Complete PhilHealth Online Registration Guide for New Members
- By Adji Hendrawan
- December 11, 2020
The first step to getting universal health insurance coverage in the Philippines is to become a PhilHealth member. This involves going through a membership registration process on-site, which means going to a PhilHealth office, accomplishing forms, submitting the requirements, and being issued a PhilHealth number. In the new normal, that manual registration method might just slowly become a thing of the past. PhilHealth has made membership enrollment simpler through its PhilHealth online registration facility. Now, you can just complete the process over the internet while staying at home. No lines, no hassle, no contact with other people. Want to register as a new member? Here’s what new members need to know. What is PhilHealth Online Registration? The e-Registration and Amendment System (eRAS) is a PhilHealth online registration facility under the My PhilHealth Portal that enables Filipinos and foreign residents in the Philippines to enroll in the National Health Insurance Program. PhilHealth’s electronic registration system is an easier alternative to the manual membership enrollment, eliminating the need to line up at a PhilHealth office. Online registration is very convenient, especially for those who live far from the closes PhilHealth branch and those who are currently based abroad. Using the system is free for everyone who have access to a computer or mobile device and internet connection. Read more: What is Universal Healthcare Act and How Will It Benefit Us? Who Should Enroll as a New Member? Although you can use the traditional membership registration method, it’s a lot better to register online (as long as the e-Registration system is working). It will…
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Pag-IBIG Online Registration Guide: How to Get Your Pag-IBIG Number Online
- By Adji Hendrawan
- November 26, 2020
For fresh college graduates and first-time employees, membership in the Pag-IBIG Fund (as well as PhilHealth and SSS) is like a rite of passage into adulthood. It marks your beginning as a full-fledged career professional. Consider yourself lucky because nowadays, most government transactions like the Pag-IBIG online registration can be done over the internet. No need to waste your precious time waiting in line just to register with a government agency. With Pag-IBIG online, it takes only a few minutes and several clicks to enroll as a member of the Pag-IBIG or Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF). It’s a lot more convenient now compared to the manual registration that your parents and older siblings had to go through in the past. To make the process even easier for you, here’s a simple guide on how to apply for Pag-IBIG membership online. What is Pag-IBIG Online Registration? Pag-IBIG online registration refers to the process of enrolling yourself as a Pag-IBIG Fund member. This involves submitting your information, generating your Member’s Data Form (MDF), and getting your Pag-IBIG Membership ID (MID) Number through the HDMF Online Registration System. Who Should Register for Pag-IBIG Membership? Pag-IBIG membership may either be mandatory or voluntary depending on the person’s source of income. Mandated Pag-IBIG Membership Mandatory coverage under the Pag-IBIG Fund means membership is required for the following people: Employees in the private sector (permanent, temporary, or provisional status) up to 60 years old Government employees with GSIS coverage regardless of appointment status Self-employed individuals up to 60 years old earning at least PHP 1,000…
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Quick Guide to SSS Calamity Loan Online
- By Moneymax
- November 6, 2020
Due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, the entire Luzon region was put on strict quarantine last March, causing businesses to temporarily shut down and many individuals losing their employment. Indeed, the past few months was challenging financially-speaking. Fortunately, SSS members can apply for an SSS Calamity Loan, a calamity assistance package that provides financial assistance to members affected by the pandemic and other declared calamities in the Philippines. Learn all about this calamity loan below. What is the SSS Calamity Loan? Offered by the SSS or Social Security System, the SSS Calamity Assistance Program (CLAP) is for calamity-stricken members who are in need of financial aid. Below are the features