State-run Social Security System (SSS) will continue to issue violation notices to contribution evaders nationwide in light of the upcoming Labor Day.

In an effort to protect the welfare and security of private sector employees, the SSS urges establishments to responsibly remit their workers’ contributions.

Voltaire P. Agas, SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector, said that this synchronous Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operation would remind businesses of the legal consequences of remittance evasion.

“We want to assure our members that SSS will take action and penalize employers who fail to register their employees or have not deducted and remitted their contributions,” Agas said. “[This is the] SSS’ commitment to ensuring that all Filipinos in the labor force have access to social security benefits in emergencies.”

Agas also shared that SSS president and chief executive officer (PCEO) Rolando Ledesma Macasaet prioritizes the welfare of Filipino workers in terms of accessible benefits to social security protection.

“We have implemented new programs to reach out to our kababayans in the informal economy, especially in the rural areas and those belonging to the grassroots by encouraging them to enroll in the SSS so we all Filipinos will get social security coverage,” Agas added.

The nationwide campaign entitled “Alay ng SSS para sa mga Manggagawa – Serbisyong Mapagkakatiwalaan at Proteksyong Maaasahan” will begin on April 30, Tuesday.

With proper access to the pension fund’s benefits, members can avail sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, funeral, and death benefits.

Agas elaborated that retirement is available to members who pay at least 120 monthly contributions before they are subject to retire to get a lifetime monthly pension, while those with less than the requirement will get a one-time lump sum amount.

Death benefits, on the other hand, will be given to the beneficiaries of the deceased member through a monthly pension for those who have at least 36 monthly contributions before they die or a one-time lump sum amount to those lower than 36 monthly remittances.

“We also grant funeral benefits to whoever paid the funeral expenses of the deceased member. Claimants of deceased members with 36 or more monthly contributions may receive a variable amount from P20,000 to P60,000, depending on the number and amount of contributions paid by the member. The funeral benefit arising from the death of a member who paid less than 36 monthly contributions is fixed at P12,000,” he continued.

The SSS also noted that female members who have remitted their contributions within three months in the last 12 months prior to childbirth, miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy can claim the maternity benefit.

The disability benefit is also subject to at least a month’s worth of contribution for those who are partially or completely disabled.

This would entitle members to receive a monthly pension within 36 monthly contributions before the incident, and a lump sum will be given if the contributions are below 36 months.

“The sickness benefit is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member cannot work due to sickness or injury,” Agas added. Applicants of this benefit must have three months worth of remittance within twelve months before the incident.

Involuntary separation from work is also welcome to claim the unemployment benefit. Those who can inquire are open to all employees like kasambahays, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who were removed from their post due to redundancy, retrenchment or downsizing, closure or cessation of operation, or other causes that were not inflicted by the employee.

“Members must have also paid at least 36 monthly contributions, wherein 12 months of which should have been paid within the 18-month-period before the month of involuntary separation,” he said regarding the claiming of unemployment perks.

Meanwhile, the SSS opens more opportunities for members to invest in their future through various programs that would allow members to save their money wisely.

Agas explained that there are two retirement savings programs available– the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP), and the Voluntary Provident Fund Program (WISP Plus).

WISP is a fund scheme for SSS members with no final claim and can contribute to the regular SSS program with a Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) that can exceed to P20,000.

The WISP program can be paid while still contributing to their regular SSS remittances.

Meanwhile, the WISP Plus offers an increment to the retirement pension on top of the regular pension given by the security system.

“Members can contribute as little as P500 per payment under the WISP Plus whenever they want. The members’ pooled contributions under WISP Plus will generate investment earnings, which will be credited to their accounts tax-free,” he added.

Both programs encourage members to boost their retirement funds and inspire them to diligently settle their contributions for the sake of their future.