The Benefits that SSS provides to its members are unemployment benefits, maternity benefits, disability benefits, sickness benefits, retirement benefits, fatal benefits, and funeral benefits.
SSS Benefits refer to the sum of money or cash assistance that the Social Security System of the Philippines provides to its members when they cannot earn a living due to health issues, accidents, unemployment, and retirement. SSS provides these benefits either as a daily cash allowance, lump sum payment, or monthly pension.
Depending on the conditions, these benefits are given to members until they become healthy and can go back to work and earn a salary again. Some of the benefits are given for as long as the member is alive.
Some of the SSS benefits are given to beneficiaries of the members until they reach a certain age and or marital status. To be qualified to receive SSS benefits, Filipino citizens must become a member and regularly pay their contributions to SSS.
We will now explore these types of SSS Benefits that are available to members below.
1. SSS Benefits for Unemployed Members
Unemployment Benefits is the SSS benefit for members who become unemployed or lose their job. Unemployment benefit is a cash amount provided to regular employees, Kasambahay (household workers), and OFWs who lost/ separated from their jobs due to reasons such as retrenchment, closure of the company, cost-cutting measures, and the like. It is given as a one-time payment equivalent to twice the half of the SSS member’s average monthly salary credit.
To qualify for unemployment benefits, the SSS member should meet certain age requirements and conditions at the time of involuntary job separation. Furthermore, the member should have paid a minimum of 36 months of contributions, the 12 months of which is within the 18-month period immediately before the involuntary job separation.
To determine the Unemployment Benefits for Unemployed SSS Members, compute their Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC). Afterward, multiply the AMSC by 50% and by 2 months.
There are two Formulas to use to get the value of AMSC. The first Formula is to get the sum of 60 monthly salary credits immediately preceding the semester of unemployment then divide it by 60. The second Formula is to get the sum of all the monthly salary credits before the semester of unemployment and then divide it by the number of monthly contributions paid by the member in the same period.
The first Formula for calculating AMSC is (Sum of the last 60 monthly salary credits) ÷ 60. The second Formula for calculating AMSC is (Sum of all monthly salary credits) ÷ (Number of monthly contributions paid by the member).
The higher AMSC will be used as the amount for computing the Unemployment Benefit.
To compute the Unemployment Benefit, the Formula is (AMSC × 50%) × 2 Months = SSS Unemployment Benefits (in Philippine Pesos).
For example, the AMSC is 15000. The calculation will be like this: (15000.00 × 50%) × 2 Months = 15000.00 Pesos.
Members who plan to avail of the unemployment benefit from SSS must file their claim within the year starting from the date of involuntary separation from their job.
2. SSS Benefits for Maternal
Maternity Benefit is the SSS benefit for members who are pregnant and those who experience miscarriage or give birth. The Maternity Benefit in SSS is a daily cash allowance that SSS provides to its female members because they cannot go to work due to giving birth to a baby, ETP, or having experienced a miscarriage.
To be eligible for Maternity Benefits, the female SSS Members should have paid at least 3 months’ contribution in the 12-month period immediately coming before the semester of giving birth, ETP, or miscarriage. The female member should notify her employer about her ongoing pregnancy and the estimated date of giving birth. Meanwhile, the pregnant female member who is unemployed should directly notify SSS.
Female members of SSS who suffer from miscarriage will receive a daily cash allowance equivalent to 60 days of their Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC).
To compute the ADSC of Female SSS Members who suffer from miscarriage. Determine the average of their 6 highest Monthly Salary Credits (MSC) then divide it by 180.
The Formula is (MSC × 6) ÷ 180 = Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC).
For example, the 6 highest MSC is 21300.00 Pesos. The calculation will be like this: (21300 Pesos × 6) ÷ 180 = 710 Pesos.
To compute the Maternity Benefit of Female SSS Members who suffer from miscarriage, multiply their Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) by 60.
The Formula is ADSC × 60 = Daily Maternity Benefit allowance.
For example, the ADSC is 710.00 Pesos. The calculation will be like this: 710.00 Pesos × 60 = 42600.00 Pesos.
