Enhanced SSS program ensures pensions to rightful payees

Social Security System (SSS) pensioners will be required to report to their depository bank or any SSS branch starting this year to validate their eligibility to continue to receive pensions, a top official said.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said changes in the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) program, which the SSS introduced in 2004, aims to protect the fund from undue pension payments and fraudulent claims.

"The ACOP protects members’ contributions by ensuring the integrity of the SSS fund," he said. "We want SSS benefits to go to the right members and beneficiaries."

De Quiros said SSS will give special consideration to those unable to make a personal appearance, such as pensioners based overseas, under confinement or physically unable to travel due to health conditions or old age.

"We will accept requests for home visits and documents such as medical records and official certifications sent via mail or through representatives. Pensioners residing abroad only need to send the required documents," he said.

The institution provides lifetime pensions for retirement, total disability and death to over 1.6 million pensioners. Under the law, pensions are stopped when the member dies, recovers from disability or becomes re-employed if below age 65, or when the surviving spouse remarries.

"SSS will mail a notification letter two months before the member’s month of retirement, death or disability. Pensioners have three months, which will end on the last day of their contingency month, to make a one-day personal appearance at their savings bank or any SSS branch," De Quiros said.

The ACOP requires retiree pensioners and beneficiaries of deceased members to present their notification letter to their depository bank once a year. Total disability pensioners will present SSS’ letter and report to any SSS branch for a yearly medical check-up.

"Those receiving pension checks must present their letter to the SSS office nearest them as ACOP compliance," De Quiros said.

After SSS stopped the ACOP in 2006, pensioners with ATM pension accounts change their PIN code at their depository bank every year while total disability pensioners go to SSS for an annual physical examination.

"SSS requires banks to submit an annual list of pension accounts without any withdrawal for the past 12 months, which we use to investigate if a pensioner still exists," De Quiros said. Sigfredo Ibay, SSS

SSS union holds 1st national convention

Officials of the Social Security System (SSS) employees’ union presented a certificate of appreciation to Sen. Antonio Trillanes (5th from left) at the 1st National Convention of the Alert and Concerned Employees of the SSS (ACCESS) at the El Cielito Hotel in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on November 17. Trillanes, Chairman of the Senate’s Civil Service Government Reorganization Committee, was keynote speaker during the three-day event, which carried the theme "Standing Firm Towards Achieving Our Commitment." Karina Constantino David, who is a member of the Government Service Insurance System’s Board of Trustees and former Civil Service Commission Chairperson, also delivered a message to SSS employees as guest speaker. Shown in photo are ACCESS President Dr. Carolina Basilio (3rd from right) and Executive Vice President Ramon San Andres (6th from left) with ACCESS officials. (Raffy Rico)

IKA-54 TAONG ANIBERSARYO NG SSS, PATULOY SA PAGLILINGKOD SA TAUMBAYAN

Pinangunahan ni Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. De Quiros Jr. (may hawak ng mikropono) kasama sina (mula kaliwa) AVP for Media Affairs Department Joel P. Palacios, AVP for Records Information Management Division Renato N. Malto, VP for Member Services Division Mario R. Sibucao, EVP Edgar B. Solilapsi at VP for Management Services Division & PO May Catherine Ciriaco sa isang Press Conference na ginanap (Agosto 31, 2011) kaugnay sa ika-54 na taong anibersaryo ng SSS. Nagkaroon ng pag-uulat ng mga nagawa at ginagawa pang serbisyo ng kanilang ahensya para sa taumbayan. Kasama sa tinalakay ang kinita na mahigit 42.72 bilyon piso na kontrobusyon at sinasabing nahigitan pa ang ‘target’ na koleksyon na 1.2 bilyon piso. Larawan ni Robert Gines

SSS to issue New UMID cards

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr., announced the major development on the Unified Multipurpose Identification System or “UMID”, which could change the way they do things in the Social Security System, that would make life easier for members, in their transactions with SSS and other government agencies on July 18, 2011 at the SSS Conference Room.

He said that the institution would start issuing UMID cards free to members before the end of the month (July).

De Quiros also said that at least four other government agencies, Government Service Insurance System, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation on May 11, 2009 signed a Memorandum of Understanding towards the joint implementation of the UMID.

The new UMID ID has a contactless chip and a magnetic stripe, which stores information not only for identification purposes, but will serve as a transaction card that can eventually be used in withdrawing SSS benefits and loan proceeds from automated teller machines.

He also said that other state agencies which uses biometric technology and fingerprint matching to determine a person’s identity, can also join the UMID, so more people can be benefitted.

The SSS card production facility broke down in 2010, after issuing 11 million cards since it started operation in 1998.

“Members who have been waiting for their IDs after SSS card production stopped on April 2010 would be the first to get UMID cards,” de Quiros said.

Production has started at the rate of 5,000 cards per day, and will increase to the maximum daily output of 20,000 to eliminate the backlog of about 600,000 applications in one and a half months.

To attend to new applicants, 131 data capture machines were installed in 95 SSS branches all over the country from May to June this year, replacing the old ones.

