SOCIAL Security System (SSS) members who have reached the technical retirement age of 65 need not go to the nearest SSS branch to file their retirement-benefit applications. With an Internet connection in their homes or offices, they can now file their benefit applications online through the SSS web site (www.sss.gov.ph), a more convenient alternative for senior citizens than personally submitting their claims at SSS branches.
With new online facility, members can conveniently file their retirement claims online six months before they turn 65, and can expect to receive their pensions when they reach the mandatory retirement age.
Under existing SSS policy, members who have turned 65 are eligible for retirement benefits, even if they are still working. Meanwhile, members aged 60 to 64 can apply for SSS retirement benefits, provided they are no longer employed in the private sector or have ceased self-employment.
To be eligible to use the online facility, members must have at least 120 posted contributions—which also qualifies them for retirement pension—and have active SSS web accounts. Members must not have canceled or multiple Social Security or “SS” numbers, pending cases with the Social Security Commission, dependent children, outstanding salary-loan balance, or employment as an underground mineworker.
After receiving the benefit claim of a member, the SSS web system will validate whether the member has met the eligibility requirements for the online facility. Members submitting their claims online should not file manual applications in any SSS branch to avoid problems in processing their retirement benefits.
The system will validate and accept a member’s application if all of the requirements were met; otherwise, the member will be informed if there are additional requirements needed to process the claim. The SSS will then notify the member through e-mail if the benefit-claim application was accepted.
Members who are not eligible to file their claims online will be advised to visit the nearest SSS branch for their transactions.
Aside from the online filing of retirement claims, members of the public who wish to register as SSS members and secure an SS number will now be able to do so, online. Again, they simply have to visit the SSS web site and click at the online registration and coverage link, and provide the information needed to complete the registration process. It is important that they must have a valid e-mail address through which they will be informed of the result of their registration process.
The online registration facility will not only give added convenience to the public but will also help decongest the SSS front-line counters.
A piece of good news to SSS members outside of Metro Manila. The SSS has launched a toll-free number that they can use to call the SSS call center to inquire about the status of their claims or to know more about the various programs of the SSS. By dialling 1-800-10-CALLSSS (2255777), members from all over the country will be connected to the SSS call center without paying long- distance telephone fees. The SSS call center is open 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday.
The SSS is finding more ways to make its services more accessible to its members. Coming up soon is a more convenient way for pensioners to comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners using an online video facility. As soon as it is in place, the mechanics of this facility will be properly announced.
Indeed, transacting with the SSS is now at the members’ fingertips!
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For more information about the SSS and its programs, call our 24-hour call center at (632) 920-6446 to 55, Monday to Friday, or send an e-mail to member_relations@sss.gov.ph.
Susie G. Bugante is the vice president for public affairs and special events of the Social Security System. Send comments about this column to susiebugante.bmirror@gmail.com.
1 comment
I always have trouble logging in into my member account. Sometimes it says password/log in name does not exist. If I get password and log in name correct, I get the message that my password has expired so I should change it. When I change it, there is no response.
Sorry to gripe about this but this has been going on for years. Sometimes, it’s ok but most of the time we can’t access our accounts.
My suggestion is why don;t you remove the password expiration thing? This will free up more resources in the SSS system. Let the member decide when he or she wants to change his/her password.