and fees of this loan assistance program. Loan amount: Up to PHP 20,000 depending on your average monthly salary credit Interest rate: 10% but was recently reduced to 6% per annum Payment term: 24 months. The SSS, however, extended the SSS calamity loan payment term to 27 months. This means that loan payments will start on the fourth month after the date of loan approval. Service fee: 1% to be deducted from the total loan proceeds Get back to the main article: 10 Helpful SSS Benefits You Might Not Know Of Who can avail an SSS Calamity Loan? Below is the SSS calamity loan eligibility criteria. Make sure you qualify before applying for the calamity loan: Must be a Philippine resident Location is in an area under the State of Calamity Has paid at least 36 months of SSS contributions Has paid at least six months of SSS contributions…
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10 Helpful SSS Benefits You Might Not Know Of
- By Moneymax
- October 24, 2020
The Social Security System or SSS is known for providing retirement benefits or pension to retired members. However, did you know that there are other SSS benefits you can enjoy even before retirement? Keep on reading to know more about these SSS benefits and how you can claim them. What is SSS? Established in 1957, the SSS is a government-run social insurance program for employees in the Philippines. The agency provides various benefits, including sickness, maternity, and even retirement to all registered members. To become an SSS member, you must be at least 15 years old. Employed and self-employed Filipinos, OFWs, and unemployed individuals can be an SSS member. How to Become an SSS Member To become an SSS member, you must get an SSS number by either visiting the nearest SSS Branch or going to the agency’s official website. Below are the steps to SSS member registration. How to Apply as an SSS Member via SSS Branch Accomplish the SS Form E-1 (Personal Record Form)[1] Submit a certified true copy of any of the following primary documents: Birth Certificate Baptismal Certificate Passport Driver’s License Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Card Seaman’s Book If you don’t have any of these primary documents, you may submit a certified true copy of two secondary documents. Below are some of the major secondary documents. Visit this page for a complete list. Alien Certificate of Registration ATM card with the cardholder’s name Bank Account Passbook Birth/Baptismal Certificate of children Company ID Credit Card Health or Medical Card Marriage Contract NBI Clearance Police Clearance Postal ID…
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9 Pag-IBIG Benefits You Probably Didn’t Know Yet
- By Moneymax
- October 16, 2020
The Pag-IBIG fund is known for its affordable housing loans. It allows members to get their dream house without having to pay hefty interest rates. However, did you know that there are other Pag-IBIG benefits you can claim? Keep on reading to learn about these benefits and how you can avail them. What is Pag-IBIG Fund? Established in 1978, the Home Development Fund (HDMF) is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development. Popularly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund, the agency addresses affordable home financing for Filipinos. Apart from housing loans, members can also enjoy numerous Pag-IBIG benefits such as calamity and multi-purpose loans, provident benefits, and death benefits. How to Become a Pag-IBIG Member Online To register for membership, go to the Pag-IBIG website at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph. Click “E-services”. On the next page, select “Membership Registration” Type in your name and birthdate. This lets Pag-IBIG check their database and ensure you don’t have an existing membership with the agency. Enter the code at the bottom to avoid spamming. Tap “Proceed” after the code. Accomplish and submit the application form. How Much is the Pag-IBIG Contribution? Your Pag-IBIG contribution depends on your employment status and whether you’re an OFW or. Here’s a quick overview: Pag-IBIG Contribution for Employees and Employers Pag-IBIG Contribution for Self-Employed Pag-IBIG Contribution for OFWs This is for OFWs with employers subject to mandatory Pag-IBIG coverage. And for OFWs whose employers are exempted from Pag-IBIG coverage. Read more: How to Make Voluntary Contributions to Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, and SSS Pag-IBIG Benefits Summary for Contributing Members 1….