A mobile data capture service will also be fielded to companies so employees can get IDs without leaving the company premises.

SSS has piloted a mobile data capture projects at Resorts World in Pasay City last month, where around 800 employees have availed of the service.

The UMID concept was introduced under the Executive Order 420 issued on April 13, 2005 directing all government agencies and Government Owned-Controlled Corporations (GOCC) issuing ID cards to adapt a unified multipurpose ID system.

It aims to reduce cost and financial burden on government and the public due to the use of multiple ID cards and maintaining of databases with the same or related information.

EO 700 issued on January 16, 2008 placed the SSS identification system at the core of the UMID, in recognition of the agency’s expertise in managing a biometric ID system for its millions of members. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila

PAGLULUNSAD NG BAGONG UNIFIED MULTI-PURPOSE ID CARD (UMID) NG SSS

Inilunsad ng SSS ang Unified Multi-Purpose Id Card (UMID) upang makatipid ang pamahalaan sa gastusin sa pagpapagawa ng ID dahil imbes na ang SSS, GSIS, Philhealth at Pag-ibig ay magpapagawa ng kanya-kanyang pagkakakilanlan at patunay na kasapi ay iisang ID na lamang umano ang ilalabas ng apat (4) na GOCC.

Ayon kay Emilio S. De Quiros, Jr. Pangulo at CEO ng SSS, ang Card Registration Number (CRN) ay magsisilbing habambuhay nang numero ng isang kasapi. Dagdag pa nya na ang National Statistics Office ang magsisilbing taga-berepika kung ang isang miyembro may nakarehistro nang ID card kung kaya maiiwasan ang pagdoble ng naipagkaloob ng ID.

Nakalagay umano sa nasabing UMID card ang buong pangalan, araw at lugar ng kapanganakan, pangalan ng magulang, timbang at taas. Inaasahan din na sa loob ng limang (5) taon ay 25 milyong miyembro na ang magkakaroon ng nasabing ID card. Makakakuha rin nito sa alinmang nabanggit na apat (4) na GOCC.

Ang uunahing mabigyan nito ay ang mga bagong miyembro ng SSS, GSIS, Philhealth at Pagibig kabilang na rin dito ang 607,000 na hindi pa nakatatanggap ng SSS ID subalit nakapagsagawa na ng Biometrics sa kanilang tanggapan at nakapagsumite na ng kaukulang kinakailangang dokumento. Samantala, ang mga dati nang may SSS ID ay maari ring pumunta sa anumang malapit na upisina ng SSS upang magkaroon ng bagong UMID ngunit pinapayuhan na makalipas na ang isa’t kalahating buwan na inaasahang matatapos ang ‘backlog’ nila sa ID. Cathy Cruz, PSciJourn Mega Manila

SSS disburses P20.6-B for benefits in first quarter

The Social Security System (SSS) paid out P20.6 billion in pensions and other benefits during the first quarter this year, which was seven percent higher than the P19.2 billion over the same period last year.

SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi said pension disbursements, which accounted for nearly 70 percent of benefit releases, posted a seven percent increase for a total of P14.2 billion.

"The number of SSS pensioners swelled by more than 110,000 within the 12-month period ending in March this year. More than half of them are retirement pensioners and about 47,000 more are surviving spouses and dependent children of members," Solilapsi said.

Retirement and death pensioners comprise 96 percent of the 1.56 million SSS pensioners. Members with at least 120 contributions are entitled to retirement pensions and those with a minimum of 36 monthly premiums are eligible for death and disability pensions.

The state-run agency provides benefits for sickness, maternity, partial and total disability, retirement and death. Contributions determine the amount of benefits members and their beneficiaries receive.

Solilapsi reminded members of the new SSS payment deadlines, which would take effect in July starting with payments applicable to the month or quarter ending in June.

The new cut-off dates are based on the 10th digit of the employer number and social security number of household employers, self-employed workers and voluntary members. If the 10th digit is ‘1’ or ‘2’, the deadline falls on the 10th day after the applicable month or quarter.

"Under the revised deadlines, the cut off date would be on the 15th day of the following month if the 10th digit is ‘3’ and ‘4’, the 20th day for ‘5’ and ‘6’, 25th day for ‘7’ and ‘8’ and on the last day for ‘9’ and ‘0’," Solilapsi said.

Other than pensions, the SSS also disbursed P517.9 million for sickness benefits, rehabilitation and medical services and P1 billion for maternity claims and funeral grants. Lump sum payments for retirement, death and disability amounted to P4.2 billion. -30- RAFFY RICO

SSS salary loan releases up 41 percent to P3.6-B

The Social Security System (SSS) said nearly 250,000 members availed of salary loans in the first three months this year totaling P3.6 billion, which was 41 percent higher than the P2.6 billion for the same period last year, a senior official said.

SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi said the first quarter releases included renewals of employed members who regained loan eligibility after settlement of their overdue amortizations under a Loan Penalty Condonation program that started last January 3.

