SSS and YouA Membership Primer

SSS and YouA Membership Primer

Published by the SSS Corporate Communications DepartmentAugust 2019

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM

Welcome! The Social Security System (SSS) is here to serve you!

We are happy to introduce you to the SSS. It is important that you fully understand the role of the country’s social insurance scheme in your life. Through this Primer, you will be guided on your membership duties and responsibilities with the SSS and be made aware of the various benefit programs available for your protection.

The SSS began its operations on September 1, 1957, after its creation under Republic Act No. 1161 (Social Security Act of 1954), which was later amended by RA No. 8282 (Social Security Act of 1997). After 21 years, the SSS was further strengthened by RA No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, which was signed into law in February 2019.

In the pursuit of the State policy to establish, develop, promote and perfect a sound and viable tax-exempt social security system, the value of “work, save, invest and prosper” is enshrined in the new law. The SSS is tasked to implement meaningful programs so that all private sector workers, including those in the informal sector, are covered with the prompt, convenient, and reliable social protection that they deserve, not just now but also in the future.

What is social security?

Social security is the protection that society provides against the economic hardships caused by life’s contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disability, old age, and death.

Why should you be a member of the SSS?

If you are an SSS member, you can depend on the SSS to provide financial support and assistance (whether in the form of cash allowances, pensions, or loans) in times of emergencies or life’s contingencies. It is important, however, that you regularly and actively pay your contributions so that you can be assured of the benefits and loan programs being offered by the SSS.

Who are the persons required by law to be covered by the SSS?

• A private sector employee, whether permanent, temporary, or provisional, who is not over 60 years old (up to the day of his/her 60th birthday);

• A household helper or domestic worker not over 60 years of age (up to his/her 60th birthday);

• An employee of foreign government or organization based in the Philippines, which entered into an administrative agreement with the SSS;

• A public utility driver and operator;• A self-employed person, who is not over 60 years old and has no employer

other than himself/herself, and derives income of at least P1,000 a month, from a trade, business, or occupation. Self-employed persons may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) All self-employed professionals; (b) Partners and single proprietors of businesses; (c) Actors and actresses, directors, scriptwriters and news correspondents

who do not fall within the definition of the term “employee”; (d) Professional athletes, coaches, trainers and jockeys; and (e) Other self-employed persons as may be determined by the Social Security

Commission (SSC) under rules and regulations it may prescribe.• A farmer, fisherman, or a worker in the informal sector (IS); an IS member

being defined as one whose income is irregular or seasonal and who may be registered as a self-employed member under the SSS AlkanSSSya Program.

Previously, land-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were classified as voluntary members, while sea-based OFWs are considered as employed-members who are mandatorily covered, with their principal or manning agents as their employers. Under the newly-enacted RA No. 11199, or Social Security Act of 2018, all OFWs are now mandatorily covered by the SSS.

• An OFW not over 60 years of age (up his/her 60th birthday), whether land-based or sea-based, and defined as “a person who is to be engaged, is engaged or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a State of which he/she is not a citizen, or on-board a vessel navigating foreign seas other than a government ship used for military or non-commercial purposes, or on an installation located offshore or on the high seas.”

Who are considered as voluntary members?

• Non-working spouse (NWS) of an SSS member: A person who is legally married to a currently-employed and actively-paying SSS member, who devotes full time in the management of household and family affairs, and who has never been a member of the SSS.

• Separated member: A member who is separated from employment or who ceased to be self-employed, an OFW, or a non-working spouse, but still intends to continue paying SSS contributions on his/her own account.

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What should you do to become an SSS member?

To become an SSS member, you should first secure a Social Security (SS) number. Remember that the SS number assigned to you is a unique lifetime number that must always be used in all SSS transactions. Immediately get in touch with any SSS branch in the event that you forget your SS number. DO NOT APPLY FOR A NEW NUMBER.

1. Get a Personal Record Form (SS Form E-1), carefully read the instructions, and fill out fully and accurately the portions in accordance with the membership type that you are applying for.

2. Submit the accomplished form together with a photocopy of any one (1) of the following required documents issued by the City or Municipal Civil Registrar or Philippine Statistics Authority/National Statistics Office (PSA/NSO):

• BirthCertificate • MarriageContract/Certificate• DeathCertificate

Note:Allidentification(ID)cardsand/ordocumentswithEnglishtranslationissued by foreign government are acceptable.

List of Documentary Requirements - Always present the original or certified true copy when submitting the photocopy of the required ID card and/or document.

For Issuance of SS Number:

1. BirthCertificateissuedbythelocalcivilregistrarorbythePSA/NSO;orinitsabsence, any of the following:a) BaptismalCertificate,oritsequivalent d) ProfessionalRegulationCommissionb) Passport (PRC) cardc) Driver’sLicense e) Seaman’sBook(Seafarer’sIdentification andRecordBook)

In the absence of the above, any two (2) of the following documents, both with the correct name of the individual and at least one (1) with the correct date of birth:1. Alien Certificate of Registration2. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card

with the cardholder’s name3. BankAccountPassbook4. Birth or Baptismal Certificate of child/

children, or its equivalent5. Certificate of Licensure/Qualification

Document from the Maritime IndustryAuthority

6. Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (formerly known as Office of

Southern Cultural Community and Office of Norther Cultural Community)

7. Certificate of Muslim Filipino Tribal Affiliation issued by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos

8. CompanyIDcard9. Court Order granting petition for change

of name or date of birth10. Credit card11. Firearm License card issued by the

Philippine National Police

AdditionalSupportingDocuments:

1. ForMarriedPersons-MarriageContract/CertificateoracopyofMemberDataChangeRequestForm(SSFormE-4)of thespousedulyreceivedbytheSSSwhere the name of the registrant is reported as the spouse

2. ForWidowedPersons-MarriageContract/CertificateandDeathCertificateofspouseorCourtOrderontheDeclarationofPresumptiveDeath,ifpreviouslyreported spouse is presumed dead

3. ForLegallySeparatedPersons-DecreeofLegalSeparation4. For Persons with Annulled or Void Marriage - Certificate of Finality of

Annulment/Nullity or annotated Marriage Contract/Certificate5. ForDivorced Persons -Decree ofDivorce andCertificate ofNaturalization

(granted before divorce) or its equivalent6. ForDivorcedMuslimMember-CertificateofDivorce(OCRGFormNo.102)7. For reporting Child/ren as beneficiaries (whichever is applicable) - Birth

Certificate/sorBaptismalCertificate/s,oritsequivalent;orDecreeofAdoption

If the supporting documents required for reporting the civil status and the dependent(s)/beneficiary(ies) of the registrant are not submitted at the time of registration, these data shall be tagged as “No Documents Submitted” in their personal record in SSS. The member is advised to immediately update said data bysubmittingtherequireddocumentswiththedulyaccomplishedMemberDataChangeRequestForm(SSSFormE-4).Thesubmissionofadditionalsupportingdocuments to the SSS shall facilitate the processing of future benefit claims.

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12. Fishworker’sLicenseissuedbytheBureauof Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

13. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) card/Member’s Record/Certificate of Membership

14. Health or Medical card15. HomeDevelopmentMutualFund(Pag-

IBIG)Member’s Data Form/Transactioncard

16. HomeownersAssociationIDcard17. ID card issued by Local Government

Units(e.g.Barangay/Municipality/City)18. IDcardissuedbyprofessionalassociations

recognized by the PRC19. LifeInsurancePolicy20. Marriage Contract/Certificate21. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

Clearance

22. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) card

23. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) Member’s Data Record/IDcard

24. Police Clearance25. PostalIDcard26. SchoolIDcard27. Seafarer’s Registration Certificate issued

by the PhilippineOverseas EmploymentAdministration

28. Senior Citizen card29. Student Permit issued by the Land

Transportation Office30. Taxpayer’s Identification Number card31. Transcript of Records32. Voter’s ID card/Affidavit/Certificate of

Registration with the Commission on Elections

Can one register with SSS online and be issued an SS Number?

Yes. A prospective member who will register and secure an SS Number for the first time can do so online through the SSS Website (www.sss.gov.ph). He/She just needs to click the Tab (“No SS Number Yet? Apply Online!”) found in the website’s homepage and carefully follow the instructions:

1. Accomplish all fields of the online form correctly.2. A link shall be sent to the registrant’s e-mail that will enable him/her to continue

with the SS Number application.Note: The link will expire in five (5) days and once it expires, the registrant will have to repeat the registration process from the first step.

3. Once the link is clicked, the registrant must correctly provide all the required information–from“BasicInformation”to“BeneficiariesInformation.”

4. Prior to the generation of SS Number, the registrant may still correct the electronic registration form. However, once an SS Number is generated, he/she willneedtogototheSSSBranchtocorrecttheinformationiferrorsarefound.

5. After clicking the “Generate SSS Number” button, the system will display the SS Number and the option to print the Personal Record and SS Number Slip. The registrant will also receive an e-mail confirmation that indicates his/her SS Number, a copy of the SS Number Slip and other instructions regarding submissionoftherequiredsupportingdocumentstothenearestSSSBranch.

6. The registrant may save and/or print the Personal Record Form, SS Number Slip, as well as the SSS Number Application Confirmation e-mail body sent by the SS Number Issuance System.

7. The registrantmust thenproceed to thenearest SSSBranch and submit therequired documents.

8. For Non-Working Spouse (NWS), the e-Personal Record must be signed by the working spouse, to signify that he/she agrees with the SSS membership of the NWS.

Until the registrant submits the required supporting documents to the nearest SSSBranch, his/hermembership statuswith the SSS shall remain “Temporary.”This means that the SS Number can only be used for contribution payments and employeereportingbytheER,butnotforbenefitclaims.

Submission of the required documents will convert the membership status from “Temporary” to “Permanent.” Availment of SSS loans and benefits (subject toqualifyingconditions)andUMIDCardApplication(providedapplicantalreadyhas one posted contribution) is allowed only for “Permanent” membership status.

What should you do now that you are a registered member?

If you are employed or a sea-based OFW:

1. Keep the duplicate copy of your SS FormE-1 bearing your SS number andprovide your employer with a photocopy upon employment;

2. Verify with the nearest SSS office, 30 days from the date of your employment, if you have been reported for coverage by your employer;

3. Check your monthly pay slip to ensure that your share of contributions was deducted and duly remitted by your employer;

4. Create an account in the My.SSS facility at the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph) for you to have online access to your SSS records;

5. Inform your employer of any existing or newly-approved salary loan so that the monthly amortization is deducted from your salary. If you transfer to another company and still have outstanding loan balance, inform your new employer of your existing loan so that deductions can be made from your salary;

6. Keep your personal records updated and correct by submitting a completed MemberDataChangeRequestForm(SSFormE-4)togetherwithsupportingdocument/s to avoid delays in the processing of benefit claims;

7. Know the changes and improvements in the SSS policies and benefit structure to continue to be eligible as well as to fully enjoy your benefits; and

8. Apply for your Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card at yourcompany’s SSS servicing branch once you have at least one (1) month’s contribution posted.

If you are self-employed, a voluntary member, or a land-based OFW:

1. Create an account in the My.SSS facility at the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph) to have online access to your SSS records and to generate your Payment Reference Number (PRN), which is required when paying contributions;

2. Pay your contributions using the Payment Reference Number (PRN) monthly or quarterly in accordance with the prescribed schedule of payment;

3. Becurrentinthepaymentofyoursalaryloanamortizationstoavoidpenaltieson late payments and deductions from your benefits because of past due loans;

4. Keep your personal records updated and correct by submitting a completed MemberDataChangeRequestForm(SSFormE-4)togetherwithsupportingdocument/s to avoid delays in the processing of benefit claims;

5. Know the changes and improvements in the SSS policies and benefit structure to continue to be eligible as well as to fully enjoy your benefits; and

6. Apply for your Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card at yournearest SSS branch once you have at least one (1) month’s contribution posted.

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When does your coverage with the SSS start?

If you are employed: on your first day of employment.If you are self-employed: on the applicable month and year

of your first contribution paid, provided it is not earlier than the declared start of business, in case of initial coverage.

If you are an OFW: on the applicable month and year of your first contribution paid, which may be earlier than the registration date, in case of initial coverage.

If you are a NWS: on the applicable month and year of your first contribution.If you are a separated member: voluntary membership starts on the month

you resume payment of contribution.

Can you withdraw your membership with the SSS?