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PhilHealth Benefits Guide for Regular and Voluntary Members
- By Moneymax
- October 9, 2020
Unexpected expenses, like a sudden hospitalization, can put a huge dent on your savings. Fortunately, there are PhilHealth benefits we can take advantage of. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth is a government agency mandated to financially help Filipinos with their medical needs. As of 2015, about 88% of the country’s population are contributing members of the agency[1]. Members and their qualified dependents can avail of PhilHealth benefits as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Keep on reading to know more about PhilHealth and the benefits you can get as a member. What is PhilHealth and How Does It Work? Established in 1995, PhilHealth aims to financially help Filipinos with their medical expenses. Contributions made by members and funding from both local and national governments enable PhilHealth to operate and aid its contributing members. The government requires all employees to become PhilHealth members. Self-employed individuals (also called voluntary members) can also apply. PhilHealth works like an insurance company, except that it is mandated by the government. The agency can help cover your medical bills or parts of it. However, there are eligibility requirements you must meet before you can enjoy PhilHealth benefits. Read more: A Complete Guide to PhilHealth Voluntary Membership Registration What PhilHealth Benefits are Available? PhilHealth subsidizes your hospital bills based on the amount you have incurred. The agency typically pay parts of doctor’s professional fees, laboratory tests, and other medical costs. 1. Inpatient benefits If you are admitted to a hospital to receive care, you can get PhilHealth benefits. Part of your total bill will be…
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Help Fight the Pandemic: How to Become a Contact Tracer in the Philippines
- By Moneymax
- September 11, 2020
The number of active COVID-19 cases in the Philippines continue to rise, forcing the government to place parts of the country in various levels of community quarantine. To minimize the transmission of the virus, the government has hired over 30,000 contact tracers. But what is the role of a contract tracer in the Philippines? Keep on reading to know learn about it and how you can be a contact tracer in the Philippines. What is Contact Tracing? Contact tracing is the method of identifying, evaluating, and managing individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19. When done effectively, contact tracing can help reduce the transmission of the disease. The process requires tracers to identify individuals who have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 patient. They also have to follow up on them daily for at least 14 days from the last point of exposure. According to the Department of Health, contact tracing helps the country’s battle against the pandemic by: Interrupting ongoing transmission Reducing the spread of infection Alerting close contacts from possible infection Offering preventative counseling or care What are the Responsibilities of a Contact Tracer? Apart from the abovementioned tasks, the World Health Organization has also broken down the contact tracing process into three sub-processes. These are the main responsibilities of a contact tracer. 1. Contact identification When an individual tests positive for COVID-19, a contact tracer will then identify their most recent contacts. They would have to ask about their activities and people they have interacted with. Contacts can be anyone—from family members, co-workers, friends, and health workers….
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How to Apply for a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan
- By Moneymax
- August 4, 2020
Many Filipinos long to have their own home. It may seem impossible, what with basic goods getting more and more expensive by the day. However, you can turn this dream into a reality with the help of the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), commonly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund. Its main service, the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan, can be used for various purposes such as purchasing a house to making home improvements. What is the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan? Established in 1978, the Home Development Mutual Fund or the Pag-IBIG Housing Fund[1], is a government-owned agency under the Human Settlements and Urban Development department. It manages the national savings program and offers affordable house financing for Filipinos. You can get a housing loan from Pag-IBIG as an alternative to mortgages offered by banks. Below are the two housing loan programs offered by Pag-IBIG: End-User Financing Program This is the Pag-IBIG Fund’s regular housing loan program. Under this program, Filipinos can borrow up to PHP 6 million for a housing loan. You can also get multiple loans and apply with a co-borrower. Affordable Housing Program The Affordable Housing Program, on the other hand, caters to low and minimum wage earners. With this loan, you can borrow up to PHP 750,000 with a repayment period of up to 30 years. Where can I use the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan? Apart from buying your dream house, you can get a Pag-IBIG housing loan for the following purposes: Purchase a residential house and lot, condo unit, or townhouse Buy a fully developed residential lot or adjoining lots…
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What Is Virtual Pag-IBIG and How Do I Create an Account?
