You most likely have a few questions about your SSS membership if you’re employed in a company.
We collected in this post all pertinent and frequently asked questions about SSS. We gathered it here, your comprehensive and well-organized guide to SSS.
You’re probably asking
“How can the SSS help me?” “What is the procedure for applying?” “What are the conditions and requirements before you become a member?”
These and other topics, as well as step-by-step directions for some of the most typical procedures will be addressed in this article for your convenience.
Contents
What Is SSS in the Philippines?
For 61 years, the Social Security System (SSS) has provided social insurance to employees and workers in the Philippines.
The Social Security System (SSS) is a government agency in the Philippines that offers retirement and other benefits to all of the country’s registered employees.
Who Is Eligible To Join The SSS?
All Filipino employees and employers in the Philippines are eligible to become an SSS member.
Here’s a list of all who are qualified for SSS membership.
- Filipino workers from private sector
- Self-employed professionals
- Single or partner proprietors of businesses
- Entertainment industry workers (actors, directors, production staff)
- News correspondents (writers, freelance journalists)
- Athletes, coaches, trainers
OFW or Overseas Filipino Workers - Employee of foreign organization (based n the Philippines)
- Household helpers (kasambahay)
- Public utility driver (and operator)
- Farmer, fishermen, informal sector workers
- Non-working spouse
- Voluntary member with no work
For employees of the government agencies, they are under the GSIS or Government Service Insurance System.
How Important Is SSS For A Filipino’s Retirement?
Retirement is the end goal of a person’s working career. Rightfully so, it’s the start of a free, slower pace and relax living.
However, for you to have a carefree life, you must have a pension that allows you to do so. Having an SSS pension a help you with expenses and essentials in your daily living.
If you decide to retire, as long as you’ve paid your SSS contributions for at least 120 months, you’ll be entitled to an SSS pension.
This pension will be paid to you on a monthly basis in your lifetime. Your pension amount will be determined by the number of months you contributed.
If you were unable to make a 120-month contribution, you might still be eligible for a lump-sum payment based on how much your employer paid during the time you were registered in the system, along with interest.
How Do You Benefit From SSS?
SSS members get different types of benefits, with some not as widely known. Following are the most useful and important benefit provided by this government service:
1. SSS P.E.S.O Fund
The P.E.S.O. Fund is an optional savings/investment program that allows you to receive a greater pension by making a higher monthly contribution than the standard SSS amount.
2. Employees’ Compensation Program
The Employees Compensation (E.C.) program covers all SSS members automatically.
During your employment with the company, your employer makes the monthly E.C. payments (PHP 10 or PHP 30) on your behalf, providing you with automatic benefits like work-related sickness, injury, or disability relief.
3. Social Security Disability Benefits
If you are disabled, you may get this benefit in the form of a monthly or lump-sum payment.
4. Sickness Insurance
SSS provides a sick leave payment if you are unable to work due to illness. You’ll be compensated for each day you’re absent.
5. Memorial Service
If you paid for the expenses of a deceased SSS member, you might be eligible for a cash payment.
6. Death Benefit
You can get a monthly pension or a lump amount if you’re the beneficiary of a deceased SSS member.
7. Maternity Allowance
If you are unable to work due to a recent natural or C-section birth, SSS will provide you with a daily cash allowance.
8. Salary Loan
If you need cash quickly, the SSS salary loan provides you with a short-term income loan.
9. Pension Benefits
SSS members are eligible for retirement benefits, which might be in the form of a pension or a lump sum payout.
How To Get a Social Security Number
Going to a SSS branch in person and applying online are the two methods for getting an SSS number for first time registrants.
You only have to go through this process once, and you should memorize your SSS number as soon as possible.
For the first procedure, you have to be in person.
Fill out the SS Form E-1 Form (Personal Record) and then attach the original/certified true copy of IDs of primary required documents. Be sure to have them photocopied as well.
For the secondary supporting documents, there should be least be your photo on the ID or certificate and it should indicate your date of birth.
(1) Primary Documents. Bring one the following primary documents:
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Driver’s License
- Baptismal Certificate
- PRC Card (from Professional Regulation Commission)
- Seaman’s Book
(2) Secondary Documents. If no primary document is available, bring at least two of the secondary documents.
- Marriage contract
- Birth/Baptismal Certificate of children
- Bank Account Passbook
- ATM card with the cardholder’s name
- Credit Card
- Company ID
- GSIS Card
- Postal ID card
- POEA Certificate
- TIN Card
- Senior Citizen Card
- Student Permit (LTO)
- School ID
- Transcript of School Records
- School Records
- Voter’s ID Card
- Affidavit
- Statement Before a Judge (Court)
- Local Government Unit ID card (from Barangay, Municipal or City)
- Medical Health Card
- Life Insurance Policy
- PHIC Member’s Data Record
- OWWA card
- Pag-Ibig Member Form
- Firearms Permit To Carry (PNP)
- Police Clearance
- NBI Clearance
- Certificate of Naturalization (BIR)
- Alien Registration Certificate
- Office of Muslim Affairs Certificate
- Office of the Northern/Southern Cultural Communities Office Certificate
- Maritime Industry Authority Certificate
- Seafarer’s ID & Record Book
- Fisherman’s Card(BFAR)
All documents must be presented as original or certified true copy. Don’t forget to have them photocopied as well.
How To Apply For Social Security Online
Another option to get an SSS number is to go online, which will save you a lot of time. The basic procedure is broken down into the following steps:
Go to the Official Social Security website. Complete and submit the online form.
A confirmation link will be given to your email address once you submit the initial form. Fill out the next form after clicking the link.
After you fill out the form, your SSS number will be generated. After clicking “Generate S.S. Number,” you’ll be able to print your Personal Record and SSS Number Slip, These will also be emailed to you.
Bring the Personal Record Form, S.S. Number Slip, and SSS Number Application Confirmation email, as well as the needed documents, to the nearest SSS branch.
