SSS opens online applications for jobless benefits

MANILA, Philippines  — Members of the state-run Social Security System (SSS) who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may now apply for the pension fund’s unemployment benefits online.

In a statement, SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said the pension fund is now ready to accept online applications under the unemployment benefit program.

To qualify for this benefit, employees, including household workers and overseas Filipino workers (OFW) must have paid at least 36 monthly contributions, 12 of which should have been paid within the last 18 months before the involuntary separation.

Reasons for involuntary separation should be retrenchment or downsizing, closure or cessation of business operations, and other reasons brought about by the pandemic.

Furthermore, the member must not be more than 60 years old at the time of involuntary separation, except for underground and surface mineworkers, and racehorse jockeys whose age should not be more than 50 and 55 years old, respectively.

To apply online, members should have their own My.SSS account through registration at the SSS Website.

“We would like to remind our members to double-check the encoded details before submitting their application to avoid any inconvenience brought by any erroneous entry such as bank account number and contact details. Also, secure your email and text notifications for future reference,” Ignacio said.

The SSS unemployment benefit can only be availed once every three years.

According to the SSS, more than 900 members have availed of unemployment benefits during the community quarantine from March 16 to May 31, with total disbursement amounting to P11.76 million.