State-run Social Security System (SSS) has implemented a number coding system and modified service procedures in handling transactions in its 61 branches across the country.
SSS President and CEO Aurora Ignacio signed over the week Circular No. 2020-017 which limits the number of walk-in transactions in the branches in a bid regulate the number of people transacting in SSS branches amid the pandemic.
The circular prescribed the weekly schedule wherein members and employers (ERs) can do their transactions with SSS which is based on the last digit of their Social Security (SS) or ER ID numbers.
"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," the circular stated.
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," it added.
The new procedure will be implemented by the SSS in all 51 branches in the National Capital Region, as well as in Baguio, Dagupan, Bacoor, Biñan, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Bacolod, Iloilo-Central, Cagayan De Oro, and Davao branches.
According to Ignacio, 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."
"Through these alternative branch service procedures, we are hoping to limit our stakeholders' risk of exposure to COVID-19. We have also expanded our online services in the My.SSS web portal so that they can transact with us at the convenience of their homes or offices," Ignacio said.
Aside from its online transactions, drop boxes are also available in the said branches which can be used by the public to submit documents for transactions that were not mentioned and are not available through the SSS's online channels.
The SSS also encouraged anew members and employers to use its digital platforms for their SSS transactions, if available, to avoid having to queue in its branches.