- By Adji Hendrawan
- July 31, 2020
Did you know that you no longer need to visit a Pag-IBIG Fund office to apply for a loan or perform any other transaction with the agency? With the Virtual Pag-IBIG portal, it’s easy and quick to access the government agency’s services online in a matter of clicks while staying at home. You won’t have to wait in line for hours on end in a Pag-IBIG branch. Because the online service is available 24/7, you can use it even when Pag-IBIG offices are closed after office hours, on weekends, and on holidays. To enjoy such a convenience, the first step you need to take is to create a Virtual Pag-IBIG account. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started. What is Virtual Pag-IBIG? The Virtual Pag-IBIG[1] is an online facility that enables members to avail of Pag-IBIG Fund services over the internet. Launched in December 2019, the online portal was intended to make Pag-IBIG services more efficient and convenient. The Virtual Pag-IBIG, which is transaction-based, is different from the Pag-IBIG Fund’s corporate website[2] that is mainly informational. Using the system allows you to transact with Pag-IBIG anytime, anywhere using your laptop or smartphone without having to go to a branch. Virtual Pag-IBIG Services Services You Can Access Without a Virtual Pag-IBIG Account You can complete the following transactions online without a Virtual Pag-IBIG account: Pag-IBIG membership registration Pag-IBIG MID (Membership ID) Number verification Modified Pag-IBIG II (MP2) enrollment Pag-IBIG housing, multi-purpose, and calamity loan application Housing loan interest rate re-pricing application Online payment for Pag-IBIG contributions (Regular and MP2…
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OFW Repatriation Guide in the New Normal
- By Adji Hendrawan
- July 23, 2020
Planning to come back home during the coronavirus pandemic? Brace yourself for an entirely different homecoming experience. OFW repatriation in the time of COVID-19 is a whole new ball game. No bunch of relatives excited for your return will pick you up at the airport. Instead, government frontliners in hazmat suits will welcome you upon arrival. Airport procedures on your arrival day will be longer and more complicated than before. You won’t be allowed to go home to your family until you complete the mandatory testing and quarantine for returning Filipinos. Much of the stress and anxiety stranded OFWs are having right now comes from not knowing what to expect when they get repatriated back to the Philippines. Here’s an OFW repatriation guide to help you manage your expectations, make your arrival more bearable, and return home safely. Read more: The New Normal Guidelines in the Philippines OFW Repatriation Pre-Departure Checklist Before flying back to the Philippines, here’s what you must do to ensure your repatriation will go smoothly. 1. Request an OFW Repatriation Flight First things first: You must secure an OFW repatriation flight, and you’ll need the government’s help with that. The Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) is responsible for coordinating with airlines to arrange OFW repatriation flights. Find out how you can register in the embassy to make a repatriation request. You might have received a survey asking if you’re interested in being repatriated. Check the website, Facebook/Twitter account, and other official communication channels of the embassy in your host country. If you can’t…
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Improve Your Skills With These TESDA Free Online Courses
- By Moneymax
- July 6, 2020
Nowadays, the job market requires seekers to have more than a college degree. You need to bring something different to the table to have a shot at a coveted role. Thanks to technological advancements, you can now acquire additional skills online, helping you have a competitive edge. However, these online courses typically don’t come cheap. You don’t have to worry though! The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) online program lets Filipinos take online courses for free. Keep on reading to learn how to enroll in any of TESDA free online courses and what classes are available. What is TESDA? Established in 1994, TESDA is a government agency that manages and supervises technical education skills development in the Philippines. The agency’s goal is to develop the Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values. TESDA also aims to provide quality technical-educational and skills development through its policies and programs. TESDA currently offers various programs and services to Filipinos who want to gain new skill sets. Some of these programs are the following: Technical-Vocational Education Training (TVET) Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) In 2012, TESDA also launched its online program to provide online education to those who want to acquire new skills. TESDA Online Program The TESDA Online Program (TOP) offers free online courses to make education more accessible to Filipinos. The program is created for students, out-of-school youth, unemployed adults, local and overseas workers, and professionals who would like to take TESDA courses at their own pace. Learners can take the…
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PhilGEPS for Businesses: What Is it and How Do I Register?
