The PH Archipelago

What is SSS?

SSS or Social Security System is much like an insurance program mandated by Philippine government to all income earners or worked in the country. SSS members are required to contribute monthly into fun, to which the amount depends on which salary bracket they fit. In exchange of the mentioned monthly contributions, covered employed members are entitled to a package of benefits in the events of sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death and funeral, and salary loan. Simply put, the SSS provides a partial replacement of income lost on account of the mentioned circumstances.

What are its Benefits?

I. Sickness

This one is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to render work hours due to sickness or injury

How does an SSS member qualify for sickness benefit?

1. The member is unable to work due to sickness or injury and is confined either in a hospital or at home for at least four days
2. The member has paid at least three (3) months of contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of sickness or injury
3. The member has used up all current company sick leaves with pay for the current year and has duly notified his/her employer
4. The member must notify the SSS directly by filing a sickness benefit application if he/she is separated from employment, a self-employed or voluntary member, including overseas Filipino (OFW)-worker

II. Maternity

This is a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who is unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage.

*Expanded Maternity Leave per RA No. 11210

How does an SSS member qualify for maternity benefit?

1. The member has paid at least three (3) monthly contributions in the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy
2. The member, if employed, must have notified her employer of her pregnancy and the probable date of her childbirth, notice of which shall be transmitted to the SSS in accordance with the rules and regulations it may provide.
3. The member must directly notify the SSS if she is unemployed, a self-employed, or voluntary member, non-working spouse, including OFW-member

III. Disability

This one is a cash benefit granted – either as a monthly pension or a lump sum amount – to a member who becomes permanently disabled, either partially or totally

How does an SSS member qualify for disability benefit?

1. The member has paid at least one (1) month contribution before the semester of disability
2. The member must have paid 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of disability
3. If with less than 36 monthly contributions, the member is granted a lump sum amount

IV. Retirement

This is a cash benefit granted – either as a monthly pension or a lump sum amount – to a member who can no longer work due to old age.

What is the difference between a Monthly Pension and a Lump Sum Amount for the Retirement Benefit?

The Monthly Pension is a lifetime cash benefit paid to a retiree on a regular monthly basis; while the Lump Sum Amount in a one-time payment granted to a retiree. The amount is equal to the total contributions paid by the member and/or by his/her ERs, including interest earned.

How does an SSS member qualify for retirement benefit?

1. Member is at least 60 years old, separated from employment or ceased to be self-employed / OFW / househeld helper (optional retirement)
2. Member is at least 65 years old, whether employed / self-employed, working a OFW / household helper or not (technical retirement)
3. Member has paid at least 120 months to become eligible for monthly pension

Retirement Benefit Qualifications for Surface and Underground Mineworkers

1. member is at least 55 years old (optional retirement) or at least 60 years old (technical retirement) for Underground Mineworkers whose date of actual retirement is not earlier than march 13, 1998, but not later than April 26, 2016
2. Member is at least 50 years old (optional retirement) or at least 60 years old (technical retirement) for Surface or Underground Mineworkers whose date of actual retirement is not earlier than April 27, 2016
3. Must have been working as Surface /Underground Mineworker for at least five (5) years (either continuous or accumulated) prior to the semester of retirement

Retirement Benefit Qualifications for Racehorse Jockeys

1. Member is at least 55 years old (technical retirement) and have paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement
2. Must have been employed and certified as racehorse jockey by his employer, who must be duly licensed by the Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM)
3. Must have been working a racehorse jockey for at least five (5) years 9either continuous or accumulated) prior to the semester of retirement, whose actual date of retirement is not earlier than May 24, 2016

V. Death

This is a cash benefit granted – either as a monthly pension or a lump sum amount – to the beneficiaries of a deceased member.

What is the difference between a Monthly Pension and a Lump Sum Amount for the Retirement Benefit?

The Monthly Pension is granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death; while the Lump Sum Amount is granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid less than 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. In case of secondary beneficiaries, they are paid a lump sum benefit only.

How does an SSS member qualify for death benefit?

1. The deceased member must have paid at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of death for the primary beneficiaries to be entitled to monthly pension.
2. If with less than 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of death were made, a lump sum amount is granted to the primary beneficiaries
3. Secondary / designated beneficiaries and legal heirs are entitled to lump sum benefit only regardless of the number of contributions paid by the member

VI. Funeral

This one is a cash benefit given to whoever paid for the funeral expenses of the deceased member

How does an SSS member qualify for funeral benefit?

1. The employee-member was reported for coverage by his / her employer
2. A self-employed member / OFW / non-working spouse who had at least one (1) contribution payment
3. A voluntary member who was previously covered either as employed / selfemployed / OFW and had at least one (1) contribution payment
4. The employee-member was subject to compulsory coverage but was not reported for coverage by his / her employer

VII. Unemployment Benefit

This benefit is also called unemployment insurance or involuntary separation benefit as it is a cash benefit granted to covered employees, including Kasambahay and OFWs (sea-based and land-based) who are involuntarily separated from employment (e.g. due to retrechment or downsizing, closure or cessation of operation, installation of labor-saving devices, redundancy, etc.)

How does an SSS member qualify for unemployment benefit?

1. Member should not be over 60 years old at the time of involuntary separation; not over 50 if an underground or surface mineworkers; and not over 55, if a racehorse jockey
2. Member had paid at least 36 monthly contributions, 12 months of which should be in the 18-month period immediately preceding the month of involuntary separation

*Note: An employee shall not be qualified to receive the benefit if he /she has been involuntarily separated from employment due to the following:

• Serious misconduct
• Willful disobedience to lawful orders
• Gross and habitual neglect of duties
• Fraud or will breach of trust / loss of confidence
• Commission of a crime or offense
• Analogous cases like abandonment, gross inefficiency, disloyalty / conflict of interest / dishonesty

VIII. Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program

The Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program aims to assist workers who suffer work-connected sickness or injury resulting in disability or death. The benefits under the EC program may be enjoyed simultaneously with benefits under the social security program effective June 1984. 

How does an SSS member qualify for Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program?

For Sickness Benefit:

1. Sickness or injury is work-connected
2. Employee has been duly reported to SSS
3. SSS has been notified of such sickness or injury

For Death Benefit:

1. member had paid at least one (1) month contribution prior to the semester of death

For more information, you can go to SSS Website or go check this out for a more comprehensive summary of SSS Benefits.

*Featured Photo by Inquirer