The Philippines is one of the largest labor sending countries in not just Southeast Asia but the whole world. As such, migration is such a crucial part of our economy. In fact, we are all too familiar with the saying that OFWs are the modern heroes of our country, as they sacrifice being away from their loved ones to improve their lives and help the Philippine economy as a result.
OFWs enjoy social protection from the Philippine government through SSS, OWWA and PhilHealth. They enjoy basically the same kind of privileges as locals living in the Philippines, including insurance coverages. This is important because it is quite common for OFWs to not be covered by the social security systems of the countries they are working in.
Importance of SSS Coverage for OFWs
The following are the major reasons why OFWs need social security coverage from our government:
- Unequal treatment between locals and migrant workers.
- National laws create tough conditions for migrant workers.
- Employers often don’t comply, and workers lack awareness.
- Issues with social security for undocumented migrant workers.
One of the biggest challenges in providing social security coverage for migrant workers is not just during their working years but after they’ve stopped working. Anecdotal evidence shows that OFWs often spend most of their remittances on household expenses, leaving little to no savings for retirement. Additionally, many returning OFWs tend to use their hard-earned savings on big purchases like a car, house, or lot. As a result, the savings they accumulated from years of overseas work quickly run out.
How to Register with SSS as an OFW
For OFWs to qualify for the SSS programs, they should be:
- Under 60 years of age
- Recruited in the Philippines by foreign employers for jobs abroad
- Earning in a foreign country
- Living permanently in a foreign country
To register as a new OFW member, one must do the following steps:
- Fill out the SSS Form E-1 at any SSS branch or foreign office. This form can be downloaded from the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph).
- Submit the completed form to SSS along with your birth certificate.
- Alternative to birth certificates are the following:
- Baptismal certificate
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- PRC card
- Seaman’s identification and record book
- Go to the SSS website and get access to online number issuance.
- Enter the required information by completing a two-phase registration
If you already have an SS Number from previous employment, self-employment, or prior registration, you should use the same SS Number to continue or reactivate your membership. When paying your contributions, make sure to select “OFW” as the Payor type. Once your payment is posted, your coverage status will automatically change to “OFW.”
As an OFW, you are entitled to receiving several benefits and loan privileges from SSS. To maximize these benefits, you should continue paying your monthly contributions until you reach your retirement ages of 60 to 65.
How much you pay as a monthly contribution depends on your monthly salary credit, which in turn is determined through your declared monthly earnings.
How to Pay SSS Contributions from Abroad
Even while you’re abroad, it’s important to continue to pay your SSS contributions to ensure your future benefits. Fortunately, it’s easier these days to pay through various channels.
Here are some payment means for your SSS contributions as an OFW:
- PNB Overseas Bills Payment System
- Kabayan Remit
- Smiles Mobile Remittance App
- And much more
Through PNB’s overseas bills payment system, you simply need to visit a PNB branch in the country you are working in. Or you can go to a PNB office, approach a PNB agent or a tie up. Payment typically involves a Payment reference number that could help you pay your contributions and post them in real time.
For OFWs based in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, or Gibraltar, you have the option to pay your SSS contributions online through Kabayan Remit. All you have to do is create an account with Kabayan Remit at kabayanremit.com or download their mobile app on iOS or Android. Once registered, you can start making payments right away.
If you’re in Japan, Canada, or Singapore, the Smiles Mobile Remittance App allows you to pay your monthly SSS contributions conveniently. These are just few of the many ways you can pay your SSS
Tracking and Verifying SSS Contributions Online
Step 1: Access the SSS Member Portal
Visit the SSS member portal at member.sss.gov.ph. Log in with your My.SSS User ID and password.
Step 2: Check Your SSS Contributions
Click on the Inquiry tab and select Contributions. This will take you to a page where you can see the following:
- Monthly Contributions
- SE/VM Contributions for Self-Employed or Voluntary Members
- Flexi Fund for OFWs
- Worker’s Investment and Savings Program (WISP)
- WISP Plus
Choose the contribution you want to review. You’ll also be able to spot months where contributions haven’t been posted. This could mean you were unemployed during that time or your employer hasn’t remitted the payments yet.
Scroll down to see your total SSS contributions, and if you want you can print or save the page for your future reference.
Here’s how your contributions are summarized:
- SSS Contributions: Total Number of Contributions Displayed, Not Displayed, and Posted, along with the Total Amount of Contributions.
- SE/VM Contributions: Number of Payments, Total Amount of Medicare payments, SSS Payments, and Total Amount of Payments.
- WISP Summary: Beginning Account amount, Current Year Contribution, Investment Income, and Total. You’ll also see the Fixed Amount of your Monthly Pension.
How to Check SSS Contributions Online via the Mobile App
Using the portal on your phone can be tricky, so it’s easier to download the official SSS mobile app, available on iOS and Android.
Step 1: Log in using your My.SSS credentials.
Step 2: Tap on the Total Contribution Button. You’ll see your name, SS number, last login date, activity history, and your total contributions. Tap the corresponding tab to view the actual premiums and total contributions posted.
Staying on top of your SSS contributions is essential for securing your future benefits, whether you’re working here in the Philippines or abroad as an OFW. Fortunately, with the help of technology, its easier now more than ever to pay your monthly contributions.