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.

10 SSS Benefits for Employees in the Philippines

The Social Security System (SSS) is known for providing retirement benefits or pensions to retired members. However, did you know that there are other SSS benefits you can enjoy even before retirement?

Keep reading to know more about SSS benefits for employees and how to claim them.

What is the Purpose of SSS?

Established in 1957, the SSS is a government-run social insurance program for employees in the Philippines. The agency provides various benefits, including those for sickness, maternity, and retirement, to all registered members.

Employed and self-employed Filipinos, OFWs, and unemployed individuals can be SSS members.

How Much is the SSS Contribution for Employees?

Your SSS contribution depends on your salary. See the table below:

sss benefits for employees - contributions

10 SSS Benefits for Employees Every Member Must Know

If you’ve been paying contributions to the social insurance program, you need to know what you’re entitled to. Check out this quick guide to SSS benefits:

📌 SSS EC Program

One of the benefits of making SSS contributions is the Employees’ Compensation or EC Program. This aids workers who suffer from work-related sickness or injury, resulting in disability or death.

According to the SSS, work-related injury, sickness, disability or death is compensable for the following conditions only:

The injury takes place at the workplace.
The employee is carrying out official duties.
The employee is somewhere else while carrying out a task for the employer.

Moreover, there are exceptions:

Willful intention to kill or injure himself or another
Negligence
Drunkenness

Requirements for the SSS EC Program

SSS Form B-301 or EC Medical Reimbursement Benefit Application (for medical application)
EC Form B-309 (for accident or sickness)
EC Form B-300 or Employee’s Notification
SSS Form B-304 (Sickness Benefit Reimbursement Application)
Claim for Disability Benefit (for disability)
Death Claim Application (for death)
Other documents and forms depending on the EC claim

How to Apply for the SSS EC Program

You can file your application for EC Program benefits at any SSS branch or representative office near you. Note that the employer should be informed of the member’s injury, sickness, or death within five days of the incident.

However, notice is not necessary if the event happens during working hours at the workplace and with the knowledge of the representative employer.

📌 SSS Unemployment Benefit

Photo: Philippine Social Security System - SSS (Facebook)

SSS benefits for members also come in the form of cash benefits for unemployed individuals or those involuntarily separated from their employment. This particular program is called the SSS Unemployment Benefit.

Keep in mind that age restrictions apply. You should not be over 60 years old at the time of separation. For surface mineworkers, they shouldn’t be above 50 years old. For racehorse jockeys, they shouldn’t be over 55 years old.

Qualified employees are granted an amount equivalent to twice the half of their average monthly salary credit. The benefit is issued through a one-time payment.

Note that you do not qualify for these SSS benefits if your involuntary separation was due to the following:

Serious misconduct
Willful disobedience to lawful orders
Gross and habitual neglect of duties
Fraud or willful breach of trust/loss of confidence
Commission of a crime or offense
Analogous cases like abandonment, gross inefficiency, disloyalty, conflict of interest, or dishonesty

Requirements for the SSS Unemployment Benefit

At least 36 months of SSS contributions (12 months of which must be within the 18-month period immediately preceding your month of involuntary separation)
Original and photocopy of any of the following IDs or documents:
- UMID card
- SS card
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Voter’s ID
- Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book
- NBI clearance
- Firearm registration
- License to possess firearms
- Permit to carry firearms outside residence
Copy of Notice of Termination of Employment
- In the absence of such a document, a Notarized Affidavit of Termination of Employment will do
DOLE certification
- For OFWs: Certification from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)

How to Apply for the SSS Unemployment Benefit

Use the My.SSS portal^[1] to apply for SSS Unemployment Benefits. Follow these steps:

Log in to your My.SSS account.
Under the e-Services tab, select Apply for Unemployment Benefit.
Supply the required information then click Proceed.
Follow the succeeding prompts to submit the application. Once the application is submitted, you’ll get a transaction number that you’ll present to DOLE for your e-Certification of Involuntary Certification.
Go to the DOLE website to apply for a Certificate of Involuntary Certification for SSS. Fill out the form and enter your transaction number from SSS.
Wait for an email from SSS that acknowledges your application. The email will state that your employer will certify your involuntary separation.
Once your claim has been approved, the proceeds of your SSS Unemployment Benefit will be disbursed through your UMID card or preferred approved disbursement account enrolled through the SSS platform.

