BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – The Social Security System remains very strong with robust financial viability to provide continuing efficient service to its 34 million members amidst the COVID – 19 pandemic.
SSS North Luzon 1 Information Officer Christian Rillorta in a virtual Kapihan media forum on February 2 reported that in 2021 (as of October national data), SSS granted 312,044 members with disability benefits, around 144,000 in sickness benefits and P1.1 million in death benefits,
SSS also provided pension services to around 1.9 pensioners nationwide and 74,789 COVID – 19 affected members with unemployment benefits.
Rillorta shared that amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that restricted mobility, SSS has strengthened its online channels capability to continue delivering its programs and services to its members. Around 80 percent of transactions are now done online.
SSS Regional Information Officer Patrick Rillorta reports that their North Luzon Cluster 1 covers the SSS branch in Baguio City, La Trinidad Benguet and Bangued Abra and their offices remain open to provide services to members, pensioners and future members.
Through the “my.sss” portal, members can avail of SSS services such as maternity, sickness and disability benefits and loan services and application for SSS number. They can also access their contributions and membership record.
Rillorta is encouraging members to register in the my.SSS online service portal for easier transactions.
If having difficulty in online transactions, Rillorta cautions members and pensioners not to entertain people who are offering to help for a fee, instead seek help from relatives and friends. Or they can go to any SSS branch as there are desks and personnel assigned to assist them, to ensure the safety and confidentiality of their personal accounts.
For SSS Baguio, Branch Head Nancy Omoso assured continuing delivery of services to the around 47,000 employees and 11,400 self-employed/voluntary members under their branch.
Aside from the online transactions, Omoso also shared that SSS Baguio maintains a rotation of two teams for a continued delivery of service to those coming in or walk – in clients to their office. There is also a number coding scheme for members to ensure that there is no overcrowding and physical distancing is maintained on a daily transaction basis.
SSS Baguio Branch Head Nancy Omoso invites informal sector workers, such as motorcycle food delivery drivers to be voluntary members for them to have an opportunity to benefit from SSS programs and services
Meanwhile, Rillorta invites members who are having concerns on their salary loan payments to apply for loan condonation that is open until February 14 and can be accessed through the my.sss portal.
He also advises their members with inactive account or those currently unemployed to continue their membership as they can transfer their membership to self – employed or voluntary, for them to continue to avail of SSS services and to ensure that they will receive pension upon their retirement age. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR