What is Philippine Social Security System (SSS) Membership for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)?

An opportunity to pursue a long-held ambition to work in a different nation, a change of working environment, a chance to see relatives abroad, and a great offer to earn a higher income. There are many reasons why one chooses to live or work overseas.

The COVID-19 outbreak causes many economic problems, prompting many Filipinos to seek employment abroad to support their families. OFWs are not only the primary supporters and ones who bring home the bacon for their families, but they also contribute significantly to the Philippine economy through remittances.

In times of difficulty, OFWs should have security in terms of benefits, loan privileges, and other savings programs to ensure that their hard-earned income may be turned into a profitable investment at the end of the day - and that's what Philippine Social Security System (SSS) Membership aims to offer.

What is SSS?

SSS is a social insurance agency run by the Philippine government whose goal is to protect members and its beneficiaries. From maternity to retirement, there are many benefits available to SSS private employees and voluntary members, including OFWs. Not only that, but SSS members can also qualify for loan programs like salary loans and housing loans.

Why are OFWs required to have SSS?

More OFWs are looking for social security during the pandemic. With SSS coverage, benefits for sickness, disability, retirement, and many more could be granted.

Because there is a possibility of employment termination while working abroad (for example, poor treatment of employers to Filipino workers that could result in them losing their job), an OFW can get unemployment benefits if they are a member of the SSS.

An OFW will also have to retire at some point. With monthly contributions to SSS, they can receive a monthly pension to support their daily expenses. SSS has a program called "Flexi-Fund" as part of SSS membership.

The longer you have your money in the fund, the more it will earn. It is perfect for OFWs who want to invest their money for retirement.

As of March 2019, under RA 8042, SSS coverage is now required for all land and sea-based OFWs below 60 years old.

List of SSS Benefits for OFWs The following are the seven benefits of SSS you can avail as an OFW:

• Sickness Benefit
• Maternity Benefit
• Disability Benefit
• Unemployment Benefit
• Retirement Benefit
• Death Benefit
• Funeral Benefit

How to register as a new OFW member to SSS?

If you're an OFW registering for the first time and have no SS number yet, you should accomplish SS Form E-1 (Personal Record Form) and submit it to SSS together with the original and one (1) photocopy of any of the following:

Primary Documents

Birth certificate, Baptismal Certificate, Driver's License, Passport, PRC Card, Seaman's Book, or any two (2) of the secondary documents mentioned below.

Secondary Documents

Alien Certificate, ATM Card, Bank Account Passbook, Company ID, Health/Medical Card, NBI Clearance, PAG-IBIG Card, Police Clearance, Postal ID, Voter's ID, TIN Card, or Transcript of School Records.

If you are already a member of SSS and have an existing SS number, you must create a My.SSS account where you can monitor your contributions and make transactions. Read below to learn more.

How can I create an OFW account in My.SSS?

Step 1: Go to My.SSS website.

When you get to the homepage, you'll notice two options: - Member Log-in - Employer Log-in

These options are for already registered members. The text "Not yet registered in My.SSS?" appears underneath, and if you choose "Click here," you'll be redirected to a page where you can register a new account.

Step 2: Create an online member ID.

You can register using your mobile number that matches your SSS-registered number, a savings account or a cash card, your Employer ID number, your UMID card number, or a payment reference number on the registration page.

Step 3: Complete the Online Registration Form.

Fill out the User Registration Form with the same information as your SSS records. Make sure that all the data encoded are correct to avoid receiving an error notice.

When you're done, double-check all of the data you've encoded before clicking the submit button. Wait for them to send you a confirmation message.

Step 4: Look for a confirmation message in your email.

SSS will confirm your details after a few minutes. If all of your information is correct, you'll receive an email with an activation link to activate your account.

Step 5: With that, your account has been created successfully.

You can now browse and use your account online after activating it. You can look up information on your benefits, loans, and even monthly contributions. Having an online SSS account can be highly beneficial, particularly if you plan to pay your contribution while overseas.

How to Pay SSS Contributions as an OFW?

Contributions of OFWs may be paid only for the current calendar year. This means you can pay your contributions for the applicable months of January to September until December 31 of the current year only.

While contributions for October to December may be paid until January 31 of the following year.

• OFW's may pay their SSS contributions while working abroad through the following:
• Via Bank Auto-Debit Programs
• Via Money Remittances/Exchange Centers
• Via Family or Relatives

Paying SSS contributions will allow you to benefit financially in the future.

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