📌 SSS Salary Loan

The SSS Salary Loan is one of the most popular SSS benefits members can take advantage of. It is a cash loan for employed, self-employed, or voluntary members under 65 years old at the time of application.

You can get either a one-month or a two-month salary loan, payable within 24 months in installments. This salary loan charges an interest rate of 10% per annum and imposes a 1% service fee.

Requirements for the SSS Salary Loan

Updated payment contributions
No fraud committed against the SSS
No claims for final benefits (e.g., retirement, death, etc.)
For a one-month loan: At least 36 months of SSS contributions, six of which should be within the last 12 months before your application
For a two-month loan: At least 72 months of SSS contributions, six of which should be within the last 12 months before your application
Member Loan Application Form
SSS UMID ID
Two other valid IDs

How to Apply for the SSS Salary Loan

There are three ways to apply for an SSS Salary Loan. You can submit your application online via the My.SSS portal or visit the nearest SSS branch.

OFW members, on the other hand, can file their application at the SSS Foreign Representative Offices in select countries.

📌 SSS Maternity Benefit

SSS also offers daily cash allowance for female members unable to work because of childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy. The maternity allowance is equal to your average daily salary credit.

Requirements for the SSS Maternity Benefit

At least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of childbirth or miscarriage
Notification of pregnancy to the employer or SSS (if separated from employment)
SSS Maternity Notification Form
SSS UMID ID
Proof of pregnancy, miscarriage, and other related conditions (e.g., result of pregnancy test duly signed by a physician, medical certificate, clinical abstract, etc.)
Other documents deemed necessary by the SSS^[2]

How to Apply for the SSS Maternity Benefit

For ease and convenience, you can apply for these SSS benefits for employees via My.SSS portal. The proceeds will then be disbursed through your nominated bank account.

📌 SSS Sickness Benefit

These SSS benefits for employees come in the form of a daily cash allowance given for the number of days you’re unable to work due to an injury or sickness. You’re entitled to an amount equivalent to 90% of your average daily salary credit.

Note that you must have used up all sick leaves with pay for the current year to avail of this benefit.

If your sickness is found to be work-connected, you’re also entitled to Employees’ Compensation Program benefits.

Requirements for the SSS Sickness Benefit

Inability to work due to sickness or injury and confinement at home or the hospital for at least four days
At least three months of contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of sickness or injury
Medical documents, if any

How to Apply for the SSS Sickness Benefit

To avail of this SSS health benefit, you have to notify your employer about your condition. The employer will then notify the SSS about your sickness or injury.

The employer will advance the sickness benefit to you every regular payday or on the 15th and last day of each month. In turn, the SSS will reimburse the amount to the employer’s bank.

📌 SSS Disability Benefit

The SSS also offers cash assistance for members who have become permanently disabled—either totally or partially. With an SSS Disability Benefit, you can get a monthly pension or a lump sum amount.

The monthly pension amounts from ₱1,000 to ₱2,400. Additionally, qualified members can get a ₱500 monthly supplemental allowance.

Requirements for the SSS Disability Benefit

At least 36 months of contribution before the semester of disability to qualify for a monthly pension
- If your contributions are less than 36 months, the benefit is paid in a lump sum
SSS UMID ID
Disability Claim Form
Medical certificate
Supporting documents (e.g., operating room record, clinical abstract, Xray, ECG, ultrasound, etc.)
Other documents deemed necessary by the SSS

How to Apply for the SSS Disability Benefit

You can apply for SSS disability benefits via the My.SSS portal or the nearest SSS branch. The proceeds of the claim will be disbursed through your nominated bank account.

📌 SSS Retirement Benefit

If you are a retiring SSS member at least 55 years old, you can get retirement benefits either via a monthly pension or a lump sum. The monthly pension is a lifetime cash benefit paid on a regular basis, while the lump sum amount is a one-time payment.

