To make it easier for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to apply for their benefits wherever they are stationed abroad, the Social Security System (SSS) is offering them free personalized luggage tags that can be claimed at SSS foreign representative offices (FROs), or during outreach events spearheaded by the SSS or local consular offices.
The SSS luggage tags called SS# Tags have information printed on the card, such as the member’s name, social-security (SS) number, OFW coverage status and date of card issuance. For added convenience, the contact information of the issuing SSS FRO and OFW Contact Services Unit are printed at the back of the card.
According to SSS Senior Vice President Judy See, who is also concurrent head of International
Operations, many OFW members have difficulty recalling their SS number, which is important for all their SSS transactions, such as contribution payments and availment of loans and benefits. Having the luggage tag that is encased in a leather card holder is a practical item for OFWs.
Initially offered in 2014 at the SSS branch at the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency in Mandaluyong City for departing OFWs, the luggage tags are now available at the SSS representative offices in United Kingdom; Hong Kong; Brunei; Taipei (Taiwan); Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); Singapore; Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Khobar (Saudi Arabia); Kuwait; Doha (Qatar); Abu Dhabi and Dubai (United Arab Emirates); Bahrain; Muscat (Oman); Rome and Milan (Italy); Toronto (Canada); and San Francisco (United States).
See explained that the issued SS# Tags are valid as long as the SS Number Tag Project is in effect. OFWs also cannot avail themselves of replacement luggage tags from the same FRO. However, OFW members who transfer to another country can request for a new SS# Tag from the FRO in their new place of employment.
The SS# Tag does not replace the Unified Multipurpose Identification System (UMID) Card, which OFW members can apply for at no cost, provided that they have not been issued a biometric SSS ID or UMID card in the past.
Over 1 million OFWs at present are registered in the pension fund as voluntary members. OFW members with a monthly contribution of P1,760—which is based on a reported income per month of at least P16,000—are entitled to join the SSS Flexi-Fund Program to supplement their SSS savings. If the OFW is duly enrolled in the Flexi-Fund, this information would also be reflected at the front of the card.
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For more details on SSS programs, members can drop by the nearest SSS branch, visit the SSS web site (www.sss.gov.ph), or contact the SSS Call Center at 920-6446 to 55, which accepts calls from 7 a.m. on Mondays all the way to 7 a.m. on Saturdays.
Susie G. Bugante is the vice president for public affairs and special events of the SSS. Send comments about this column to susiebugante.bmirror@gmail.com.