SSS branches to open, limit physical contact

CEBU, Philippines —  In the interest of public health and safety for all members of the Social Security System (SSS) and ensure compliance with the directive of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to strictly implement physical distancing in all public and private establishments, SSS branches in Cebu and Bohol will implement the Number Coding System for all transactions starting May 18.

Lawyer Alberto Montalbo, acting VP of SSS Visayas Central 1 Division, said they need to limit the number of transacting members coming to their branches as they noted that most of their transactions are only for inquiries and follow-ups which can already be handled through branch hotlines and via branch emails.

Montalbo, in a statement, said that for claim applications for retirement, disability, death, funeral, maternity and sickness benefit, he encouraged members and claimants to drop their applications in the designated drop boxes found in the entrance area of their branches.

To ensure confidentiality, he said that SSS encourage that the claim applications be put in a sealed brown envelop, together with the supporting documents, and that only the name of the member and the type of claim should be written outside the envelop. SSS forms can be downloaded from the SSS website.

With the implementation of the Number Coding System, all members, employers and claimants wishing to transact in the various SSS branches in Cebu and Bohol provinces will have to check the ending digits of their SSS numbers or employer ID numbers.

All office entrants will also be required to present their SSS ID/UMID card or any 2 valid identification cards. Persons transacting in behalf of others will be required to bring authorization letter and copies of the IDs of the person he is representing.

All members, employers and claimants who are planning to visit any of the SSS branches are advised to text, call or email first the concerned branch.

Self-employed and voluntary members who wish to pay their SSS contributions or their loans are also discouraged from making their payments in the SSS tellering centers to avoid crowding the offices.

They are instead advised to do their payments in the various SSS accredited payment outlets nearest their places of residence which is more convenient and less costly for them.

SSS members 60 years old and above are also discouraged from personally transacting in the SSS offices. If they wish to file a retirement benefit application or a pension loan application, or simply to comply for ACOP, they can still do their transaction thru an authorized representative.

It is important though that they call first the branch hotline for proper guidance and advice on the procedures and requirements for filing.

It must be stressed that in all transactions, the branch reserves the right to refuse entry of persons, including senior citizens, who may take advantage of the current situation, jeopardizing the safety protocols and order in the office.

For those residing in areas still under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), members can still drop their claim applications or queries in the drop boxes in various SSS branches, or simply ask their queries and follow-ups by calling the branch hotline numbers. Also, members may still check their SSS records via the SSS mobile app or thru Text SSS channels, wherever they may be located.  GAN (FREEMAN)