The Social Security System (SSS) recently held its first virtual press briefing for the year to discuss our digitalization services. Over 54 members of various news organizations not only from the National Capital Region (NCR) but also media personalities from other provinces and localities participated.
A good number of questions pertain to the state pension fund’s online services, a welcome development considering that branch transactions remain limited as a result of health and social distancing protocols.
This “new normal” has propelled SSS to shift its manual processes to 24/7 online transactions, as well as fast track our other digital transformation initiatives to provide our stakeholders with safer, more convenient, and efficient means of transacting business—all as part of our “ExpreSSS” campaign.
For the benefit of our member- and pensioner-readers, there are now around 25 online services available at the My.SSS portal. In addition to online applications for Calamity Loan, Pension Loan, Retirement Benefit (subject to qualifying conditions for online filing), Unemployment Benefit, and Funeral Claim, members may also submit their requests for Member Data Change for simple corrections, while employers can submit Sickness Benefit Reimbursement Applications of their employees.
We have also introduced to both members and employers the Real-Time Processing of Loans Payment Reference Number (RTPL-PRN) facility, which will be mandatorily implemented by next month; Benefit Re-disbursement Module, and improved Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) with uploading of proof of account, previously known as the Bank Enrollment Module.
Moreover, the SSS enhanced its online SS Number Application facility and provided members with access to the Remittance Transfer Company/Cash Payout Outlet (RTC/CPO) Reference Number Inquiry.
They can also access other virtual services, including viewing contribution and loan records; and inquiring on the status of their benefit claims and eligibility for benefit programs, among others. In addition to the My.SSS portal, these information may be also accessed using the SSS Mobile App, Text-SSS, and Self-Service Express Terminals.
Members can also view their membership information, list of PRN payments, addresses of SSS branches; file for Salary Loans; submit Maternity Notifications (for self-employed, voluntary, and overseas Filipino worker members); generate PRNs for contributions; and update their contact information through the My.SSS Portal and SSS Mobile App.
By using the My.SSS Portal, members can also set an appointment with an SSS branch, send request for SSS records, enroll in the Personal Equity and Savings Option (PESO) Fund or Flexi-fund, use a simulated retirement calculator, and view details of their Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card or SSS ID, as well as change their account password. With the SSS Mobile App, they can also pay contributions using PayMaya and through the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).
For employers, they may also view employees’ contribution and loan records, status of payments and benefit reimbursement claims; as well as update their contact information. In addition, they may also update their contact information, facilitate submission of Employment Reports (R-1A), Loan Collection Lists (ML2), Contribution Collection Lists (R3), sickness notifications, maternity notifications; generate PRN; and certify the loans or claims of their employees.
To reach more members and pensioners, we have amped our presence in quad media. Since last year, the SSS is building up its information cache on how to use its online services through webinars and other social-media content.
Webinar registration links and materials are likewise posted on the official and verified Facebook page (@SSSPh or Philippine Social Security System), Instagram (mysssph), Twitter (PHLSSS), YouTube (Philippine Social Security System) and SSS Viber Community “MYSSSPH Updates.” For those who want in-depth discussions on these services, companies and organizations may request SSS to conduct free online seminars for employees and members.
Information on our online services is also aired in selected AM and FM radio stations and published in broadsheet and regional newspapers. Since February 9, 2021, SSS has a dedicated radio program in DZRH 666 khz, which is aired every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. to give updates on the SSS’s latest programs and services.
Indeed, a quotation from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates resonates today: “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.”
Have an inspirational week ahead!
Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer.
We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss.gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.
