How to Avail the SSS Unemployment Benefit

Due to this year’s consecutive unprecedented events, predominantly the pandemic, many Filipinos lost their employment, businesses, and other sources of income. In response to this, the Social Security System (SSS) promotes one of the programs it offers to its members- the Unemployment Insurance or the Involuntary Separation Benefit.

Read Also: SSS Peso Fund | Minimum Investment is PhP 1,000 ONLY!

Most commonly called the SSS Unemployment Benefit, the program is in compliance with Section 14B of the Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 which enforces a provision of Unemployment Benefit to involuntarily unemployed members.

An unemployment benefit is a cash benefit distributed to all qualified SSS members, including household helps and overseas workers, who were forced to lose their employment under valid reason and circumstances. The benefit first took effect in 2015.

What are the qualifications for the SSS Unemployment Benefit?

In addition to being an SSS member, the following conditions must be satisfied by the member to become eligible for the unemployment benefits:

• Less than 60 years old;
• Paid at least 36 months of contributions, with 12 consecutive contributions within 18 months prior to unemployment;
• Has not received any unemployment benefit within the last three years;
• Involuntarily unemployed due to, but not limited to, the following circumstances:
  • Under the Labor Code of the Philippines such as:
    • Use of machinery for easier and faster production;
    • Redundancy of labors;
    • Lay-offs;
    • Temporary or permanent closure of a company; or 
    • Illnesses;
  • Under Article 300 (285) of PD No. 442, which includes:
    • Extreme discrimination within the workplace;
    • Inhumane treatment from the employer or its representative;
    • Posting danger or threats to the employees or their families; or
    • Other related reasons;
  • Economic Crisis;
  • Natural Calamities; and
  • Other cases identified by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

On the other hand, a member is deemed ineligible if the cause of his/her termination or unemployment is a consequence of his/her negative performance at work.

Read Also: SSS Salary Loan | Online Application Requirements and Procedures

What are the requirements?

1. At least one valid ID, preferably UMID or SS card, or two supporting IDs or documents with photo and signature
2. DOLE Certification stating the reason and date of unemployment

How to apply for the SSS Unemployment Benefit?

1. Apply for the DOLE Certification of unemployment through its nearest branch or at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) which  requires the following documents:
   1. Notice of Employment from the employer; 
   2. Notarized Affidavit of Termination of Employment; and
   3. UMID ID or bank card or certificate.
2. Proceed to the application of unemployment benefit at the nearest SSS branch.
3. Fill out the application form and submit the necessary requirements.

Members can file for unemployment benefits once every three years.

Read Also: GSIS Online Loan Application | Step by Step Procedures

How much can I get?

Once approved, SSS shall grant its member the benefit amount equivalent to his/her average monthly salary credits (AMSC), disbursed in a one-time payment through:

• UMID Card deposit;
• UBP Quick Card at UBP kiosks;
• Banks under PesoNet; or
• Non-bank cash pick-up.

For more information, you may contact SSS through:

• SSS Hotline: 1455
• SSS Trunkline No. (632) 8920-6401
• SSS Call Center: (632) 8920-6446 to 55
• Toll-Free No.: 1-800-10-2255777 
• SSS Email: [email protected]  
• SSS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSSPh