Understanding the Different Benefits from the Social Security System

The Social Security System (SSS) serves as a vital lifeline for Filipinos, providing financial support at various points in life. This support system aims to ease the financial strain that could emerge during difficult circumstances, guaranteeing that individuals and their families can obtain necessary assistance. Understanding the importance of your contributions is key, as they lay the groundwork for future benefits like retirement and disability assistance.

Benefits of Being an SSS Member

Becoming a member of the SSS offers numerous benefits that can help safeguard your financial well-being in times of need. Here are the seven key benefits that SSS members are entitled to:

1. Sickness Benefit

   1. Provides a daily cash allowance for the duration of the member’s sickness, allowing them to recover without worrying about lost income.
   2. Covers both sickness and disability, ensuring financial support for members facing health challenges.

2. Maternity Benefit

   1. Offers a daily cash allowance to female members who are unable to wok due to pregnancy, childbirth, or miscarriage.
   2. Eases the financial burden during maternity leave, providing much-needed support for new mothers.

3. Disability Benefit

   1. Provides a monthly pension or lump sum amount to members with permanent or temporary disabilities.
   2. Offers assistance to individuals who experience limitations in their physical or mental abilities, ensuring financial stability despite their condition.

4. Retirement Benefit

   1. Grants a monthly pension or lump sum payment to retired members, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable life after years of service.
   2. Provides financial security during retirement, enabling members to maintain their standard of living.

5. Death Benefit

   1. Offers a monthly pension or lump sum to the beneficiaries of deceased SSS members, providing support during difficult times.
   2. Helps alleviate financial strain for loved ones left behind, ensuring their well-being in the absence of the member.

6. Funeral Benefit

   1. Provides financial assistance to cover the funeral and burial expenses of deceased SSS members.
   2. Eases the financial burden of the family or individual who incurred the costs, allowing them to focus on honoring their loved one’s memory.

7. Unemployment Benefit

   1. Extends support to employees who lose their jobs due to circumstances such as retrenchment, redundancy, or company closure.
   2. Available to private employees, household workers (kasambahay), and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), offering a safety net during periods of unemployment.

SICKNESS BENEFIT

Here is how to file a Sickness Benefit claim at the SSS based on membership status:

1. For SELF-EMPLOYED, VOLUNTARY, OFW, NON-WORKING SPOUSE, and those SEPARATED FROM EMPLOYMENT: Visit the nearest SSS office to file your claim
2. Employed members can file directly through their HR department

Documentary Requirements for Sickness Benefit application:

1. Duly accomplished Sickness Benefit Application form (SBA)

2. SSS ID or UMID card or any of the following valid primary IDs:

   1. Driver’s license
   2. Passport
   3. Voter’s ID
   4. NBI clearance
   5. Postal ID
   6. Any other government-issued ID

3. Supporting medical documents:

   1. Laboratory
   2. Xray
   3. ECG
   4. Other diagnostic results
   5. Operating room or clinical record that will support diagnosis

If the member is filing for the sickness benefit personally, they should bring any of the primary IDs listed above OR two secondary IDs, each containing a signature, with at least one featuring a photo.

If the member sends an authorized representative to file on their behalf, they should ensure the representative brings one of the member’s valid primary IDs along with one of the authorized representative’s IDs, or two secondary ID cards, each with a signature, and at least one with a photo. Ideally, the representative should carry an authorization letter from the member if possible.

Prescriptive Period in the Filing of Sickness Benefit Claim

1. Home Confinement – The Sickness Benefit Application form must be submitted within five calendar days after the start date of confinement.
2. Hospital Confinement – The Sickness Benefit Application form must be submitted to the SSS within one year from the date of hospital discharge.

Filing for sickness benefits after the deadline may lead to a reduced claim or even denial. If the filing deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, submit the claim to the SSS by the next working day to avoid being considered late. Any submissions after this grace period will be deemed late.

Disbursement Procedure

If the member has a Unified Multi-purpose Identification (UMID) card linked to an ATM, the sickness benefit will be deposited into their UMID account. If not, payment will be processed through participating banks like the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) via PESONet, e-wallets, or accredited remittance transfer companies and cash payout outlets. To receive the proceeds, the member must have a My.SSS account and properly enroll either PESONet or e-wallet account there.

