SSS-Legazpi starts releasing UPLIFT cash aid to members

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Social Security System - Legazpi Branch will start releasing the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program cash aid for qualified beneficiaries through their accredited bank accounts, an official said Tuesday.

In an interview, Jeanette Mapa, SSS Legazpi regional communications officer, said the UPLIFT Program will provide PHP2,000 in monthly assistance from July to December 2026.

Mapa said the release of the assistance began last week at the central office, adding that qualified beneficiaries will be notified directly through their My.SSS accounts.

To qualify, members must be employed and listed in the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System, have a monthly salary credit equivalent to an income of PHP20,000 or below, have at least one posted SSS contribution from 2025 to 2026, and have an enrolled disbursement account through the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module in their My.SSS account as of April 30, 2026.

She reminded members to remain vigilant against scammers taking advantage of the program.

“We advise members not to respond to text messages or emails asking for one-time passwords or directing them to click suspicious links,” Mapa said.

She also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call during his fifth State of the Nation Address for more Filipinos, particularly those in the informal sector, to become active SSS members.

“We are grateful that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the SSS during his fifth State of the Nation Address by highlighting our 44 million members. We are also pleased that he encouraged more Filipinos, particularly those in the informal sector, to become active SSS members,” she said.

Mapa said the President’s message reinforces the importance of social security coverage, noting that SSS membership provides protection not only to members but also to their families.

“SSS membership is more than just social protection. It is also a form of savings and investment that members and their families can rely on during life’s contingencies, such as sickness, maternity, disability, death, and retirement,” she said.

She encouraged Bicolanos, particularly self-employed individuals and workers in the informal sector, to register with the SSS and regularly pay their contributions to secure future benefits.

“By paying their contributions regularly, they can secure benefits today and look forward to receiving a retirement pension in the future,” Mapa said. (PNA)