Female members who gave birth to a baby whether normal or cesarean section delivery will receive a cash amount equivalent to 105 days of their average daily salary credit.
To compute the ADSC of Female SSS Members who gave birth to a baby. Determine the average of their 6 highest Monthly Salary Credits (MSC) then divide it by 180.
The Formula is (MSC × 6) ÷ 180 = Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC).
For example, the 6 highest MSC is 24300.00 Pesos. The calculation will be like this: (24300 Pesos × 6) ÷ 180 = 810 Pesos.
To compute the Maternity Benefit of Female SSS Members who give birth to a baby, multiply their Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) by 105.
The Formula is ADSC × 105 = Daily Maternity Benefit allowance.
For example, the ADSC is 810.00 Pesos. The calculation will be like this: 810.00 Pesos × 105 = 85050.00 Pesos.
Solo parents Female SSS Members who have childbirth will receive a cash amount equivalent to 120 days. This policy is implemented under the Solo Parent’s Welfare Act of 2000 (R.A. 8972).
To compute the ADSC of Solo Parent Female SSS Members who give birth to a baby. Determine the average of their 6 highest Monthly Salary Credits (MSC) then divide it by 180.
The Formula is (MSC × 6) ÷ 180 = Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC).
For example, the 6 highest MSC is 24300.00 Pesos. The calculation will be like this: (24300 Pesos × 6) ÷ 180 = 810 Pesos.
To compute the Maternity Benefit of Solo Parent Female SSS Members who give birth to a baby, multiply their Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) by 120.
The Formula is ADSC × 120 = Daily Maternity Benefit allowance.
For example, the ADSC is 810.00 Pesos. The calculation will be like this: 810.00 Pesos × 120 = 97200.00 Pesos.
The female members can avail of maternity benefits from SSS every time they experience miscarriage, or give birth to a baby.
Female SSS Members can file Maternity Benefits online at the SSS website. The filing period for the Maternity Benefit is within 10 years from the date of giving birth, ETP, or miscarriage.
3. SSS Benefits for Disabled Members
The SSS benefit for members who become disabled is called the Disability benefit. Disability benefit in SSS is a cash allowance that SSS provides to its members who suffer permanent disability or partial impairment.
The cash allowance is provided either as a lump sum or monthly pension. A lump sum is given to members who have 35 monthly contributions or lower prior to the semester of the disability. A monthly pension is given to members who have 36 monthly contributions and above prior to the semester of disability. If conditions are met, The latter is also entitled to receive a 13th-month pension every December.
The monthly pension is calculated based on the member’s SSS contribution. On top of the monthly pension, disabled pensioners will also receive a 500 pesos per month supplemental allowance and a 1000 pesos per month additional benefit starting January 2017.
To compute the Monthly Pension Benefit of Disabled SSS Members, determine the Sum of their Monthly Pension, Supplemental Allowance (500.00 Pesos), and Additional Benefit (1000.00 Pesos).
The Formula is Monthly Pension + Supplemental Allowance + Additional Benefits = monthly pension for permanently disabled SSS Members.
For example, the Monthly Pension is 2400.00 Pesos. The calculation will be like this: 2400.00 Pesos + 500.00 Pesos + 1000.00 Pesos = 3900.00 Pesos.
To compute the Lump Sum Benefit of Disabled SSS Members, multiply their monthly contribution amount (in Pesos) by the number of their contribution payment.
The Formula is Contribution amount × number of contribution payments = Lump Sum Benefit
For example, the monthly contribution amount is 1500 Pesos, and the number of contribution payments is 35 months. The calculation will be like this: 1500 Pesos × 35 = 52500.00 Pesos.
The filing period for the Disability Benefit in SSS is within 10 years. The counting starts from the occurrence date of the disability.
4. SSS Benefits for Sick Members
The Sickness Benefit is the SSS Benefit for sick members. Sickness Benefit is the cash allowance that the Social Security System grants to its members when they are unable to work because they are sick or have an injury.
The member can receive a sickness benefit of up to 120 days (4 months) in one calendar year. Unused sickness benefits from SSS cannot be carried over to the next calendar year.
