What do they do?

The Philippine Social Security System (Paseguruhan ng Kapanatagang Panlipunan, o

r SSS) is a social insurance program for workers in the Philippines. It began in
1957. It is a government agency that provides retirement and health benefits to
all enrolled employees in the Philippines. Members of the SSS can also make 'sa
lary' or 'calamity' loans. Salary loans depend on the monthly salary of the empl
oyee. Calamity loans are for such times when there is a calamity that has been s
o declared by the government, in the area where the SSS member lives, such as fl
ooding, earthquake and natural disasters.
Basis for Creation (History)
Social Security System (SSS) is an agency which is created to establish a social
security protection to workers in the private sector, wage earners as well as s
elf-employed persons. It is implemented in accordance with the Republic Act 1161
, better known as Social Security Act of 1954.
It was former President Manuel A. Roxas who first proposed a bill in Congress, s
eeking the establishment of a social security system for wage earners and low-sa
laried employees. This he said on January 26, 1948, during his State of the Nati
on Address.
On July 7, 1948, after the death of Pres. Roxas, Pres. Elpidio Quirino created a
Social Security Commission, his first official act as president. This commissio
n drafted the Social Security Act that was submitted to Congress. This draft was
introduced by Rep. Floro Crisologo, Senators Cipriano Primicias and Manuel Brio
nes to the House and was enacted as Republic Act 1161, or the Social Security Ac
t 1954.
continuation of History
However, its implementation was delayed by objections made by business and labor
groups. It was only in 1957, that amendatory bills were presented in Congress c
reating the RA 1792, amending the original Social Security Act.
On September 1, 1957, the Social Security Act of 1954 or the Social Security Law
(SS Law) was finally implemented adopting the social insurance approach to soci
al security, covering the employed segment of the labor force in the private sec
tor.
There are two programs being administered by SSS, namely:
? The Social Security Program; and
? The Employees' Compensation (EC) Program, which started in 1975, providing dou
ble compensation to workers who had illness, death or accident during work-relat
ed activities. EC benefits are granted only to members with employers other than
themselves.
In 1980, some groups of self-employed persons were also required to contribute t
o the social security fund from which benefits are paid upon the occurrence of a
contingency provided by law. In 1992, self-employed farmers and fisherfolks wer
e also included in the program. In 1993, household helpers who earn at least P1,
000 were included in the compulsary coverage of employees and in 1995, workers i
n the informal sector earning at least P1,000 a month, like the ambulant vendors
and watch-your-car boys, were also covered by SSS. On May 1, 1997, Pres. Fidel
V. Ramos, signed RA 8282, Social Security Act of 1997, an act which furtherly st
rengthen the SSS. This act provides better benefit packages, expansion of covera
ge, flexibility in investments, stiffer penalties for violators of the law, cond
onation of penalties of delinquent employers, and the establishment of a volunta
ry provident fund for members. In 1995, upon the enactment of Republic Act 7875
or the National Health Insurance Act of 1995, SSS, which used to administer Medi
care program for hospitalization and other medical needs of private sector worke
rs, transferred the administration to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (P
hilHealth) for an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development.
Other Services
SMEC Benefit Payment through the Bank Program
Text-SSS
SSS Flexi-fund for overseas Filipino workers

SSS Auto-Debit Arrangement (ADA)

Guidelines for Accreditation of Banks
SSS Net electronic data interchange
SSS Identification Card
Information Kiosk
Importance for the Labor Sector
Governent Agency that provide protection to the members and their families again
st
contingencies resulting in the loss of income and financial burden and to contri
bute
to the socio-economic development of the country through a viable social insuran
ce
program.
Vision
The SSS aims to develop and promote a Viable, Universal and Equitable
social security protection scheme through world-class service.
Viable. Social security protection shall be provided through generations.
Universal. Social security protection shall be provided to all residents of the
Philippines, citizens and non-citizens alike, regardless of creed, gender, age,
geographic location and economic status, especially the disadvantaged, so that
no one will become a burden to society.
Equitable. Fair and uniform coverage shall be made available to all. Benefits
shall be meaningful and able to sustain a decent standard of living.
World-class Service. The highest standards of social security service - prompt,
accurate and courteous - shall be provided to ensure total member satisfaction.
SSS Mandate
DECLARATION OF POLICY
"It is the policy of the State to establish, develop, promote and perfect a soun
d and viable tax-exempt social security system suitable to the needs of the peop
le throughout the Philippines which shall promote social justice and provide mea
ningful protection to members and their families against the hazards of disabili
ty, sickness, maternity, old age, death and other contingencies resulting in los
s of income or financial burden. Toward this end, the State shall endeavor to ex
tend social security protection to workers and their beneficiaries." (Section 2,
RA 8282)
Mission
To provide meaningful protection to the members and their families against
Contingencies resulting in the loss of income and financial burden and to contri
bute
to the socio-economic development of the country through a viable social insuran
ce
program.