LGUs, Government Agencies, can pay monthly SSS contributions of their job-order workers, contractuals

by Bicol Express News

Governors and Mayors are now challenged to pay the SSS monthly contributions of their job-order workers and contractuals since their work force are not members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The Social Security System (SSS) has a new policy which provides a new mechanism that will enable LGUs or government agencies to pay the SSS monthly contribution of their job-order employees and contractuals.

To date, job-order workers and contractuals are the main workhorse of local government units who do the tasks assigned to regular government employees, but without the benefits of financial security of pension nor employment regularization.

As an example, government agencies can subsidize the contributions of their job order workers since they are not covered by the GSIS.

“A contribution subsidy provider could be a private or government individual or group willing to subsidize the SSS contributions of identified members,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Regino explained.

Included in this contribution subsidy program, the SSS is also urging individuals, groups, to subsidize Job Order, Informal Sector Workers and land-based OFWs’ contributions.

SSS aims to transform social security coverage in the country through a new program that encourages individuals and groups to subsidize the monthly contributions of SSS members.

SSS Contribution Subsidy Provider Program (CSPP)

Regino said the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program (CSPP) is an out-of-the-box approach in helping members who are having a hard time paying their social security contributions.

Under this program, a contribution subsidy provider would cover the contributions of self-employed, land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), or voluntary members.

Regino added that private institutions or multinational companies, as part of their corporate social responsibility, can shoulder the SSS contributions of self-employed informal sector workers or land-based OFWs who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Regino said that the SSS would partner with potential contribution subsidy providers who are generous enough to shoulder the contribution payments of chosen SSS members for at least six (6) months.

They could become a coverage and collection partner of the SSS through an online Certification with Undertaking or a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

For convenience, contribution subsidy providers can pay the SSS contribution subsidies in any SSS branch with tellering facilities or through an SSS-accredited collection partner.

“We want to provide SSS coverage to workers in the informal sector and land-based OFWs. These workers have the lowest social security coverage in our workforce, and they are among the most vulnerable sectors in times of contingencies,” Regino added.

“Subsidizing their SSS contributions is the greatest gift that we can give to a fellow Filipino. It will allow him to gain access to social security benefits which will serve as a cushion that they can rely on in times of emergencies and various contingencies,” Regino concluded.