To be eligible for the Sickness Benefit, the SSS Members should be confined for a least 4 consecutive calendar days. Also, the member should have paid at least 3 months contribution within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of sickness or injury.
The employed members should notify their employers. Meanwhile, voluntary, self-employed, and unemployed members should directly inform the Social Security System.
To compute the Amount of Sickness Benefit of a sick, or injured SSS Member. Determine the average of their 6 highest Monthly Salary Credits (MSC) then divide it by 180. The result will be equal to the Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) of the member.
The Formula is (MSC × 6) ÷ 180 = Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC).
For example, the 6 highest MSC is 18300.00 Pesos. The calculation will be like this: (18300 Pesos × 6) ÷ 180 = 610 Pesos.
Afterward, multiply the member’s Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) by 90% and by the approved number of days.
The Formula is [ADSC × 90% (0.90)] × approved number of Days = Total Sickness Benefit (in Pesos).
For example, the ADSC is 610.00 Pesos and the approved number of days is 10. The calculation will be like this: (610.00 Pesos × 0.90) × 10 = 5490.00 Pesos.
5. SSS Benefits for Retired Members
The SSS benefit for retiring members is called the Retirement Benefit. Retirement benefit in SSS is a cash allowance provided to members who have reached the retirement age of 60 years old in the Philippines.
The retirement benefit is given as a lump sum, or as a monthly pension to retired members.
The cash amount for the monthly pension is calculated based on the accumulated contribution of the retired members plus 1000 pesos. The retired member will also receive a 13th-month pension every December.
To calculate the Retirement Benefit, get the value of the Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC) and the Credited Years of Service (CYS) and substitute them to the Formula for Monthly Pension for Retirement Benefit.
There are two Formulas to use to calculate the value of AMSC. The first Formula is to get the sum of 60 monthly salary credits immediately preceding the semester of availing the Retirement Benefit then divide it by 60. The second Formula is to get the sum of all the monthly salary credits prior to the semester of availing the Retirement Benefit and then divide it by the number of monthly contributions paid by the member in the same period.
The first Formula for calculating AMSC is (Sum of the last 60 monthly salary credits) ÷ 60. The second Formula for calculating AMSC is (Sum of all monthly salary credits) ÷ (Number of monthly contributions paid by the member).
Based on the two Formulas, higher AMSC will be used as the amount for computing the Retirement Benefit.
There are two Formulas to get the value of Credited Years of Service (CYS). The first Formula is to determine the CYS of members prior to January 1985. The second Formula is to determine the CYS of members covered on or after January 1985.
The first Formula is like this CYS = A+B+C.
The second Formula is like this CYS = B+C
Whereas A is a variable that corresponds to the number of calendar years from the date of coverage up to 1984. To get the value of A, count the number of years from the date of coverage up to 1984.
B is a variable that corresponds to the number of calendar years (with at least 6 months of contributions) from 1985 to 2001. To get the value of B, count the number of years with at least 6 months of contributions from 1985 to 2001.
C is a variable that corresponds to the number of calendar years from January 2002 prior to the semester of availing the Retirement Benefit, the total number of contributions divided by 12. To get the value of C, determine the sum of all contributions from January 2002 until prior to the semester of the Retirement then divide it by 12.
There are 3 Formulas for calculating the Monthly Pension of Retired SSS Members which are below.
A. 300 Pesos + (20% × AMSC) + [2% × AMSC × (CYS−10)] = Retirement Benefit in a form of Monthly Pension
B. 40%×AMSC = Retirement Benefit in the form of Monthly Pension
C. Minimum Pension of 1200 Pesos + 1000 Pesos per month (starting January 2017) for Retirees who have at least 10 Credited Years of Service, and 2400 Pesos + 1000 Pesos per month (starting January 2017) for Retirees who have at least 20 Credited Years of Service. Plus 13th month pension every December.
For example, the AMSC is 21000.00 Pesos and the CYS is 40.
