As a household employer in the Philippines, you have an important responsibility to provide your kasambahay (household helper) with access to social security benefits through the Social Security System (SSS).
This makes sure that your kasambahay is covered for various benefits like sickness, maternity, disability, and retirement pensions.
Understanding SSS Contributions for Kasambahays
The amount you pay for SSS contributions depends on your kasambahay’s monthly salary.
As the employer, you cover a larger portion of the contribution, especially if your kasambahay earns less than PHP 5,000 per month.
This setup lightens the financial load on the kasambahay while giving them access to social security benefits.
Here are the key points to remember:
- Employer Responsibility: You are responsible for covering the entire contribution if your kasambahay earns less than PHP 5,000 per month.
- Contribution Rates: The contribution rates vary based on the kasambahay’s salary.
You, as the employer, pay a percentage of the salary credit, while your kasambahay contributes a fixed amount.
- Benefits for Kasambahays: Paying SSS contributions allows your kasambahay to access several benefits, including:
- Salary Loans: They can apply for a loan amounting to up to two months’ salary, payable over two years.
- Sickness Benefits: Up to 120 days of daily cash allowance during illness.
- Maternity Benefits: Paid leave for up to two pregnancies, including coverage for two C-sections.
- Disability Benefits: Compensation for permanent total or partial disabilities.
- Retirement Benefits: Monthly pension after reaching the age of 60.
- Death Benefits: Survivorship pensions and funeral assistance up to PHP 20,000.
Steps to Pay SSS Contributions for Your Kasambahay
- Register Your Kasambahay with SSS
The first thing you need to do is register your kasambahay with SSS.
Head to any SSS branch and fill out SSS Form R-1 to register your kasambahay as a member.
Make sure to bring your kasambahay’s valid ID to complete the registration process.
- Obtain the SSS Contribution Schedule
You can easily access the SSS contribution table on the SSS website, or you can pick up a copy from any SSS branch.
This table lists the required contribution based on your kasambahay’s salary.
- Deduct the Contribution from Your Kasambahay’s Salary
After you’ve checked the contribution amount, deduct your kasambahay’s portion from their salary each month.
As the employer, you cover the majority of the contribution, but your kasambahay still contributes a small percentage.
- Pay the SSS Contributions
There are several methods available for paying your kasambahay’s SSS contributions:
- SSS Branches: You can pay over the counter at any SSS branch.
- Online Banking: Many banks offer SSS payment options through their online platforms, such as BPI Bizlink and Security Bank Digibanker.
- SSS Mobile App: Another option is using the SSS mobile app to generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) and pay directly from your bank account.
- Non-Bank Collecting Partners: You can also pay at centers like CIS Bayad Center or SM Mart, Inc. for added convenience.
- File Remittance Online
Once the payment has been made, you should file the remittance details online through the My.SSS portal.
This step is essential to ensure that the payment is properly recorded in the system.
Make sure to keep your receipt as proof of payment.
Important Considerations for Household Employers
There are several things to keep in mind when paying SSS contributions for your kasambahay:
- Multiple Kasambahays
If you employ more than one kasambahay, each of them must be registered separately with SSS.
You are also required to pay monthly SSS contributions for each kasambahay.
- Part-Time Kasambahays
Even if your kasambahay works for you on a part-time basis, you are still obligated to register them with SSS and pay a minimum contribution of PHP 150 per month.
- Newly Hired Kasambahays
If you hire a new kasambahay, make sure to register them during their first month of work and start paying their SSS contributions right away.
- Kasambahay Resignation
When your kasambahay resigns, you are no longer required to pay contributions for them starting from the month after they leave.
You will also need to file a formal separation request with SSS to update their records.
- Payment Deadlines
Be sure to pay your kasambahay’s SSS contributions on time to avoid penalties.
For household employers, the deadline for paying contributions is the last day of the month following the applicable month or quarter.
Where to Pay SSS Contributions
Here are some of the available methods to pay SSS contributions as a household employer:
Over-the-Counter Payments
You can visit any of the following partner banks to pay SSS contributions in person:
- Asia United Bank (AUB)
- Bank of Commerce (BOC)
- Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
- Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP)
You can also pay at non-bank collecting partners such as CIS Bayad Center and SM Mart, Inc.
Online Banking Payments
For greater convenience, you can pay SSS contributions through online banking.
Some of the banks offering this service include:
- BPI Bizlink
- Security Bank Digibanker
- Union Bank Online
SSS Mobile App
You can use the SSS mobile app to generate a PRN and pay directly from your BPI or PayMaya account.
This option allows you to settle payments without leaving your home.
Conclusion
As a household employer, paying SSS contributions for your kasambahay is a legal duty that provides them with important social security benefits.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily register your kasambahay, make timely payments, and file remittances properly.
These contributions offer your kasambahay financial protection in times of sickness, disability, and retirement, making a big difference in their lives.
Keep yourself updated on any changes to SSS contribution rates or payment deadlines to avoid unnecessary penalties.
By fulfilling this responsibility, you are helping your kasambahay enjoy the security and peace of mind they deserve.