Understanding SSS Benefits and Contributions (Comprehensive Guide)

Summary: A quick guide to SSS benefits, who must pay, and how much to contribute

Description:
The Social Security System provides social insurance for private-sector employees, self-employed individuals, voluntary members and more. Learn about the types of benefits available, the contribution rates for each membership category and how to claim and maximize your membership.

Table of Contents

1. Types of Benefits
2. Contribution Rates
3. Eligibility and Coverage
4. How to File a Claim
5. Troubleshooting and Tips
6. Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Types of Benefits

Sickness Benefit
Provides daily cash allowance for members who are unable to work due to illness or injury for up to 120 days per year.

Maternity Benefit
Cash allowance for female members or their beneficiaries for up to four months for normal delivery and up to four weeks for miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy.

Retirement Benefit
Monthly pension or lump sum payment for members who have reached the retirement age of 60 and have at least 120 posted contributions.

Death Benefit
Cash benefit paid to the beneficiaries of a deceased member with at least one posted contribution in the last 12 months.

Disability Benefit
Monthly pension or lump sum payment for members who become permanently disabled and are unable to earn a living.

Funeral Benefit
One-time cash grant to the person who paid for the funeral expenses of a deceased member.

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2. Contribution Rates

Employer Share
4.0 percent of your monthly salary credit.

Employee Share
3.0 percent of your monthly salary credit.

Self-Employed or Voluntary Share
12.0 percent of your declared monthly salary credit.

Maximum and Minimum MSC
The monthly salary credit ranges from ₱3,000 up to ₱25,000. The minimum contribution and maximum contribution adjust periodically as set by SSS.

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3. Eligibility and Coverage

Who Must Pay

• Private-sector employees (shared with employer)
• Self-employed professionals (full share)
• Voluntary members such as overseas Filipino workers (full share)
• Non-working spouses who opt in (full share)

Posting of Contributions
Employer-remitted contributions normally appear in your account within three business days after payment.

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4. How to File a Claim

1. Prepare the required claim form (e.g. Employee's Claim for Sickness Benefit Form)
2. Attach supporting documents such as medical certificate, payslips or member data record
3. Submit the form and documents to any SSS branch or via the SSS portal under e-Services > Online Benefit Application
4. Track your claim status online using your My.SSS account

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5. Troubleshooting and Tips

• If contributions are missing in your record, confirm with your employer or your proof of voluntary payment and request an employer correction or updated posting
• For claim delays check that all fields in the claim form are complete and all required documents are attached
• Keep digital copies of payslips and receipts for at least five years for audit or appeal purposes
• Use the My.SSS mobile app to receive notifications on contributions and claim updates

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6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Monthly Salary Credit (MSC)?
A: It is the bracketed amount on which your contributions and benefits are based.

Q: How many contributions do I need before I can claim retirement?
A: You need at least 120 posted contributions.

Q: Can I file a sickness claim online if I am abroad?
A: Yes you may submit through the SSS portal using your My.SSS account.

Q: When does my retirement pension start?
A: On the month after you reach age 60 and your application is approved.