SSS releases P18M aid to displaced workers

THE Social Security System (SSS) Legazpi City Branch has released P18.2 million worth of unemployment benefits to some 1,386 members in the Bicol region during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“SSS Bicol has released P18, 213,050.51 for 1,386 members in the region from March 17 to Aug. 25, 2020,” SSS Legazpi communications officer Jeanette T. Mapa said.

Mapa said the released amount is part of the P1.2 billion allotment of the SSS for 60,000 members.

“Budget allotment is done system-wide and not per region. For as long as the member is qualified to file for unemployment benefit, he or she can apply,” Mapa said.

The province of Albay received the highest disbursement at P8.88 million for 678 members, followed by Camarines Sur for P11.57 million and Catanduanes at P1.42 million for 107 members. In Camarines Norte, 49 members received a total of P638,565 and two members in Masbate got P31,462.

“In support of our members who became jobless in these difficult times, SSS will continue to accept online applications so that we can immediately respond to their needs in times of contingencies such as during this pandemic, Mapa said.

Mapa also encouraged SSS members to create their own My.SSS account through registration at the SSS website to proceed with their applications.

To qualify for unemployment benefit, members must not be more than 60 years old at the time of involuntary separation, except for underground and surface mineworkers, and racehorse jockeys whose age should not be more than 50 and 55 years old, respectively.

“Member-applicant must have 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,” Mapa said.

Members are also required to register their bank accounts in their My.SSS accounts through the Bank Enrollment Module (BEM) and proceed to the E-services tab and click Bank Enrollment.

From there, members can select their preferred PESONet participating bank, e-wallet, or RTC/CPO and enter their correct bank account number or mobile number.

To submit their unemployment benefit application, members should log in to My.SSS account and click “apply for the unemployment benefit claim” under the E-Services tab. Members must provide all the information such as their active savings account enrolled in the Bank Enrollment Module (BEM), employment category, the date and reason of involuntary separation, as well as the employer’s name where they were separated.

Online applicants should read the certification carefully before clicking the “Submit” box to agree and proceed with the application. SSS will send a notification through email while members must reply to it by attaching the scanned copies of the certification issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Notice of Termination from the Employer or Affidavit of Termination from Employment, whichever is applicable.

Moreover, SSS noted that despite the issuance of a DOLE Certification, the SSS has the sole authority to deny a member’s unemployment benefit application based on its assessment and guidelines.

Members will receive a confirmation email from SSS regarding their successful application.Application for Covid-19 calamity loan is also ongoing, to be done and accepted online. Deadline is on September 14, 2020. (SAA-PIA5/Albay)