MATERNITY BENEFIT

The SSS offers comprehensive maternity benefits to all female members, regardless of their marital status. These benefits extend to all childbirth scenarios: live birth, stillbirth, or emergency termination.

To qualify for the SSS maternity benefit, the member must have paid at least three months of contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of childbirth (or miscarriage, or emergency termination).

Like the process for claiming sickness benefits, employed members are required to inform their employer of their pregnancy. Conversely, those who are separated from employment, self-employed, voluntary members, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) must directly notify the SSS regarding their pregnancy.

Documentary Requirements for Maternity Benefit application:

1. For live childbirth (normal or caesarian) ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

   1. Child’s Certificate of Live Birth (CLB)/ Certificate of Death (COD) duly registered with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) with corresponding Official Receipt or Acknowledgment Receipt (AR) issued by the LCR, if the filing date of MBA/MBRA is within six months from the date of delivery; OR
   2. Child’s PSA birth certificate/PSA death certificate with corresponding OR or AR if the filing date of MBA/MBRA is beyond six (6) months from the date of delivery, or
   3. Report of Child’s Birth/Death issued by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General/PSA, or its equivalent document issued in a foreign country with English translation, if applicable.

2. For stillbirth or fetal death – ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

   1. Certificate of Fetal Death (COFD) duly registered with the LCR with corresponding OR or AR issued by the LCR. If filing date of MBA/MBRA is within six months from the date of delivery; OR
   2. PSA death certificate with corresponding OR or AR if filing date of MBA/MBRA is beyond six months from the date of delivery; OR
   3. COFD issued by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General/PSA, or its equivalent document issued in a foreign country with English translation, if applicable.

3. For miscarriage, emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP), ectopic pregnancy – the following documents shall be required for submission:

   1. Any of the following proofs of pregnancy:

      1. Result of pregnancy test duly signed by a physician/municipal health officer; or

      2. Result of other diagnostic tests with the corresponding report duly signed by a physician, which may include any of the following:

         1. Ultrasound
         2. Blood pregnancy test (Beta HCG); or
         3. Early pregnancy factor

   2. Any of the following proofs of termination of pregnancy duly signed by a physician:

      1. Pregnancy test result
      2. Ultrasound result
      3. Histopathological report
      4. Operating Room Record (ORR)

   3. Any of the following medical documents duly signed by a physician:

      1. Medical Certificate
      2. Records of Consultations; or
      3. Clinical Abstract/Discharge Summary

The Expanded Maternity Leave Law or RA 11210 offers several important provisions for expectant mothers:

1. Duration: Mothers are entitled to 105 days of leave for childbirth, regardless of whether it is a normal delivery or a caesarean section.
2. Optional Additional Leave: An additional 30 days of leave is available for mothers who choose to extend their time off.
3. Solo Parent Benefit: Solo parents under RA 8972 can receive an extra 15 days of paid leave
4. Miscarriage or Emergency Termination: In cases of miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, mothers are eligible for 60 days of paid leave.
5. Parental Sharing: Mothers have the option to share 7 days of their maternity leave benefits with the child’s father, regardless of their marital status.
6. Benefit Limit: While there’s no limit on the Expanded Maternity Leave duration, only one benefit can be claimed per pregnancy, regardless of the number of babies born.

These provisions aim to support mothers during the crucial period of childbirth and recovery, ensuring they have the necessary time and resources to care for themselves and their newborns.

The Expanded Maternity Leave Law or RA 11210

1. Duration: Mothers are entitled to 105 days of leave for childbirth, regardless of whether it is a normal delivery or a caesarean section.
2. Optional Additional Leave: An additional 30 days of leave is available for mothers who choose to extend their time off.
3. Solo Parent Benefit: Solo parents under RA 8972 can receive an extra 15 days of paid leave.
4. Miscarriage or Emergency Termination: In cases of miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, mothers are eligible for 60 days of paid leave.
5. Parental Sharing: Mothers have the option to share 7 days of their maternity leave benefits with the child’s father, regardless of their marital status.