Using Formula A, the calculations will be like this: 300 Pesos + (.2×21000.00) + [0.02×21000.00× (40-10)] = 17100.00 Pesos per month
Using Formula B, the calculations will be like this: 40%×21000.00 = 8400.00 Pesos per month
Using the Formula C, the calculations will be like this: 1200 Pesos + 1000 Pesos = 2200.00 Pesos per month (for Retirees with at least 10 years of CYS), and 2400 Pesos + 1000.00 = 2400.00 Pesos per month (for Retirees with at least 20 years of CYS).
Based on the 3 Formulas for computing the monthly Pension, Formula A yields the highest value, which is 17100.00 Pesos per month.
This means that SSS will give the 17100.00 Pesos monthly pension as a Retirement Benefit to the SSS Member.
The Dependent (who is a minor) of the retired member will receive a dependent’s pension which is equivalent to 10 percent of the monthly pension of the retired member. To compute the dependent’s Pension, multiply the Monthly Pension of the retired member by 10%.
The Formula is like this Monthly Pension×10% = Monthly Pension of Dependent.
For example, the monthly pension is 17100.00 Pesos per month. The calculation will be like this: 17100.00×0.1 = 1710.00 Pesos per month for the Dependent.
6. SSS Benefits for Members Who Experienced Fatal Incident
The SSS benefit for members who experienced a fatal incident is called the death benefit. The benefit is the cash amount given to beneficiaries of the deceased SSS member. It can be a lump sum or a monthly pension.
A monthly pension plus a 13th-month pension during December is given to the primary beneficiaries of the deceased members who have paid a minimum of 36 months of contributions prior to the semester of the member’s demise. The monthly pension is between 1000 pesos to 2400 pesos. Plus 1000 pesos additional per month.
The dependent’s pension is given to the dependent, a minor of the deceased member. The minor dependent’s pension is 10 percent of the deceased member’s monthly pension or it can also be equivalent to 250 pesos. Sss will give the higher cash amount.
A lump sum amount is given to the beneficiaries of the deceased member who has paid 35 months of contributions or lower prior to the semester of the member’s fatal incident.
In the absence of a primary beneficiary, the secondary beneficiary will be the one to receive the lump sum amount. If there is no secondary beneficiary, the assigned beneficiaries will receive the lump sum amount.
To calculate this Benefit, get the value of the Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC) and the Credited Years of Service (CYS) and substitute them to the Formula for Monthly Pension for Death Benefit.
There are two Formulas to use to calculate the value of AMSC. The first Formula is to get the sum of 60 monthly salary credits immediately preceding the semester of availing the Death Benefit then divide it by 60. The second Formula is to get the sum of all the monthly salary credits prior to the semester of availing the benefit and then divide it by the number of monthly contributions paid by the member in the same period.
The first Formula for calculating AMSC is (Sum of the last 60 monthly salary credits) ÷ 60. The second Formula for calculating AMSC is (Sum of all monthly salary credits) ÷ (Number of monthly contributions paid by the deceased SSS Member).
Based on the two Formulas, higher AMSC will be used as the amount for computing the Benefit for Dependent.
There are two Formulas to get the value of Credited Years of Service (CYS). The first Formula is to determine the CYS of members prior to January 1985. The second Formula is to determine the CYS of members covered on or after January 1985.
The first Formula is like this CYS = A+B+C.
The second Formula is like this CYS = B+C
Whereas A is a variable that corresponds to the number of calendar years from the date of coverage up to 1984. To get the value of A, count the number of years from the date of coverage up to 1984.
B is a variable that corresponds to the number of calendar years (with at least 6 months of contributions) from 1985 to 2001. To get the value of B, count the number of years with at least 6 months of contributions from 1985 to 2001.
C is a variable that corresponds to the number of calendar years from January 2002 prior to the semester of availing the Death Benefit, the total number of contributions divided by 12. To get the value of C, determine the sum of all contributions from January 2002 until prior to the semester of the demise of SSS Members then divide it by 12.
There are 3 Formulas for calculating the Benefit Monthly Pension for the Dependent of a Deceased SSS Member which are below.
