic Collaboration
A central message of the delegation’s presentations was the long-term sustainability of the fund. Chairman Jack Harris emphasized a crucial structural dynamic currently facing the administration: while the number of beneficiaries relying on social security programs continues to rise, annual tax revenues have remained relatively flat.
To address this trend, FSMSSA leadership discussed the necessity of active investment management, operational efficiency, and ongoing collaborative governance across all branches of government to safeguard benefits for current and future generations.
Pledges of Government Support:
At the conclusion of each session, leadership from the Office of the President, the Office of the Governor, and the Legislative expressed strong support for FSMSSA’s mission. The hosted leaders affirmed their commitment to working closely with the administration and reviewing potential measures or legislative actions to assist FSMSSA in overcoming any operational or financial challenges facing the program.
Key Financial & Beneficiary Highlights Presented
During the visits, Administrator Panuelo shared key figures detailing performance through mid-2026:
- Net Asset & Portfolio Growth: FSMSSA total net assets reached $80.11 million as of June 30, 2026. Strong investment management yielded $5.27 million in net investment income during the first half of the year (representing an 8.14% rate of return on portfolio market values totaling $70.05 million).
- Revenue & Operating Surplus: Year-to-date revenues reached $14.63 million, yielding an operating revenue surplus after benefit payouts of $1.45 million and an overall surplus after administrative expenses of $740,303.
- Beneficiary Outreach: FSMSSA currently supports 6,384 total beneficiaries, with monthly benefit payouts amounting to $2,007,257.60:
- Retirement Benefits: 3,822 beneficiaries (60% of total; $1.44M monthly)
- Spousal Benefits: 1,772 beneficiaries (28% of total; $418.4K monthly)
- Child Benefits: 530 beneficiaries (8% of total; $88.7K monthly)
- Disability Benefits: 260 beneficiaries (4% of total; $115.8K monthly)
Leadership Statements
” The number of people relying on Social Security continues to rise, while our regular tax revenues remain relatively flat. By keeping open lines of communication with our executive and legislative leaders—and with their gracious commitment to help address our ongoing challenges—we can work together on sustainable solutions that protect the benefits our citizens depend on.”
— Jack Harris, Chairman, FSMSSA Board of Trustees
About the FSM Social Security Administration
The Federated States of Micronesia Social Security Administration (FSMSSA) provides financial security and social safety nets for eligible workers and their dependents across the nation through retirement, disability, and survivor benefit programs.
FSM Social Security Administration
You can find us on the web at www.fm/fsmss. Or you can e-mail us at info@fsmssa.fm or fsmssa@mail.fm












