SSS preparing assistance for members who cannot work due to COVID-19

March 23, 2020

The Social Security System (SSS) on Monday said they are fixing  guidelines for a calamity assistance program they will offer to their members as some workers were not work due to ongoing enhanced community quarantine.

In a radio interview, Fernan Nicolas, SSS media affairs head said employers can also avail of the salary loan through online.

“Right now we are fixing our calamity assistance program. There are two components for that, one is the calamity loan and the second is for pensioners, we can give three months advance pension,” Nicolas said.

“Hopefully within this week we will finish our guidelines and also our system to roll out the program,” he added.

Nicolas said employers who are not familiar with the online transaction can put their form through their drop boxes in all branches.

Nicolas said most of their transactions are done through online.

“We have drop box system so the members can go to our branches. Just download the form, fill up, then drop on our box and we will process. Every hour, our employees inside the branches will pick-up the forms,” he said.

Nicolas reminded members to not forget to write their contact number so they can easily communicate with them.

“For our salary and calamity loan, members only need at least 36 monthly contributions,” he said.

For those who will lose their jobs because of COVID-19, Nicolas said they can avail for the SSS’ unemployment insurance.

“Most important is the unemployment insurance for those who will lose their livelihood due to COVID or voluntary separation, don’t worry you are all qualified on our unemployment insurance. For two months, we will give you allowance and benefits… meaning this is for free and they will not pay SSS. This is one year to file so if you cannot process it now the filing will be for one year,” he explained.

Nicolas said SSS services are available online and members can communicate to them through their email and social media accounts.

“Remember that it is much better if you will stay inside your house and just follow the government guidelines and if you need our services, we have electronic services,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS