In cases of sickness, disability, loss of employment, and other emergencies, it’s good to have some kind of assistance from the government. For Filipino professionals, private sector workers, and OFWs, the Social Security System (SSS) provides different types of benefits, depending on their needs and circumstances.
Even if you don’t avail of sickness, maternity, or other SSS benefits at this time, you can look forward to getting a retirement (pension) benefit in the future. For OFWs in Singapore, applying for benefits and paying contributions is fast and convenient, thanks to the SSS office and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in the country.
Contents
Singapore OFW’s Guide to Paying SSS Contributions
What is the SSS, its benefits, and how can OFWs in Singapore pay for their SSS contributions? Learn more through this brief overview.
What is SSS?
The Social Security System or SSS is a state-run program that covers Filipino workers in the private, professional, and informal sectors. It provides different kinds of benefits and services to members and their families.
Vision and Mission
The SSS official website states that it envisions “a viable security institution providing universal and equitable social protection through word-class service.”
Meanwhile, the mission of the SSS is “to manage a sound and viable social security system which shall promote social justice and provide meaningful protection to members and their families against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden.”
SSS Coverage for OFWs
Currently, all OFWs are required to be members of the SSS. Land-based OFWs are considered as similar to “self-employed” SSS members in the Philippines, whereas sea-based OFWs are regarded as employers of their principals (or manning agencies), as stated in the agency’s policies and guidelines.
Notably, membership with the SSS is voluntary for Filipinos who are immigrants, permanent citizens, or naturalized citizens abroad.
Programs and Benefits
SSS members can apply for short-term benefits such as sickness, maternity, and unemployment. They can also look forward to getting long-term benefits like retirement and disability (depending on the case). Members and their dependents are also entitled to getting death benefits and funeral benefits.
Moreover, in times of emergency, members can apply for the SSS salary loan, calamity loan, or pension loan, depending on their needs and situations.
Contribution and Payments
The amount of SSS contribution is determined by a member’s Monthly Salary Credit (MSC), which is based on his/her declared monthly earnings during the time of registration. For land-based OFWs, the minimum MSC is currently at PHP 8,000.
In contrast, since sea-based OFWs are considered as employees of their principals or manning agencies, their SSS contributions is based on their monthly salary; it includes the employer’s contribution plus the employee’s contribution.
Video: SSS’ Kwentong OFW
Occasionally, the SSS Facebook page presents a “Kwentong OFW” (OFW Story). Here’s a video featuring Mary Jean Mirasol, an OFW who talks about the important of being an SSS member:
Where to Pay SSS Contributions
Whether in the Philippines or abroad, SSS members can pay their contributions via “over the counter” and online methods.
Over the Counter Payments
Within the Philippines, members can pay their contributions at SSS Tellering Branches, USSC centers, Bayad centers, SM Business Centers, ECPay centers, and other partner agencies.
Overseas, members can pay their contributions through partner banks and remittance companies of the SSS. These include the Philippine National Bank (PNB), Bank of Commerce (BOC), Asia United Bank (AUB), Ventaja, and Pinoy Express.
Here in Singapore, SSS members can make over the counter payments at Lucky Plaza remittance companies, Ria Remittance branches, and Pay2Home branches all over the country.
Online Payment Facilities
If you have a bank card such as American Express, JCB, MasterCard, or Visa, you can pay contributions online through the MySSS mobile app. Digital wallets, namely GCash and Maya, are also accepted.
Aside from the mobile app, you can also go to the SSS website itself. Through this platform Singapore-based OFWs can pay contributions via Billero Qrpay. Likewise, online payments may also be coursed through the mobile apps of Rewire, UnionBank, Robinsons Bank, Security Bank, PayRemit, and Shopee Pay.
How to Pay SSS Contribution Online
As mentioned earlier, the MySSS mobile app is one of the ways in which OFWs can pay their contributions. This app may be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. Members needs to register and create an account first before using the app.
Here is a step-by-step guide to using the MySSS mobile app for paying contributions:
- Open the MySSS mobile app, enter your MySSS user ID and password, then tap “Sign In.”
- Choose “Generate PRN” to generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN). Click “Create,” then select “Generate.”
- Enter the required fields (i.e. membership type, applicable period, SSS contribution amount), tap “Submit,” then “OK.”
- The screen will display your PRN. If you want, you can download a PDF copy of your PRN by clicking the download icon on the upper right corner. Click the back arrow to proceed with your payment
- Tap “Pay,” then select “Credit Card/Debit Card” (other payment methods displayed include Maya, GCash, and BPI).
- Tap “OK,” then “Proceed.”
- Review the summary of payment details displayed onscreen.
- Enter your account details, then click “Complete Order.” Wait for your payment to be processed.
- Enter the One-Time PIN (OTP) that will be sent to your registered mobile number with the servicing bank, then click “Submit.”
- The screen will display “Payment Successful.” You can opt to receive the receipt by providing your email address or mobile number in the field provided.
- The screen will display a notification about your successful SSS Mobile Payment.
- To check or confirm your payment, you can see “Actual Premiums” on the MySSS app, which displays posted payments. You can also verify the status of your payment through the app’s “Activity History.”
NOTE: Contributions for the months of January to September should be paid on or before December 31st of the year covered. Meanwhile, contributions for the months of October to December should be paid on January 31st of the following year.
Contact Information: MWO Singapore
You can get in touch with the SSS office through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Singapore. Its operating hours are from Mondays to Fridays, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Prior to going to the office, make sure you have an appointment; this can be set through the MWO website.
Address: Level 16, Triple One Somerset Building, 111 Somerset Rd., Singapore 238164
Telephone: +65 6737 3977 ext. 134 / +65 9113 6552 (MWO) / +65 8186 3549 / +65 9023 5608 (OWWA)
Email: mwo_singapore@dmw.gov.ph / singapore@sss.gov.ph
Website: https://mwosingapore.dmw.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@MWOSPORE/
Google Map Location:
Final Thoughts
When facing an emergency, OFWs can benefit from the various services offered by the SSS, such as maternity, sickness, unemployment, and disability benefits. Furthermore, as members, they can expect to receive SSS retirement (pension) in the future.
Aside from your SSS membership, another important matter you should always keep in mind is your passport. Is it valid or is it expiring soon? Check out this article for a guide on renewing your Philippine passport in Singapore.