- By Moneymax
- July 1, 2020
An efficient way to broaden your business opportunities is by tapping government agencies as a potential clientele. These agencies hold many of the biggest project bids for goods and services in the country. Transacting with the government may require you to undergo various procedures and submit a lot of documents, but it can help grow your business in the long run. This is where PhilGEPS or the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System[1] comes in. In this article, you will learn how government transactions can benefit your business and how you can bid on government contracts using PhilGEPS. Benefits of Business to Government Transactions Business to Government transactions or B2G are transactions made between an enterprise and the government. B2G is the sale and marketing of goods and services to local, regional, and national agencies. It can be as simple as a small business providing catering services to a local government or a business as huge as a tech company providing cybersecurity to the national government. Below are the benefits of B2G: Creates a stable cash flow. B2G transactions may create a stable cash flow for you and your small business as most government contracts are long term. Additionally, they may lead to new clients and referrals, providing you more sources of income. Improves your network. Working with the government can open new doors for your business. It can help you build a relationship with other government entities and new clients. Strengthens your business’ credibility. B2G transactions can help build and improve your company’s credibility because for some private sectors and…
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NBI Renewal Guide: How to Renew Your NBI Clearance in 2022
- By Adji Hendrawan
- January 17, 2020
A National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance has plenty of uses in the Philippines. This simple piece of blue paper is often a requirement for job and visa applications. It’s also honored as a valid ID for postal ID application, voter’s registration, and DTI business name registration. Regardless of what you’ll use this clearance for, you need to have yours renewed if it’s already expired or about to expire. Read More: NBI Clearance Online Application: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide . Read on to find out more about how you can renew your NBI Clearance the easiest way possible. Requirements for NBI Renewal The requirements for renewal depends on the year the NBI clearance is issued. If you got your latest NBI Clearance only recently (from 2014 to present), only one valid government-issued ID is required. However, you’ll have to surrender the copy of your most recently issued NBI Clearance. The NBI website (1) lists down the following IDs as acceptable for NBI renewal: Birth certificate authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (original copy) Driver’s license Marina Seafarer’s ID Pag-IBIG/HDMF ID (not the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card) Passport PhilHealth ID Police Clearance (issued by the police station having jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence) Postal ID PRC ID School ID with current registration card/form Seaman’s Book Senior Citizen’s ID Solo Parent ID TIN card UMID card Voter’s ID or Certificate of Registration issued by the COMELEC For security guards: Security License ID For foundlings and members of tribes and indigenous groups: Certification from Malacañang Make sure to present an original copy of your…
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How to Get an OFW e-Card: Guide to OFW ID Card Application
- By Adji Hendrawan
- March 8, 2019
With the launch of the new OFW ID card (called the OFW e-CARD) in November 2018, the horror of getting an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) might just soon be over for OFWs. Filipinos working abroad can also expect smoother and faster transactions with different government agencies. Interested in getting an OFW e-CARD? Let this simple guide help you in your application process. What is OFW e-CARD? The OFW e-CARD is a new identification card that serves as a proof of membership to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and an OEC for OFWs. It replaces the previously issued iDOLE OFW ID card, which was controversial for its confusing guidelines[1] and bearing a photo of President Rodrigo Duterte. OFWs can use their e-CARD to avail of OWWA programs and services. Simply present the ID card at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine embassies or consulates in their respective countries of employment. What are the Benefits of OFW e-Card? Having the new OFW ID card will make life easier for Filipinos working abroad. Here are OFW e-CARD benefits to expect: Easier access to OWWA programs and services such as social benefits, training programs, and scholarships with fewer documentary requirements Serves as an OEC or exit clearance at the airport, proving the owner’s legal status as an OFW Waived airport fees such as travel tax and terminal fee Serves as a valid government-issued ID Easy OFW e-CARD application process; no physical documents required Security features such as QR code…
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Civil Service Exam: Simple Guide for Aspiring Filipino Public Servants
