Dismissed workers told: Avail benefits

CEBU, Philippines —  Dismissed workers are advised to secure an unemployment certification from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to avail of an insurance or involuntary separation benefit.

The certificate is a primary requisite for the application for payment of unemployment insurance or involuntary separation benefit of the Social Security System (SSS).

DOLE-7 Regional Director Salome Siaton said only those who were separated or dismissed from work due to authorized causes will be granted the certification from the labor agency.

All employees including kasambahay and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are covered by an unemployment insurance or involuntary separation benefit can apply for the DOLE certification, she said.

“For the information of everyone, the main role of the DOLE at this point in time is to issue the Unemployment Certification upon completion of the requirements,” Siaton said in response to queries on SSS benefit.

Authorized causes as grounds for dismissal from work would include retrenchment or downsizing, redundancy, installation of labor-saving devices, closure or cessation of operation, and disease/Illness of the employee whose continued employment is prohibited by law or is prejudicial to his or his co-employees’ health.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, employees and OFWs who are involuntarily separated are advised to send their applications with attached requirements to [email protected].

“Due to the situation confronting us these days, we recommend all applications to be submitted online. Applicants may send their applications with attached requirements to [email protected],” Siaton said.

Once received, the regional office will forward the applications to the appropriate filed or provincial office for appropriate action.

Applicants must be able to present one valid identification card and a copy of the notice of termination issued by the employer or a duly notarized affidavit of termination of employment.

In the absence of the Notice of Termination, a duly notarized affidavit of termination of employment will suffice.

DOLE clients are encouraged to visit ro7.dole.gov.ph for more details.  KQD (FREEMAN)