"Employers must be updated in remitting contributions and loan amortizations to enable their employees to be eligible for salary loans. We call on delinquent employers to avail of our Loan Penalty Condonation Program before it ends on June 30," Solilapsi said.

The condonation program offers employers the opportunity to settle overdue loans of their employees without paying the one percent monthly penalty. Employers can pay in full within the six-month availment period or make installment payments for up to 24 months.

More than 215,000 borrowers during the first quarter this year were employees, who comprised P3.3 billion or 91 percent of the P3.6 billion loan releases within the three-month period. About 27,700 more were voluntary members, including 2,500 overseas Filipino workers.

"About 18,600 employees with a combined delinquency of P198.7 million have updated their loan accounts under the condonation program. But we anticipate a deluge of last-minute applications at our branches in the coming days," Solilapsi said.

He said the biggest jump in loan releases was in the Central Luzon region with 55 percent increase, adding: "It grew from P143.8 million in the first quarter of last year to P222.5 million for January to March this year."

The National Capital Region, where half of the agency’s 29 million members are based, accounted for 55 percent or almost P2 billion of total salary loan releases --- up 50 percent from P1.3 billion from January to March last year, he added. -30- RAFFY RICO

RIZAL@150: HALIGI NG BAYAN

The Social Security System (SSS) has opened a historical exhibit on the life of Jose Rizal at the SSS Museum and Library at the basement of the SSS headquarters in Diliman, Quezon City to commemorate the national hero’s 150^th birth anniversary on June 19. The exhibit, which carries the theme "Rizal @ 150: Haligi ng Bayan," is open to members and the general public on Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until August 12. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio De Quiros, Jr. (3^rd from left) and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Architect Wilkie Delumen (2^nd from right) cut the ribbon during ceremonies on June 8. Also present were (from left) SSS Vice President for Public Affairs and Special Events Marissu Bugante, Philippine Information Agency Staff Director Betty Lou Peñera, Department of Social Welfare and Development Director  Prescila Villa, Social Security Commission member Ibarra Malonzo (right) and Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares(inset) RAFFY RICO/CATHY CRUZ

SSS opens online claims for benefits, loans

The Social Security System (SSS) has expanded the website services of www.sss.gov.ph to accept members’ benefit claims, loan applications and availments and employers’ contribution and loan collection reports starting on June 6, a top official said.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the website enhancements would give members easy and fast access to SSS products and benefits and they can transact "anytime, anywhere."

"We want to make transactions easier and convenient. Part of this thrust is to offer services right in their own homes or offices thru the SSS website," he said.

The new features include online facilities for companies to submit lists of covered employees, contribution and loan collection reports and maternity notifications of workers.

Self-employed and voluntary members can also submit salary loan applications and maternity notifications through the website. The initial batch of online services involve applications that require no supporting documents.

"Companies would certify online applications of employees to confirm their employment status and capability to pay the loan. This also alerts employers, who have the duty to deduct and remit monthly amortizations of employees, about the loan application," De Quiros said.

The SSS website, which allows members to view online their SSS records, is among the pension fund’s self-service facilities offering round-the-clock access to its services.

"Apart from the website, we also have the TextSSS and the telephone-based Interactive Voice Reponse System, which employ the use of technology to enable members to inquire about their SSS records, loan and benefit eligibility and application status," De Quiros said.

Members and employers must be registered users of the SSS website to avail of its online inquiry and submission services, he said.

About 15,000 employers and 1.1 million members are registered with the SSS website. For inquiries, members can contact the SSS Online Services Support Department at 920-6401 local 6201 and at its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/sssonlineservice.

SSS sends inspectors to construction sites

The Social Security System (SSS) has sent out field inspectors to construction sites and other high-risk work areas to check the employment status of workers and ensure their protection from work-related accidents as provided by law, a top official said.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. said SSS account officers have been directed to make a headcount and look into the payroll of contractors and sub-contractors to make sure that workers have SSS coverage.

"We are being proactive because construction workers are vulnerable," De Quiros said. "SSS coverage is invaluable to construction and factory workers, security guards and employees in high-risk industries."

The social security law provides compensation for sickness, maternity, disability, retirement and death. For work-related accidents, workers get additional benefits under the Employees’ Compensation program, which is also administered by the SSS.
At least 10 construction workers died and one seriously injured late last month when they fell from the 32nd floor of a high-rise building in Makati City. Investigation showed they were not reported for SSS coverage by their employers.

De Quiros said he ordered SSS account officers to make door-to-door visits of factories and construction sites to check if the workers have SSS coverage and the companies were up-to-date in remitting contribution payments.

"We also urge workers to report to SSS if their employers are negligent in their obligations," he said. "Erring employers face fines and imprisonment of up to 12 years."

De Quiros called on families of workers who died in the Makati accident to get in touch with SSS Vice President for NCR Operations Group Naciancino Monreal in the SSS main office in Quezon City to facilitate processing of their benefits.

Monreal can be reached at telephone number 920-6401 local 5813.