- By Adji Hendrawan
- February 15, 2019
Want to start a career in government service? You share the dream with eight in every 10 Filipinos. A recent JobStreet.com survey[1] notes the increasing desire for government jobs in the Philippines, with 77% of Pinoys wanting to work for the public service sector. Interestingly, the most in-demand government agencies for jobseekers are the SSS, BIR, and DPWH. Among the top perks of working for the government are job security and attractive compensation package (with allowances and bonuses). To raise your chance of getting hired (and eventually promoted) in the government, you need to pass the civil service exam first. This examination is the government’s way to screen and select prospective civil servants in the country. Here’s what aspiring government employees should know about taking the civil service exam in the Philippines. What is Civil Service Exam? The civil service exam, sometimes called the career service examination, is a test created and administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to determine those who are fit for a government job. Types of Civil Service Exams There are two types of civil service exams available in the Philippines: one for professionals and another for sub-professionals. Passers of the professional-level civil service exam may be accepted for both clerical (first-level) and technical, executive, or managerial (second-level) positions in the government. On the other hand, sub-professional-level passers may be accepted only for first-level or clerical government positions. Civil Service Examination Coverage Civil service exams in the Philippines are quite similar to college entrance exams in terms of scope. Given in English and Filipino, the examination covers…
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Makati Subway: Everything to Know About Makati’s Biggest Project
- By Adji Hendrawan
- November 30, 2018
Do you live or work in Makati? Expect big changes when the Makati Public Rail Transport (PRT)—better known as the Makati Subway—becomes operational in five years. The 10-kilometer Makati PRT will be the first intracity subway system in the Philippines. What’s in store for residents and employees in the country’s premier business district? Let’s explore Makati’s most ambitious infrastructure project to date. Makati Subway Project at a Glance Here are the basic stats on the Makati PRT, based on information from the Makati City government so far: Makati Subway stations: 10 underground stations with at least 30 entrances linked to key destinations around the city Project cost: USD 3.7 billion Construction timeline: December 2018 to 2023 Passenger capacity: Over 700,000 daily (or 27,000 every hour in each direction) Operational trains: 12 air-conditioned trains in the first year of operation, with intervals of 3 to 6 minutes (Future target: 18 trains with intervals of 2 to 4 minutes) Operating hours: 18 hours daily How Will Makati Subway Benefit Us? 1. Faster and Easier Commutes The Makati Subway System will ease the flow of traffic in the city, addressing the transport and parking problems of residents and workers. Citing feasibility studies, the city government estimates that the PRT will help reduce 270,000 vehicles on the road by 2048. This project will benefit some 500,000 residents and five million workers who commute to and from Makati every day. Makati Subway stations will be located near various landmarks around the city: Ayala-EDSA Ayala Avenue SM Makati Ayala Triangle Gardens Legaspi Village Makati Central Fire Station…
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What is Universal Healthcare Act and How Will It Benefit Us?
- By Adji Hendrawan
- October 26, 2018
The President recently signed the Universal Healthcare Act, a measure that would provide health care coverage for all Filipinos. Should we care about it? Of course! Health care costs in the Philippines are getting more expensive. In fact, our country has the highest medical inflation rate in Asia at 13.1% in 2018, based on a Mercer Marsh Benefits survey. This is twice as high as the country’s consumer inflation rate at 6.7% (as of September 2018). Also, the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that Filipino households paid out-of-pocket 54.2% of the country’s total health expenditure from 2014 to 2016. The household out-of-pocket spending is higher than government healthcare financing schemes (34.2%). The Philippines’ dismal state of public health care system makes measures like the Universal Healthcare Act both necessary and urgent. What is Universal Healthcare Act? The Universal Healthcare Act (Senate Bill 1896) is a law to provide all Filipinos with access to affordable, quality, and comprehensive health services. Through this, the government will implement several reforms in the Philippine health care system. How Will the Universal Healthcare Act Benefit Filipinos? 1. Automatic Health Insurance for All Filipinos Under the Universal Healthcare Act, all Filipino citizens will be automatically enrolled in PhilHealth and therefore, will enjoy access to primary health services. This means you can avail of health care benefits even without a PhilHealth ID card. 2. Expanded PhilHealth Coverage The Universal Healthcare Act will add preventive health care services to existing PhilHealth benefits, such as free consultation fees, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic procedures. Department of Health…
