Many Filipinos wonder what exactly happens to their SSS contributions. Well, think of it as planting seeds that will eventually bear fruit. The Social Security System (SSS) takes those contributions and turns them into a range of benefits designed to protect you and your family during times of need, in your retirement, and even in achieving your dreams. Let's take a look at your eligibility and these important benefits.

I. Contingency Benefits:

A. Sickness Benefit:

Eligibility:

• Must be an employed, self-employed, or voluntarily contributing member.

• Must have paid at least three (3) monthly contributions within the twelve (12)-month period immediately preceding the semester of sickness or injury.

• Must have notified their employer (if employed) or the SSS directly (if self-employed or voluntary) of their sickness or injury within the prescribed period.

• Must be confined for at least four (4) days due to sickness or injury.

• Must have used up all their current company sick leave credits with pay (if employed).

Benefit:

• Daily cash allowance computed based on the member's average monthly salary credit (AMSC). The number of compensable days depends on the duration of confinement, up to a maximum of 120 days in a one-year period.

B. Maternity Benefit:

Eligibility:

• Must be a female member.

• Must have paid at least three (3) monthly contributions within the twelve (12)-month period immediately preceding the semester of childbirth, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy.

• Must have given birth to a live child, or had a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

• Must have notified the SSS of her pregnancy and the expected date of delivery (for live childbirth).

Benefit:

• Daily cash allowance computed based on the member's AMSC, paid for 105 days for live childbirth (additional 15 days for solo parents meeting specific criteria), and 60 days for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

C. Disability Benefit:

Eligibility

• Partial Disability

• Must have paid at least one (1) monthly contribution prior to the semester of disability.

• Must have suffered a partial loss of use of any part of the body as a result of injury or sickness.

• Total Disability

• Must have paid at least thirty-six (36) monthly contributions prior to the semester of disability. If the disability occurred before reaching age 60 and the member has paid less than 36 monthly contributions, entitlement is based on specific conditions related to the cause and timing of the disability.

• Must be suffering from a permanent and total loss of use of any part of the body, or from a mental or physical condition that renders them permanently incapable of engaging in any gainful occupation.

Benefit:

• Partial Disability:

  • A lump-sum amount is granted, the amount depending on the degree of disability and the member's AMSC.

• Total Disability:

  • A monthly pension is granted for life, with the amount based on the member's AMSC and number of paid contributions. A lump-sum is granted if the member has paid less than 36 monthly contributions under certain conditions.

D. Death Benefit:

Eligibility:

• Must be a deceased member who had paid at least one (1) monthly contribution prior to the semester of death.

Beneficiaries:

• Primary: Dependent spouse until remarriage and dependent children (legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted, or illegitimate) who are unmarried, not gainfully employed, and below 21 years old (or over 21 if suffering from permanent disability since before age 21).

• Secondary: Dependent parents, in the absence of primary beneficiaries.

Benefit:

• Monthly Pension: Paid to primary beneficiaries for life (spouse) and until the children reach 21, marry, or become gainfully employed (unless permanently disabled). The amount is based on the member's AMSC and number of paid contributions.

• Lump Sum Amount: Granted if the deceased member had paid less than 36 monthly contributions or if there are no primary beneficiaries.

E. Funeral Benefit:

Eligibility:

• Must be a deceased member who had paid at least one (1) monthly contribution prior to the semester of death.

Beneficiary:

• Paid to the legal spouse, children, parents, or any other person who can show proof of having paid the funeral expenses of the deceased member.

Benefit:

• A fixed lump-sum amount (currently PHP 30,000, but subject to change).

F. Unemployment Benefit (Involuntary Separation Benefit):

Eligibility:

• Must be an employed member involuntarily separated from employment due to authorized causes (e.g., redundancy, retrenchment, closure of establishment).

• Must have paid at least thirty-six (36) monthly contributions, twelve (12) of which should be in the eighteen (18)-month period immediately preceding the involuntary separation.

• Must not be over 60 years of age at the time of separation.

• Must have filed the application for unemployment benefit within one (1) year from the date of involuntary separation.

• Must not have received the retirement benefit or permanent total disability benefit.

• Must be capable of and available for work.

Benefit:

• A monthly cash payment equivalent to 50% of the member's average monthly salary credit for a maximum of two (2) months.

II. Retirement and Savings Benefits:

A. Retirement Benefit:

Eligibility:

• Must be at least sixty (60) years old and have ceased employment.

• Must have paid at least one hundred twenty (120) monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement.

Benefit:

• A lifetime monthly pension computed based on the member's AMSC and number of paid contributions, plus a 13th-month pension. A lump-sum amount may be elected under certain conditions if the monthly pension is small.

B. Lump Sum Benefit (Retirement):

Eligibility:

• Must be at least sixty (60) years old and have ceased employment.

• Must have paid less than one hundred twenty (120) monthly contributions.

Benefit:

• A lump-sum amount equivalent to the total contributions paid by the member and their employer (if applicable), plus interest.

C. Lump Sum Benefit (Death - No Primary Beneficiaries):

Eligibility:

• Deceased member had paid at least one (1) monthly contribution.

• No primary beneficiaries (dependent spouse and children).

Benefit:

• Paid to the secondary beneficiaries (dependent parents) or, in their absence, to the legal heirs. The amount is equivalent to the total contributions paid by the member and their employer (if applicable), plus interest.

III. Supporting Your Family:

A. Dependents' Pension (for Disability and Retirement Pensioners):

Eligibility:

• The member is receiving a monthly disability or retirement pension.

• The dependent is a legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted, or illegitimate child who is unmarried, not gainfully employed, and below 21 years old.

• A dependent child over 21 years old is also qualified if suffering from permanent disability since before age 21.

Benefit:

• An additional monthly pension equivalent to 10% of the member's basic monthly pension for each dependent child, up to a maximum of five (5).

IV. Loan Programs (Eligibility Varies):

• Salary Loan: Requires at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which were paid within the last 12 months prior to the month of application, among other conditions.

• Pension Loan: Available to eligible retiree-pensioners based on their basic monthly pension and other factors.

• Housing Loan Programs: Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific housing loan program. Members typically need a certain number of contributions and must meet specific requirements related to the property and their financial capacity.

Key Takeaway:

Each SSS benefit has specific eligibility criteria, primarily centered around the member's contribution history and the occurrence of the contingency. It is crucial for every Filipino worker and self-employed individual to understand these requirements to ensure they and their families can avail of the benefits they are entitled to. Regular and consistent contributions are the foundation to avail the wide range of SSS benefits.