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Workers infected with Covid-19 eligible for EC benefits

Philippines | National

Workers infected with Covid-19 eligible for EC benefits

By Faith Argosino

Workers who were infected by Covid-19 in their workplace may claim benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) even if they are not hospitalized, the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) said on Thursday, March 17.

“As the number of workers who suffered from Covid-19 continues to rise, we want to remind everyone that Covid-19 could be compensable regardless of its severity and whether the worker was hospitalized, recovered in a quarantine facility, or underwent home isolation,” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said in a statement.

She added that ECP assistance exceeds the benefits provided by PhilHealth, the Social Security System (SSS), and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and employees no longer need to use their sick leave credits to avail the said program.

ECC approved Board Resolution No. 21-04-14 last April, which included Covid-19 in its list of occupational and work-related diseases.

Under ECP, Covid-infected workers may claim daily sickness, medical and disability benefits. In case of death, qualified dependents of deceased workers could claim death and funeral benefits.

ECC said workers could apply for ECP benefits at the SSS for private-sector employees and GSIS for government sector employees.

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