When a person registers for SSS membership in any capacity, he/she becomes a memberforlife.Thus,withdrawalofmembershipisnotpossible.Evenifthereareperiods when you failed to contribute, you may still be eligible for benefits and loan privileges, provided you meet the qualifying conditions.

What are the SSS benefits that you are entitled to receive?

The SSS administers two programs: 1) the Social Security Program for death, disability, old age, maternity, and sickness; and 2) the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program for work-related injury, sickness, or death.

Under the newly-enacted RA No. 11199, or Social Security Act of 2018, a new benefitisnowavailableformembers: theUnemploymentBenefitorInvoluntarySeparationBenefit.Meanwhile,underRA11210,ortheExpandedMaternityLeaveLaw,thematernityleaveperiodhasbeenincreasedto105days,withanoptiontoextend for an additional 30 days without pay, and an additional 15 days with pay for solo-parent mothers.

If you are regularly paying your contributions, you will be entitled to these social security benefits:

SICKNESS: a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury.

MATERNITY: a daily cash allowance granted to a female member in every instance of pregnancy resulting in childbirth, miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, regardless of frequency, her civil status, employment status or the legitimacy of her child.

DISABILITY: 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.

UNEMPLOYMENT: a cash benefit granted to eligible employees – including househelpers and OFWs – who were involuntarily separated from employment.

RETIREMENT: 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.

DEATH: a cash benefit granted—either as a monthly pension or a lump sum amount—to the beneficiaries of a deceased member.

FUNERAL: a cash benefit given to whomever paid for the burial expenses of the deceased member or pensioner.

Please note that there are specific qualifying conditions for eligibility to these benefits. For further information, check the SSS website or SSS brochures.

How much should you contribute to the SSS?

Your monthly SSS contribution, which is based on your compensation level, is set according to the Schedule of Contributions (please see pages 11-12).

If you are employed, the current SSS contribution rate is 12% of your monthly salary credit (MSC) not lower than P2,000 and not exceeding P20,000, and this is being shared by you (employee) and your employer at 4% and 8%, respectively. For househelpers with monthly salaries below P5,000, the employer shoulders the entire SSS contribution.

Ifyouareself-employed(SE)oravoluntarymember(VM),youmustpaythefull 12%, based on the monthly earnings that you declared at the time of registration (forSE),ortheMSCthatyousetforyourself(forVM,suchasmembersseparatedfrom employment). If you are a land-based OFW, your minimum MSC is pegged at P8,000, for a monthly contribution of P960, but you can choose to pay higher.

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If you are a non-working spouse, your contribution will be based on 50% of your working spouse’s last posted MSC, but in no case shall it be lower than P2,000.

When are your SSS payments due?

Below is the schedule of payment deadlines for contributions of employers(regular and household), self-employed, land-based OFWs, voluntary members, including non-working spouses, for the applicable months of July 2019 onwards:

If you are employed, your employer must pay your contributions monthly inaccordancewiththeabovescheduleofpayment.Latepaymentsmayresulttodelays in the processing of your benefits and loans.

Household employers may pay contributions for their househelpers in advance, for at most one (1) calendar year of applicable months.

If you are self-employed or a voluntary member, the frequency of your contribution payments can be on a monthly or quarterly basis. A quarter covers three (3) consecutive calendar months ending on the last day of March, June, September,andDecember.Anypaymentforone,two,orallmonthsofaquartermay be made.

If you are an OFW, your payment of contributions for the months of January to Decemberofagivenyearmaybepaidanytimewithinthesameyear.YoumayalsopayyourcontributionsforthemonthsofOctobertoDecemberofagivenyearuntilJanuary 31st of the following year.

If case the payment deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, payment may be made on the next working day. Otherwise, penalties shall be imposed on late payments of employers, while late contribution payments of self-employed, land-based OFWs, voluntary members and non-working spouse members will be applied prospectively.

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Regular Employer Last day of the month following the applicable monthHousehold Employer Last day of the month following the applicable month or calendar quarter, as the case may beSelf-Employed, Voluntary Member, Last day of the month following the applicable month or calendarand Non-Working Spouse quarter, as the case may be Land-based Overseas For applicable months of January to September of a given year:Filipino Worker December 31 of the same year For applicable months of October to December of a given year: January 31 of the succeeding year

Type of Payor Deadline of Remittance