Govt Office in Focus: Social Security System
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Penstalker features government offices, their significance in our lives (Yes, they are significant!) and some links that will help you deal with the government as easily as possible. I don’t promise it’s gonna be an easy ride. Heck, I’ve been to a lot of government offices and I have encountered a LOT of inconveniences and annoyances!!
Please take note though that the information in this blog post comes from the Social Security System website, which may be updated without my knowledge.
You need security! You may not have a lot of money in your pocket or in your bank account. You may not be a politician or a business person. Yet, you need a safety net in case there are problems in your finances, in your health, and even in your very job! We all need a safety net!
This safety net in the society, thankfully, is provided by the Social Security System, a Corporation owned and managed indirectly by the government of the Republic of the Philippines.
The Social Security System, or SSS, was created through Republic Act 8282. According to this Law, the government wants to promote social justice and protect and help its citizens in cases of sickness, maternity, sickness, disability, old age, death, and other circumstances that can significantly reduce their income.
You might not believe it but the SSS seeks to establish world-class service to its Filipino members. If you are diligent in maintaining your dues and your obligations to the SSS, their service will continue to other generations of your family. In providing service, the SSS does not consider any barriers. In fact, the disadvantaged are also taken care of so that they can still become meaningful contributors to the society.
No matter how large or small your earnings are, you can still enjoy the benefits being offered by SSS. As a government institution, the Social Security System “aims to institutionalize a corporate culture that instills the core values of trust, empowerment and teamwork.” The history of the Social Security System goes a long way back. in 1948, Pres. Roxas started proposing about this institution. It was during the term of Pres. Elpidio Quirino, however, that this agency came to existence.
What does this mean for you and me as citizens of this country?
It’s the law lads and lasses! When you work for an employer, you need SSS. When you become a business person and get some workers, you need SSS. If you want to make your life easier, you might as well apply with SSS.
If you are still capable of working, you were accepted as a worker, and thankfully, you haven’t reached 60 years of age yet, you have to be covered by SSS. It’s not easy to be covered though. You need to earn at least 1,000 pesos a month!
Inday, Inday! You also need to be a member of SSS!
If you have a business, a firm or anything that employs people, you need to register as an employer with the SSS. If you are self-employed, an actor, an actress, or if you have any other occupation from which you earn money, aha! You need to register with SSS! If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker or if you’re working as a crew of a ship, you need to register, too.
If you do not have a job but you are still earning money. Like if heaven is pouring money on you. Your mom or dad is sending you money from abroad, or if you have a steady stream of gold, you can also register as a Voluntary member. For more information on who needs to be covered, visit the Social Security System website.
How can you register then?
Simple, if you are an employee, the Human Resources Department or the Admin of the company you work for will take care of that for you. On the other hand, you can simply visit the nearest SSS branch from your location and they will guide you through the process. A listing of SSS branches can be found here. You will need to fill out two copies of SSS Form E-1 and submit it to the people there at SSS.
It’s a simple process really and you need to take note of the benefits that you will get. Who knows, you might get sick and you’re going to need a lot of money. The Social Security System can help you deal with your difficulties.
Up next: Social Security System: Benefits and Entitlements
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Good day! Id like to know how to compute my maternity leave reimbursement. Does the computation includes holiday or just the basic? does SSS has loans to be availed? Hope you could answer me thru my mail ad. It would be a pleasure if you do. thanks a lot.
Hi! I’m a self-employed member of SSS. I would like to ask if how”s my sss maternity benefit computed. Last june 2007 i was separated from my employer then i continue my contribution last july 2008 as self-employed. One year akong nagstop. Then namiscarriage ako last jan. 12 2009. I already received the maternity benefit pero bakit maliit lng. Pls. kindly check kung tama ung computation nila. My monthly salary credit is 7000.