The Social Security System (SSS) brought its services closer to Nueva Ecija residents by holding an onsite registration in Talavera town. The activity particularly targeted those from Barangays Bacal I, Bacal II, Bacal III, Matingkis, San Pascual, Lomboy, and Bagong Silang.
SSS Luzon Central 1 Division Vice President Vilma Agapito said the National Registration Day served as the culmination of what the state firm started last June 14 wherein the goal was to register about 640,000 new members.
“Our goal is that all Filipinos become SSS members because it is crucial to have social security protection to use in times of need,” Agapito pressed.
Aside from Talavera, registration was also held at the NE Pacific Mall in Cabanatuan City to entice mall goers.
To become a member of SSS, it is necessary to register and obtain a SS number.
“Getting a SS number is the beginning of becoming a member of the SSS and being entitled to a benefit once the first contribution has been made,” Agapito said.
Apart from processing the membership and providing the SS number to the new registrants, the state firm also explained the programs and benefits they deliver to its members.
One of its programs is the maternity benefit, a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who is unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy.
If the member gets sick, they can file to claim sickness benefits for a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury.
SSS also grants cash benefits, either as a monthly pension or a lump sum, to a member who becomes permanently disabled due to sickness or accident.
As for those who have lost their jobs due to unwanted or unexpected events, such as the closure of the company they are working for, the member can avail of unemployment benefit.
“Aside from benefits, we have privileges such as salary loans that members can enjoy that the computation depends on their contributions,” Agapito explained.
There is also a pension loan that SSS provides for members who are receiving their pensions.
Apart from the benefits and privileges, the SSS offers the MySSS Pension Booster as a program to boost the retirement funds and savings of its members.
In conducting the program, the state firm wants citizens to know the importance of being a member of the SSS from the benefits and privileges they can avail in times of need.
SSS membership is lifetime, and contributions will not be forfeited even if the member forgets to pay contributions for years, which they can continue to qualify for benefits. (PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