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SSS Retirement Benefits: An Easy Guide to Claim Your Pension
- By Adji Hendrawan
- October 19, 2018
The SSS retirement pension is always an emotional topic for retirees. It’s perfectly understandable—you’ve worked 40 years of your life and paid your SSS contributions without fail. It’s only fair to receive a pension that’s commensurate with the money and years of labor you’ve invested. But alas, it isn’t the reality for retirees in the Philippines. Stories of disappointed SSS pensioners[1] are all too common. If you’re a child, nephew/niece, or grandchild of senior citizens, you’ve probably heard endless rants about how little they receive from the SSS. Even the SSS retirement benefit application process may be too cumbersome for them to begin with. Perhaps, if they knew what to expect before receiving their retirement benefits, they wouldn’t be frustrated as much. If you’re a soon-to-be SSS pensioner or a family of one, it’s important to set your expectations right. Here’s what you need to understand about SSS retirement benefits and how to file for them. What to Know Before Filing an SSS Retirement Claim The SSS retirement benefit is a cash benefit paid to members of age 60 and above who can no longer work due to old age. SSS gives it either in a monthly pension or in a one-time lump sum cash. Applying for an SSS retirement pension without understanding everything about it can lead to a heartbreak. Here are some links to useful information that you can check: Types of retirement benefits[2] for SSS retiree-members Qualifying conditions[3] for the SSS benefit SSS retirement computation Best time to file for retirement claim SSS Pension Requirements Before filing…
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What Benefits Can Senior Citizens Enjoy in Your City?
- By Adji Hendrawan
- October 3, 2018
Did you know that Filipino senior citizens who reach 100 years old receive a one-time PHP 100,000 cash gift? The Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10868) mandates this cash incentive on top of senior citizen discounts and benefits under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act 9994). Also, indigent senior citizens receive a PHP 500 monthly social pension, an additional financial assistance from the DSWD for the poor and needy elders. Local government units (LGUs) all over the Philippines implement their own ordinances and programs that provide senior citizen benefits beyond the discounts required by national laws. For example, seniors in Makati and Pasig get a free cake on their birthday. To avail of these senior citizen benefits, residents need to present their senior citizen ID issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or special card issued by their respective LGUs. We’re listing down the senior citizen benefits for Filipinos aged 60 and above in each major city in the Philippines. Senior Citizen Benefits in Makati Makati is known as the most generous city for elders, with its 80,000 registered senior citizens getting the royal treatment. It’s one of the first cities to give free cakes and implement coding exemption for seniors. Those with an OSCA-issued ID (called the white card) get the usual 20% senior citizen discount on restaurants, hospitals, and other establishments. Having a BLU card entitles a senior citizen in Makati to these additional benefits: One-time PHP 100,000 cash gift on the senior’s 100th birthday in addition to the cash award under…
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Balik Manggagawa OEC Exemption: Step-by-Step Guide for Returning OFWs
- By Moneymax
- September 28, 2018
This article was published on September 28, 2018 and was updated on December 5, 2019. Returning OFWs shouldn’t waste their limited time with their families getting an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)—which can last for an entire day. If you’re in the exact situation, you should know that there’s a way to save you time. Did you know that you can get a Balik Manggagawa OEC exemption? Yes, you read that right. Returning OFWs aren’t required to secure an OEC, as long as they meet certain conditions. You can avail of an OEC exemption online with just a few of clicks. All you have to do is use the Balik Manggagawa (BM) Online System. Who Can Get a Balik Manggagawa OEC Exemption? Not everyone is entitled to an OEC exemption. You have to be a returning OFW (also called Balik Manggagawa) with a valid work visa or work permit who meet all the following requirements: Returning to the same employer Returning to the same job site Have a record in the POEA database (Meaning, the POEA previously issued an OEC to you) If you want to know how to get OEC exemption online especially for stranded OFWs because of the pandemic, you may check the video below. How to Get an OEC Exemption Online A qualified Balik Manggagawa worker can get an OEC exemption online via the BM Online Processing System. Here are the steps to be exempted from getting an OEC before returning to your employer. Step 1: Register for a BM Online Account Go to the BM Online System (1). Fill out…