These provisions aim to support mothers during the crucial period of childbirth and recovery, ensuring they have the necessary time and resources to care for themselves and their newborns.

DISABILITY BENEFITS

Last year, the SSS introduced a new option for filing Disability Benefit claims: through the My.SSS portal online. This change offers a simpler and more convenient method for members to apply for this benefit, especially considering the challenges they may be dealing with.

To apply for the online Disability Claim Application (DCA), members need to have a registered account on the My.SSS Portal and a UMID card linked to an ATM or approved disbursement account. Once logged in, members can access the DCA by clicking “Apply for Disability Claim” under the Benefits Tab. The system will check the member’s eligibility. Upon qualification, the member must upload supporting documents including a medical certificate from their attending physician within the last six months, and any other documents required by the SSS.

Personal filing of DCA at any SSS branch is required for the following situations:

1. The member is incapacitated, under guardianship, or confined in an applicable institution such as a penitentiary, correctional, or rehabilitation institution;
2. The Portability Law or Bilateral Social Security Agreement will be applied;
3. With Adjustment or for re-adjudication of claim;
4. Unclaimed benefit of deceased member;
5. Other conditions or cases as may be determined by the SSS.

Disability Benefit Applications will undergo evaluation and the filing member may be required to submit themselves for physical examination and interview at any SSS branch. Failure to comply to the required examination may result in rejection of application. The SSS will coordinate with the member through email that is why it is important to provide a working email that the member can easily access.

RETIREMENT BENEFIT

There are two types of retirement benefits:

1. Monthly pension – This is a regular cash payment given to retirees for life.
2. Lump sum amount – This is a one-time payment equal to the total contributions made by the member, including earned interests.

Qualifying Conditions

To qualify for retirement benefits, a member must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions before the semester of retirement. The specific requirements are as follows:

1. For optional retirement:

   1. At least 60 years old and no longer employed, or has ceased to be self-employed, OFW, or household helper.
   2. At least 55 years old and no longer employed, or has ceased to be self-employed, if an “underground mineworker”.

2. For technical retirement:

   1. At least 65 years old, regardless of employment status.
   2. At least 60 years old, whether still employed or not, if an “underground mineworker”.
   3. A total disability pensioner who has recovered from disability and is at least 60 years old (or at least 55 years old, if an underground mineworker).

Additionally, a former retiree-pensioner whose monthly pension was suspended due to re-employment or self-employment and is now separated from employment or has ceased to be self-employed can apply.

Moreover, a member aged 60 and above, but not yet 65, with 120 or more contributions may continue paying as a Voluntary Member (VM) until 65 years old to receive a higher benefit amount.

How to apply for Retirement Benefit

Just like the Disability Benefit application, Retirement Benefits may be applied for online through the My.SSS portal. Online application is available to the following member types:

1. OFWs and voluntary members aged at least 60.
2. Employee members aged 60 to 64 who are separated from employment, excluding certain professions like mineworkers and racehorse jockeys.
3. Members aged at least 65.

To file the retirement online, the retiring member must have the following prerequisites:

1. Must have a registered My.SSS account.
2. Must have a disbursement account enrolled in the Bank Enrollment Module.
3. For monthly pension, must have at least 120 posted monthly contributions.
4. For lump sum benefit, must have at least 1 posted monthly contribution.
5. No cancelled or multiple SS numbers.
6. No outstanding loans under specified programs, except for certain types of SSS loans.
7. No dependent children.

DEATH BENEFIT

A monthly death benefit is provided to the primary beneficiaries of the deceased member who fulfilled the requirements of at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of their passing. Considered as primary beneficiaries are the following:

1. The dependent spouse until he or she remarries
2. Not employed and unmarried dependent children who are legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted, and illegitimate below 21 years old.

Alternatively, a lump sum amount is given to beneficiaries of the deceased member with fewer than 36 monthly contributions before their passing. In cases when no primary beneficiaries exist, the member’s secondary beneficiaries, such as dependent parents, shall receive the lump sum amount.

Should there be no secondary beneficiaries, the lump sum amount is granted to designated beneficiaries and legal heirs.