Requirements for the SSS Retirement Benefit

At least 120 months of SSS contributions prior to the semester of retirement
Retirement Claim Application
DDR Signature Card
DDR Savings Account form
Valid ID
Certificate of Separation from last employer

How to Apply for the SSS Retirement Benefit

You can go to an SSS branch near you to file your application. But for convenience, you may also submit your application via My.SSS portal. The proceeds of the benefits will be credited to your nominated bank account.

📌 SSS PESO Fund Program

The SSS Personal Equity Savings Options (PESO) program is a voluntary provident program for SSS members. This SSS benefit is open to voluntary members, self-employed, employees, and OFWs 54 years old and below.

It’s a great option if you want to save for the future. Your contributions will be invested in low-risk instruments. You can then enjoy tax-free benefits and guaranteed earnings.

As a PESO fund member, you can make contributions from ₱1,000 up to ₱500,000. You also don’t have to contribute monthly—it’s really up to you.

Requirements for the SSS PESO Fund

At least six consecutive months worth' of contributions in the regular SSS program within the 12-month period before PESO enrollment
- For self-employed, voluntary, and OFW members: Must have paid the maximum contribution amount under the regular SSS program
No claims under the regular SSS program

How to Apply for the PESO Fund Program

You have two options here. You can enroll over-the-counter at any SSS branch or online via your My.SSS account at the official SSS website.

📌 SSS Death Benefit

Are you a primary beneficiary of a deceased SSS member? With an SSS death benefit, you get a monthly pension from the agency provided that the late member paid at least 36 months of contribution before the semester of their death.

In case there are no primary beneficiaries, the lump sum will go to the secondary beneficiaries, such as the dependents’ parents. In the absence of secondary beneficiaries, the benefit will be granted to the designated beneficiaries and legal heirs.

Requirements for the SSS Death Benefit

At least 36 months of SSS contributions before the semester of death
SSS Form DDR-1 (Death Claim Application)
Three 1x1 pictures
Two valid IDs
Certified true copy of death certificate
PSA-certified marriage certificate or contract (for spouse death)
CSR Form No. 5 which is equivalent to CENOMAR (for spouse death)
Birth certificate of minor children
Filer’s Affidavit (Sinumpaang Sanaysay)
Other documents and forms depending on cause of death

How to Apply for the SSS Death Benefit

Collate all your requirements and visit the nearest SSS branch. If the claimant is an OFW, the application should be lodged through an SSS office in the Philippine Consulate.

📌 SSS Funeral Benefit

The SSS funeral benefit is a cash benefit for the family or whoever paid for the burial expenses of a deceased SSS member. The deceased member must be reported for coverage by the employer. Those subject to compulsory coverage but were not reported by the employer are also entitled to this benefit.

The funeral benefit’s amount ranges from ₱20,000 to ₱60,000, depending on the late member’s number of paid contributions and average monthly salary credit.^[3]

Requirements for the SSS Funeral Benefit

For self-employed or OFW or non-working spouse: At least one contribution payment
For voluntary members previously covered as an employed/self-employed/OFW member: At least one contribution payment
SSS Form BPN-103 (Claim for Funeral Benefit)
Valid IDs of filer
Death certificate
Official Receipt issued by the funeral parlor
CENOMAR (if member is single)
Marriage certificate (if member is married)
Proof that establishes the deceased individual’s SSS membership
Other documents deemed necessary by the agency

How to Apply for the SSS Funeral Benefit

Submit your application via the My.SSS portal. Once the application is approved, the proceeds will be credited to your nominated bank account.

Final Thoughts

Apart from retirement pensions and salary loans, there are many other SSS benefits for employees you can take advantage of. Keep in mind the services SSS offers so you can further maximize your SSS contributions.

Sources:

^[1] Official SSS Website
^[2] SSS Maternity Benefits Memorandum
^[3] SSS: Maximum Funeral Benefits Raised to P60K (Philippine News Agency, 2023)

10 SSS Benefits for Employees You Should Know About

Jay Pagkatotohan