The Social Security System (SSS) Voluntary Membership is a special program designed for individuals who are not currently employed, such as self-employed persons, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and non-working spouses who wish to continue contributing to the SSS. This initiative underscores the importance of maintaining social security coverage, offering flexibility in contribution amounts, and ensuring access to a variety of benefits including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and death benefits. Moreover, voluntary members are eligible for an SSS ID card, facilitating smoother transactions with government agencies and financial institutions. The legal foundation for this kind of membership is established by Republic Act No. 11199, the Social Security Act of 2018, allowing those not traditionally covered by employer contributions to enjoy social protection.
Becoming a voluntary member opens up a range of benefits tailored to provide financial support during significant life events. The program offers the pros of choosing contribution amounts and direct control over accounts, albeit requiring personal diligence for regular contributions. The step-by-step guide simplifies the process from verifying eligibility to making contributions and updating personal records. This program targets those seeking to secure their financial future by leveraging the comprehensive benefits of the SSS, ensuring that they are well-protected against unforeseen circumstances and can look forward to financial stability in their later years.
What is an SSS Voluntary Member?
SSS Voluntary Members are individuals who, despite not being employed, choose to continue contributing to the agency to avail of its benefits. These include self-employed individuals, OFWs, and those without current employment but wish to maintain their contributions.
Significance of Voluntary Membership
The significance of SSS voluntary membership lies in its ability to provide continued social protection, flexibility in contribution amount, access to benefits, eligibility for an ID card, and assured social protection. Voluntary members, including those who are no longer employed or self-employed, can maintain their social security coverage, adjust their contributions according to their financial capacity, and avail themselves of various benefits. This membership also offers proof of membership and facilitates transactions with government agencies and financial institutions. Overall, this type of membership ensures individuals have control over their contributions and can access social protection when needed.
Legal Basis
Voluntary membership in the Social Security System is established by Republic Act No. 11199, also known as the Social Security Act of 2018. This allows individuals who are not employed, self-employed, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), or non-working spouses to become self-paying members. They have the flexibility to adjust their monthly contributions and can still avail themselves of various benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and death benefits. Voluntary membership also qualifies individuals for an ID card, which serves as proof of membership and facilitates transactions with government agencies and financial institutions. Overall, voluntary membership ensures social security coverage, contribution control, and access to SSS benefits when needed.
Benefits of Being a Voluntary Member
As a self-paying member, you are entitled to a range of benefits provided by the agency. These benefits are designed to offer financial support during times of need, such as:
- Retirement Benefits: A lump sum or monthly pension for members who have reached retirement age and have met the minimum contribution requirement.
- Disability Benefits: Financial assistance for members who suffer a disability, either as a monthly pension or a lump sum.
- Maternity Benefits: Support for female members who are unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage.
- Sickness Benefits: A daily cash allowance for members unable to work due to sickness or injury.
Eligibility / Qualifications
To qualify as a self-paying member, you must be:
- Separated from employment with prior SSS contributions.
- Self-employed with at least one posted contribution.
- An OFW or a non-working spouse with previous contributions.
Requirements
The primary requirement is to have an existing SS number with past contributions. For those without previous contributions, securing an SS number is the first step, which involves submitting an E1 form along with necessary documents like your birth certificate and valid IDs at any SSS branch.
Corporate vs Voluntary: Pros & Cons
Corporate Membership
- Pros: Regular contributions are directly remitted by the employer. Benefits and loan applications are often facilitated through the HR department.
- Cons: Limited flexibility in changing the monthly contribution amount.
Voluntary Membership
- Pros: Flexibility in choosing the amount and timing of contributions. Direct control over your account and benefits.
- Cons: Requires personal diligence in making regular contributions and keeping track of benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Benefit from Being an SSS Voluntary Member
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you fall under the eligible categories for self-paying membership.
- Secure an SS Number: If you don’t have one, visit your nearest SSS branch to obtain an SS number.
- Fill Out the SS Form RS-5: Indicate your status as a voluntary member and submit your contribution.
- Regularly Pay Your Contributions: Choose between monthly or quarterly payments within the prescribed schedule.
- Update Personal Records: Keep your contact information and beneficiaries updated with the agency.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any changes in policies and benefit structures.
Recent Updates
SSS Urges OFWs in Singapore to Invest in WISP Plus for Higher Pensions
The Social Security System is encouraging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Singapore to participate in the Worker’s Investment and Savings Program (WISP) Plus. By contributing as low as P500, OFWs can increase their retirement savings and receive higher benefits when they retire. In its first year, the program has already collected P386 million from over 30,000 members, with an estimated 6.86 percent return on investment in 2023. (Manila Standard)
Voluntary Contribution in the Philippines: Guide for First-Timers
Financial security is essential, especially during uncertain times. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to avail of insurance coverage from the Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Home Development Mutual Fund (HMDF) through self-paid contributions. Learn how to save for the future and access benefits such as loans, health insurance, and housing loans. (SPOT.ph)
PCEO Macasaet Promotes SSS Voluntary Provident Fund to OFWs in Singapore
In an effort to enhance retirement savings and pension benefits, Social Security System President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet encouraged Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Singapore to participate in the SSS Voluntary Provident Fund Program, also known as the Worker’s Investment and Savings Program (WISP) Plus. The program offers an affordable and flexible savings scheme, allowing members to contribute as low as P500 whenever they want, with investment earnings credited to their individual accounts. With an estimated 6.86 percent return on investment in 2023, the program shows promising potential for higher benefits upon retirement. (Journal)
Can Unemployed Individuals Still Contribute to SSS?
Curious about whether individuals who have lost their jobs can still make contributions to the Social Security System? Check out this reel from SSS to answer your burning questions on this matter.
Carmen Lauderes, an OFW from Cyprus, shares her experience with the SSS Flexi-Fund and the WISP program. By enrolling in the WISP program after withdrawing her Flexi-Fund, Carmen is hopeful that she will have a secure retirement and be able to apply for retirement benefits when the time comes.
Video: How to change membership type in SSS from Employed to Voluntary, Paano maging voluntary sa SSS
This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to change your membership type in the Social Security System from Employed to Voluntary. It outlines the necessary requirements, procedures, and forms needed to successfully transition your membership status. Take control of your SSS contributions and enjoy the benefits of being a self-paying member.
Conclusion
Becoming a Voluntary Member empowers you to take control of your financial security, offering peace of mind for the future. With disciplined contributions and a clear understanding of the benefits and processes involved, you can make the most out of your SSS membership. Remember, investing in your social security is investing in your future. Embarking on this journey ensures that you are covered under the SSS’s comprehensive benefits, safeguarding against unforeseen circumstances and providing a foundation for financial stability in your later years. Take the step today to secure a brighter, more secure tomorrow.