SSS Unemployment Benefit: Requirements & How to Apply

In the Philippines, the Social Security System (SSS) provides unemployment benefits to qualified members who are involuntarily separated from their employment. This benefit is designed to help individuals who have lost their jobs due to various reasons, such as retrenchment, closure, or downsizing of a company.

SSS Unemployment Benefit is one of the benefits that members of SSS can receive. It is in accordance with Section 14-B of the Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

The cash benefit will be based on the member’s monthly salary credit.

“Up to 20,000 o katumbas po ito ng one month salary credit. Halimbawa, ang isang miyembro ay naghuhulog ng para sa P20,000 monthly salary credit, makakakuha po siya ng ganung halaga”.

Translation

“Workers can get up to 20,000 financial assistance equivalent to one-month salary credit. For instance, they are contributing for a 20,000 monthly salary credit, they will get that same amount.” SSS public affairs and special event division head Fernando Nicolas said in a statement.

SSS public affairs and special event division head Fernando Nicolas said in a statement.

What is SSS Unemployment benefits?

Also known as Unemployment Insurance or involuntary separation benefit, it is a cash benefit given to workers who have been terminated or laid off. May it be Overseas Filipino Workers (land-based or Sea-based), Houseworkers, or any employee that has involuntarily separated from work.

When an employee in the Philippines experiences involuntary separation from their employment, they may be eligible to receive the Social Security System’s (SSS) unemployment benefit. The amount granted to the employee is calculated based on their average monthly salary credit (AMSC), with the benefit being equivalent to twice the half of their AMSC if they meet the eligibility requirements.

It’s important to note that the SSS unemployment benefit is a one-time payment, and the employee must file their claim within a year from the date of their involuntary separation. This means that individuals who have recently lost their job should act promptly to ensure they don’t miss out on this benefit.

How much can you get in SSS Unemployment Benefit?

When it comes to SSS unemployment benefits in the Philippines, it’s important to understand the amount of financial aid you may receive. Typically, the benefit amount is equivalent to 50% of your average monthly salary credits (AMSC) for a maximum of two months. This amount is granted as a one-time payment to qualified employees.

You can use a simple formula to calculate your unemployment benefits. To do so, multiply your average monthly salary credit by 50%, and then multiply that figure by two. For example, if your monthly salary is PHP 18,000, you would be eligible for PHP 18,000 in unemployment benefits.

Who are qualified to get the involuntary separation benefit?

To see if you qualify for the unemployment benefit, see the following conditions below:

• An applicant must be below 60 years old when they were removed from their job. Exceptions for miners, who should be 50 years old or younger, and racehorse jockeys must be aged 55 or younger.

• Must have paid SSS contributions for at least 36 months, with at least 12 payments remitted in the last 18 months before they were laid out of work.

• The employee must not have received an unemployment benefit in the past three years.

Qualified workers

The following are the accepted reasons for unemployment that will qualify a worker for this SSS benefit:

• the introduction of machines that will replace human labor, redundancy,
• retrenchment to prevent losses,
• company closure or cessation of operations,
• having an ailment that may affect coworkers or being banned from rendering labor,
• an economic collapse, natural disasters, and other cases decided on by the Department of Labor and Employment.
• Workers who stopped reporting for work due to serious insult by the employer or his representative on the honor and person of the employee, inhumane and unbearable treatment, the commission of an offense or crime against a worker or his family, and similar situations can likewise seek to avail of this benefit.

Not qualified workers

However, for employees who were rightfully dismissed under the Labor Code – such as

• those who were caught involved in serious misconduct,
• gross and habitual neglect,
• fraud or willful breach of trust,
• and the commission of a crime against his/her employer and immediate family members – are disqualified from receiving the benefit

SSS Unemployment Requirements

• Original and photocopy of either one of the following valid ID:

1. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
2. SSS card
3. Alien Certificate of Registration
4. Driver’s License
5. Firearm Registration
6. License to Own and Possess Firearms
7. NBI Clearance
8. Passport
9. Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence
10. Postal Identity Card
11. Seafarer’s Identification & Record Book
12. Voter’s ID Card

• DOLE Certification

How to apply for SSS Unemployment Benefit?

If you’re a member of the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines and you’ve lost your job involuntarily, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Luckily, applying for SSS unemployment benefits has become much easier and more convenient in recent years with the option to submit your application online.

To start the process, log in to your My.SSS account as a “Member” and navigate to the “E-services” tab. From there, click on “Apply for Unemployment Benefit” and complete the online form with all the relevant details. It’s crucial to double-check your information, such as your mailing address, contact number, email address, bank details, employment category, date of separation, and employer, to ensure that they are complete and accurate.

After you’ve reviewed the certifications and details, click on “Submit.” You’ll then receive an email notification about your unemployment benefits claim application. Reply to the email with scanned images of necessary documents, including the certification issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). Depending on your situation, you may also need to attach other details such as the “Notice of Termination” from your employer or the “Affidavit of Termination from Employment.”

Once you’ve submitted all the required documents, you’ll receive an acknowledgment email from the SSS regarding your application. If you want to check the status of your application, you can send an email to member_relations@sss.gov.ph with your SSS number and reference number of your application.

The processing time for unemployment benefits typically takes about 5 to 10 working days. Once your application is approved, the SSS will transfer the money through the specified channels, such as your UMID-ATM card, digital wallets, or remittance transfer companies.

For more information, refer to the SSS Brochure below:

Conclusion

In summary, the SSS unemployment benefit provides support to qualified members who have lost their jobs involuntarily. By taking advantage of this benefit, individuals can alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with unemployment. Remember to file your claim within a year of separation to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.

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