You should at least understand what the Philippine SSS is.
Julia explains:
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The Philippine SSS (Social Security System) is a social insurance program created by the government to cover every Filipino over the age of 15. It was intended to be a safety net that anyone can use as long as they contribute to the fund.
To be an SSS member, all we need to do is to register through any of the SSS branches scattered all over the Philippines or apply online (https://member.sss.gov.ph/members/rcsmi/newApplication.html). Once the registration process is complete, that’s when we can apply for an SSS UM(Unified Multipurpose) ID. Within the SSS ID is a unique SSS number, which is used to track contributions and benefits.
Like in the US, once you become an SSS member, you’re given a social security number that you use for the rest of your life. Your contributions, loans and benefits would be associated with that number. This is also the reason why SSS IDs are one of the most accepted government issued IDs in the Philippines. Each ID is unique and there’s little incentive or benefit in faking an SSS ID. If your number isn’t in the system or doesn’t match their records, you won’t receive any benefits.
Anyone can contribute to the SSS. In fact, they take contributions as low as P10 ($0.20) per month. This was done so anyone can take advantage of SSS benefits, even the unemployed.
But most Filipinos wait until they are employed to become an SSS member so their employer would share in the payments. Under Philippine Law, legally registered businesses must share in the SSS contributions of their employees, which can range from 30% to 50% of the contribution. The more you pay into the fund, the more you get in terms of benefits. So even if you can get away with paying 20 cents a month, you’d want to contribute as much to the fund as you can.
Why is it important for workers AND businesses to contribute to SSS? Because the SSS provides benefits that employers and employees would otherwise have to shoulder on their own.
The biggest benefit most people get from SSS is the maternity benefit. SSS covers the salary during maternity leave. SSS also covers sickness, disability and calamity benefits. And when a worker completes 120 contributions, they’re eligible for pension when they turn 60 years old.
The SSS also has loan instruments that contribute to the Philippine version of a credit score. Most Filipinos take out their first loan through the SSS so they can slowly build credit. When you establish a good credit record within the SSS, it’s easier to get a credit card or apply for home or car loans in the future.
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Consider paying your OFS SSS contributions
John
How do you know what amount they are allowed to contribute to SSS?
SSS has a computation table that determines how much you need to pay if you’re receiving a salary: https://mpm.ph/sss-contribution-table-january-2021/
You mentioned “Consider paying your OFS SSS contributions.” You also mentioned 120 contributions and contributions as low as $0.20. So how are contributions calculated? Are they a % of their pay as in the US? Or is it up to each OFS to make a contribution in any amount they want?
Hi Mark! SSS has a computation table that determines how much you need to pay if you’re receiving a salary: https://mpm.ph/sss-contribution-table-january-2021/
The $0.20 payment is reserved for unemployed Filipinos.
Hi Julia,
Your link provides the SSS computation table for salaried employees. Thank you.
Question 1: Do you know if the table is the total contributions for 1 year or per month?
Question 2: Do you know if there is an updated table for 2022?
I found the following link for the self-employed: https://mpm.ph/new-sss-contribution-table-2021-self-employed/
Question 3: I hear a lot the term “voluntary” but not “self-emloyed”; do you know if an OFS is considered self-employed with regards to SSS?