A. 300 Pesos + (20% × AMSC) + [2% × AMSC × (CYS−10)] = Monthly Pension for Dependent of Deceased SSS Member
B. 40%×AMSC = Monthly Pension for Dependent of Deceased SSS Member
C. Minimum Pension of 1000 Pesos + 1000 Pesos per month (starting January 2017) for Dependents of Deceased SSS Members who have less than 10 Credited Years of Service. Minimum Pension of 1200 Pesos + 1000 Pesos per month (starting January 2017) for Dependent of Deceased SSS Members who have at least 10 Credited Years of Service, and 2400 Pesos + 1000 Pesos per month (starting January 2017) for Dependent of Deceased SSS Member who have at least 20 Credited Years of Service. Plus 13th month pension every December.
For example, the AMSC is 22000.00 Pesos and the CYS is 35.
Using Formula A, the calculations will be like this: 300 Pesos + (.2×22000.00) + [0.02×22000.00× (35-10)] = 15700.00 Pesos per month
Using the Formula B, the calculations will be like this: 40%×22000.00 = 8800.00 Pesos per month
Using Formula C, the calculations will be like this: 1000 Pesos + 1000 Pesos = 2000.00 Pesos per month (for Retirees with at least 10 years of CYS), 1200 Pesos + 1000 Pesos = 2200.00 Pesos per month (for Retirees with at least 10 years of CYS), and 2400 Pesos + 1000.00 = 2400.00 Pesos per month (for Retirees with at least 20 years of CYS).
Based on the 3 Formulas for computing the monthly Pension, Formula A yields the highest value, which is 15700.00 Pesos per month. This means that SSS will give the 15700.00 Pesos as a Benefit in the form of a Monthly Pension to the Dependent of the deceased SSS Member.
7. SSS Benefits for Funeral Expenses
The SSS Benefits for the person who paid the funeral expenses for the deceased SSS members is called Funeral Benefit. Funeral Benefit is cash granted to the person who paid the expenses for the burial of the deceased sss member.
Depending on the deceased member’s MSC and paid contributions, the cash amount for the funeral benefit can range between 20000 pesos to 40000 pesos.
To compute the Amount of Funeral Benefit, determine the SUM of all the receipts of the expenses for the burial of the deceased SSS member.
The Formula is Payment Receipt 1 + Payment Receipt 2 + Payment Receipt 3 = Funeral Expenses
For example, Payment Receipt 1 is 5000.00 Pesos, Payment Receipt 2 is 10000.00 Pesos, and Payment Receipt 3 is 15000.00. The calculation will be like this: 5000.00 Pesos + 10000.00 Pesos + 15000.00 = 30000.00 Pesos.
The filing of the SSS Funeral Benefit is done online at www.sss.gov.ph. The cash grant will be deposited to the registered bank account of the person who filed the Funeral Benefit to SSS. There is no deadline for the filing of the Funeral Benefit.
Who Can Become Your SSS Beneficiary or Dependents?
Your SSS beneficiary or dependents can be your legal spouse, children, parents, designated person, and legal heirs.
Your primary beneficiary will be your legal spouse and children, your secondary beneficiary will be your parents, your designated beneficiaries can be your uncle, auntie, nephew, or niece, and your legal heirs will be your next of kin.
Is Paternity Leave an SSS Benefit?
No, paternity leave is not an SSS benefit. But you can still apply for the 7-day paternity leave to your employer under the Republic Act 8187. The 7-day paternity leave entitles the male/father to receive full payment of his salary during those leave days.
How to Compute My SSS Pension for Retirement?
To compute your SSS Pension for retirement, you can use the SSS online calculator. In the latter, input your date of birth, months and year you started as an SSS member, and your monthly salary earnings. Afterward, hit the compute button to compute your SSS pension.
Can I file my benefits claims at the SSS Branch Office?
Yes, you can file your benefits claims at the SSS Branch Office near you as well as at your my.sss account online. This depends on the type of benefits that you want to avail.
Can OFWs avail of the SSS Benefits?
Yes, OFWs can avail of the SSS Benefits if they are SSS Members and are actively paying their contributions.
