State-run Social Security System (SSS) implemented a number coding system and modified service procedures in handling transactions in selected branches nationwide.
In a statement, Aurora C. Ignacio, SSS president and chief executive said that the pension fund released its Circular No. 2020 - 017 that limits the number of walk-in transactions in the branches.
According to Ignacio, the SSS circular also prescribed the weekly schedule wherein members and employers (ERs) can do their transactions with the pension fund.
The schedule is based on the last digit of their Social Security (SS) or ER ID numbers.
“The new procedures aim to regulate the number of people transacting in SSS branches amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic,” Ignacio said.
Under the circular, SSS will implement the number coding system and modified service procedures in all 51 branches in the National Capital Region.
In Luzon, the new procedures will be implemented in Baguio, Dagupan, Bacoor, and Biñan branches, while in the Visayas and Mindanao, it will also take effect in Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Bacolod, Iloilo-Central, Cagayan De Oro, and Davao branches.
Walk-in transactions in these branches will be limited to the payment of contributions and loans, compliance to the SS Number Application thru the SSS web, pick-up of Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card, presentation of original documents to support claim applications, and other justifiable reasons.
SSS advised members and employers to conduct their transactions on the prescribed schedule, as follows: Mondays for SS or ER ID number ending in 1 or 2; Tuesdays for those ending in 3 or 4; Wednesdays for those ending in 5 or 6; Thursdays for those ending in 7 or 8; and Fridays for those ending in 9 or 0.
For transactions such as funeral and death claims, the SS number of the deceased member will be the basis for the number coding schedule.
If the prescribed transaction day falls on a declared holiday, the member or employer may transact on the next working day.
In case a system downtime occurs, the branch will set an appointment for members and employers waiting in line.
They can also have the option to wait until the system is once again operational, or opted to come back the following week on their prescribed schedule.