Social Security System amid the Covid-19 crisis


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The Philippines is dealing with a pandemic that is currently confronting the rest of the world. As we write this column, we now have 501 reported cases and around 33 deaths. Our national government continues to monitor and combat the spread of the deadly Covid-19. In fact, more and more cities and municipalities are taking preventive measures to suppress or prevent local transmission.

Enhanced community quarantine is being implemented to stop the spread of the virus, which include class suspensions, the setting up of military and police checkpoints in various cities, temporary closure of malls and other business establishments except for those that provide basic necessities, as well as cancellation of mass gatherings such as sporting events, concerts, large seminars and conventions, worship services, and other religious gatherings. With the enhanced community quarantine, citizens are strongly advised to stay at home, and alternative work arrangements have already been implemented in some private and public institutions.

On March 16, 2020, SSS branches took similar preventive measures in adherence to the call of the Department of Health and the Local Government Units to strictly observe the social distancing protocol. Branches implemented stern screening of transacting members by setting up thermal scanners, including the provision of sanitizers and disinfectants at the entrance. Members were asked to fill-out contact-tracing forms upon entry, while social distancing policy is being observed within branch premises. Other branches installed improvised plastic partitions functioning as droplet barriers at every counter.

Last week, the SSS implemented its skeletal work force arrangement and drop box system in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Luzon branches, while Visayas and Mindanao branches also have their skeletal work force. Although SSS has limited its face-to-face interaction with transacting clients, the pension fund is now encouraging members to utilize our various online and mobile services at the comfort of their homes. In fact, digitalization is one of the top priorities of the current SSS management to provide easy, convenient, and unique customer experience to all members, pensioners, and their beneficiaries.

The My.SSS Portal can be accessed by individual members through SSS’ official web site www.sss.gov.ph<http://www.sss.gov.ph>. They just have to register first by supplying personal information, accepting the terms of service and clicking the activation link e-mailed to them, which will lead the user to the account password set-up page. Member’s information that are available include registration information, contribution and loan records, and benefit claim status. Members can also file their maternity notification and retirement application, submit their salary loan applications and bank enrollment, inquire or generate their Payment Reference Numbers (PRN) and pay online, update contact information, and even use the simulated retirement calculator.

Aside from My.SSS, the SSS Mobile Application is also available. In fact, this user-friendly application can easily be downloaded in Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei App Gallery. Using our mobile application, members can view their membership information, contribution and loan records; submit salary loan application and maternity notification; generate PRN; update contact information; register to create a My.SSS portal account; view list of documentary requirements; and inquire on branch location with location maps.

For members who don’t have regular mobile data on their cell phones, they may also use Text-SSS to get their PRN and inquire on their membership records, such as contributions, claim status, loan balance and loan status. To register, kindly text SSS REG <SSNUMBER> <BDAYmm/dd/yyyy> to 2600. To know the appropriate keywords for inquiries, text SSS HELP to 2600. Text SSS has a service fee of P2.50 for Globe and Smart subscribers, and P2 for Sun Cellular subscribers.

Aside from SMS and mobile app services, an Interactive Voice Response System is also being offered by SSS to provide automated response to inquiries on contribution and loan records, claim status, and loan and benefit eligibility. Members in the National Capital Region may call 7-917-7777. Other IVRS Hotlines are: 8-442-6016 Baguio City; 8-982-8739 Tarlac; 8-562-9298 San Pablo; 8-472-7776 Naga; 8-253-0690 Cebu; 3-433-9476 Bacolod; 8-858-3790 Cagayan de Oro; 3-227-7273 Davao; and 8-992-2014 Zamboanga City. Meanwhile, those residing outside NCR who are Globe subscribers may also call 7-917-7777 free of toll fee charges.

As mandated by the national government, the Social Security System complies with the call for unity and cooperation during this enhanced community quarantine period and still ensures continuity of service to its members through its web services at the convenience of every member and working Filipino.

Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the brave men and women of SSS who continue to report for work amid this crisis —our skeletal force—the drivers, programmers, human resource personnel, janitors, security guards, utility workers, cashiers and investment people who selflessly risk their lives in the interest of public service. For the SSS officials and employees who are working from their respective homes, my sincerest thanks for your hard work, dedication and professionalism.

We are one in this battle and with God’s grace, we will be able to surpass all these challenges.

Stay safe, mga kabalikat.

Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer.

We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss.gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.

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23 comments

  1. I would like to ask about the payment for contribution and loan. The said accredited banks are now close due to total lock down. I have tried other open banks like, UCPB they said their system is not updated, RCBC- they don’t accept matagal na daw, same as China bank. Bayad Center 200k per transaction lang daw po. So like us, Large account how can we pay our SSS Contribution? Baka naman po ma penalty kami. We need your advice po mam/sir, please. Thank you po.

  2. Comment: ask kulang po . gusto kopo kasi mag avail ng sss ko for maternity loan . panu po ba ako makakaonline for my maternity loan gagamitin kupang for lockdown wala po kasi gatas baby .bka mahelp nyo po ako

  3. hello po , magandang araw po. Paano po mag apply ng calamity loan po? dahil po sa community quarantine at makatulong po sa parents ko po.
    Maraming salamat po.

  4. I just want to ask regarding po sa pension ng grand mother ko po. As of today po Aril 17,2020 wla pa po yung pension nya, usually po kasi every 6th day of the month po nya nahhuhulog sa account nya po

  5. Gandang araw poh,ask ko lng po kung totoo ung tnex sming employees na may ayuda daw pong ibibigay ang sss sa mga private employees kc pnapadownload kmi ng sss app at ibigay din ang atm account number. Nttakot lng poh na bka scam po kc wla naman pong nririnig na ayuda galing ng sss kundi galing lang po sa dole at dswd ang matunog na nagbubigay ng tulong.

  6. Gusto ko pong mag apply nga maternity leave kaso bawal lumabas ang buntis paano ko po magawa?

  7. nag apply po ng salary loan online at naapproved po noong april 2, 2020 kaya lang po wala po akong enrolled bank account sa sss, pano ko po maki claim yon eh lockdown po ngayon. meron po bang bukas na sss branch na malapit po samin? camarin caloocan north po ako nakatira

  8. Gusto ko po mag apply ng loan, anu ano po ba ang mga sunud sunod na steps kc ilan beses nko try. Pero nka fill up napo aq ng 114 E-center member website program sa sss last jan2020. Registered na po ba aq or hind pa. Bkit ayaw i accept yung password na nklagay? Maraming salamat po.

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