Know Your SSS Benefits!

Watch out! SSS Members can Enjoy These Benefits!

If you are a private employee, it is actually mandatory for you to register in this Social Security System. Whether you like it or not, you have no choice but to register and pay the set amount. But you don’t have to worry because all those salary deductions are actually good for you! You can enjoy several benefits and perks just by being a member! Social Security System, is the state-run insurance program in the country which aims to protect the privately employed and self-employed individuals. It is mandated through the Republic Act No. 1161 or the Security Act of 1954. These institution basically offers three main services – the social security program, the medicare program, and the employee’s compensation program. Above all these, a member regardless of classification can avail of the institution’s salary loans or calamity loans depending on the severity of the circumstance they are faced with; examples are in cases of death, disability, sickness, maternity, old age and other unpredictable circumstance.

The Social Security Program is the widest service of the institution which both caters to the self-employed and privately employed individuals. This strand offers help in episodes of sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral. The following points will explain how each episode is being attended by the institution:

Sickness

Sickness benefit is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury. This benefit is to be enjoyed by a member for a maximum of 120 days in one calendar year. However, not all can be receive this benefit. he/she must meet these qualifications first:

A member is unable to work due to sickness or injury and confined either in a hospital or at home for at least four (4) days;
He has paid at least three (3) months of contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of sickness or injury;
He has used up all current company sick leaves with pay; and
He has notified the employer or the SSS, if unemployed, voluntary or self-employed member regarding his sickness or injury.

2. Maternity

This next type of benefit is exclusive to all female members who were unable to attend to work because of childbirth or miscarriage. This benefit entitles the recipient a certain amount of cash allowance, in case she is able to qualify in these conditions:

She has paid at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage.
She has given the required notification of her pregnancy to SSS through her employer if employed; or submitted the maternity notification directly to the SSS if separated from employment, a voluntary or self-employed member.

It is notable to emphasize that this maternity benefit shall be paid only for the first four (4) deliveries or miscarriages starting May 24, 1997 when the Social Security Act of 1997 (RA 8282) took effect.

3. Disability

This benefit is of some special codes because the program makes use of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes and takes into account the medical management of illnesses and injuries and their corresponding impairment ratings. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), disability is defined as any “restriction or lack (resulting from impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being”. This benefit is further divided into two: whether the member is partially or totally disabled.

For Partial Disability:

A complete and permanent loss or use of any of the following body parts, but which does not totally prevent a member from engaging in any gainful occupation.