SSS urges use of online platforms

MANILA, Philippines — The state-run Social Security System (SSS) is pushing for the higher utilization of its digital platforms, as it aims to reduce long queues in its branches and improve the ease of doing transactions with its members.

In a statement, SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio urged members to use the state fund’s online facilities, which would enable them to transact with the SSS anytime and anywhere.

“We are encouraging our members and stakeholders to use SSS online platforms as we transform our services into future-ready operations,” Ignacio said.

For one, she said members may install the SSS mobile application in their devices for free.

“With the SSS Mobile App, members can easily transact with the SSS anytime and anywhere through their smartphones or tablets instead of visiting the nearest SSS branch,” Ignacio said.

According to Ignacio, the mobile platform will allow members to view their contributions record, membership information, and status of their benefit claim, salary loan and loan balance.

Through this app, members may also update their contact information, submit their salary loan application and maternity notification, and generate their payment reference numbers.

As of the end of October, SSS mobile applications reached over 2.38 million downloads in the Google Play Store and 261,000 downloads in the Apple App Store. It also gained more than 18,000 downloads in the Huawei App Gallery since its launch last Oct. 7.

Aside from the application, the state pension fund also provides its members with other online service facilities, such as the My.SSS portal, SSS Self-Service Express Terminal (SET), Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS), Text-SSS, and other electronic channels that allow contribution payments.

SSS data showed that nearly 6.02 million individual members and more than 504,000 employers are registered in the SSS website as of the end of September this year.

The My.SSS portal allows members to view their records, make online transactions, and set appointments with their SSS servicing branch, among others. 

SSS reported a 441.34 percent jump in net income to P15.32 billion in the first half due to the strong growth in the fund’s contribution collections and investment income.

Its total assets also rose to P542.27 billion as of the end of June.