How to file Death Benefit Claim online:

Prepare the following:

1. Deceased member’s SS number and other important information.
2. An active My.SSS account of the member-claimant.
3. UMID-ATM card or bank/E-wallet/RTC/CPO account that is enrolled to the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) of the My.SSS portal.
4. Other documentary requirements for the SS death benefit claim application.

To file, simply follow the procedure in the My.SSS portal, under the E-Services tab for Death Benefit.

Supporting documents for Death Benefit Claims:

1. PSA birth certificate of deceased member
2. PSA marriage certificate of deceased member
3. PSA death certificate of deceased member
4. Baptismal certificate may be submitted if birth certificate is not available
5. Other documents that the SSS may require.

FUNERAL BENEFIT

Recently, the SSS announced that they are raising the maximum funeral benefit amount to Php 60,000. According to the updated guidelines, claimants of deceased members with 36 or more monthly contributions may qualify for funeral benefits between Php 20,000 to Php 60,000. The specific amount is determined based on the member’s number of contributions and average monthly salary credit (AMSC).

Priority is given to surviving legal spouses in the allocation of funeral benefits. Additionally, funeral benefit applications must be filed within 10 years from the month of the member’s or pensioner’s death. The filing process requires SSS member-claimants to submit applications online through their My.SSS account, while non-member claimants can apply at any SSS branch.

Requirements:

The surviving legal spouse-claimant has the option to provide the following documents instead of an Official Receipt as evidence of their payment of funeral expenses for the deceased spouse:

1. PSA marriage certificate
2. LCR or MCR copy of marriage certificate (if PSA copy is not available)
3. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) if deceased member or pensioner is an Indigenous People.
4. Shari’a Circuit Clerk of Court if deceased member or pensioner is Muslim.
5. Duly notarized affidavit or online certification stating that they paid for the funeral expenses.

6. If the claimant is other than the surviving legal spouse, the following conditions shall apply:

   1. Official Receipt of payment issued under the name of the claimant and indicating the name of the deceased member or pensioner.
   2. If a memorial plan or funeral insurance was used for the deceased member’s wake and burial, present a Certification of Availment of the memorial plan. The plan must have been paid by the member or pensioner before their death.

   3. The proof of payment must be submitted with the following:

      1. A duly notarized waiver, favoring the claimant, signed by the surviving legal spouse, or
      2. A duly notarized affidavit, validated by two impartial witnesses, affirming that either the surviving legal spouse did not cover the funeral expenses or is untraceable.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT

The Unemployment Benefit is a cash benefit provided to all employees, including Domestic Workers and OFWs, who have involuntarily lost their jobs.

Qualifying Conditions

The employee, domestic worker, or OFW must meet the following conditions:

1. Must not exceed 60 years of age upon employment, except: if an underground or surface mineworker, must not exceed 50 years old, or if a racehorse jockey, must not exceed 55 years old.
2. Must have paid at least 36 monthly contributions, with 12 of these made within the 18 months prior to the month of involuntary job loss.
3. Must not have received an unemployment benefit within the last three years prior to the month of involuntary job loss.

4. Lost the job due to, but not limited to, the following:

   Authorized causes of termination under Article 298 (283) and 299 (284) of Presidential Decree No. 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines, such as:

   1. Use of labor-saving devices
   2. Redundancy
   3. Reduction of workforce.

An employee is ineligible for the benefit if they were involuntarily separated from employment due to any of the following reasons:

1. Serious misconduct
2. Willful disobedience to lawful orders
3. Gross and habitual neglect of duties
4. Fraud or willful breach of trust/loss of confidence
5. Commission of a crime or offense
6. Analogous cases such as abandonment, gross inefficiency, disloyalty, conflict of interest, or dishonesty.

The Unemployment Benefit may be applied for by qualified SSS members online through the My.SSS portal. After logging in as a Member, go to the E-Services tab and click the Apply for Unemployment Benefit link.

In navigating life’s uncertainties, having access to reliable financial support is essential. The Social Security System (SSS) offers this support to Filipinos when needed most. My.SSS, our online portal, simplifies access to benefits, making processes smoother. Keeping vital documents updated, like PSA certificates, is crucial for easy claim filing. Ensuring you have an active My.SSS account and keeping all your documents updated is essential for planning ahead and being prepared for whatever life may bring.