What is the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines?

The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines is a government-mandated program that provides social insurance to Filipino workers in the private sector. The SSS offers various benefits including retirement, maternity, sickness, disability, death, and funeral. Both employers and employees are required to contribute to the SSS, with rates based on the employee's monthly salary. The program aims to provide financial protection to members and their beneficiaries against the hazards of disability, sickness, old age, and death. 


The typical retirement age under the Social Security System (SSS) is 60 years for optional retirement and 65 years for mandatory retirement. Employees who retire at these ages and have met the required minimum number of contributions are eligible for retirement benefits.
To qualify for retirement benefits under the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines, a member must have paid a minimum of 120 monthly contributions before the semester of retirement. This requirement allows a member to retire and receive benefits, either through monthly pension or a lump sum amount, depending on their total contributions and years of membership. 


The maternity leave in the Philippines grants female workers up to 105 days of paid leave for childbirth or miscarriage, with an option to extend for an additional 30 days unpaid. Solo parents are entitled to an extra 15 days of paid leave. Employers are required to pay the full amount of the leave, which is then reimbursed by the Social Security System (SSS), subject to certain conditions, including prior contributions. 
Fathers in the Philippines are entitled to paternity leave under the Paternity Leave Act of 1996 (Republic Act No. 8187). This law provides married male employees up to seven days of paid paternity leave for the first four deliveries of their lawful wife with whom they live. The leave can be used for childbirth or miscarriage, aiming to promote paternal involvement in child-rearing and recovery of the mother post-delivery. 


The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines provides a Funeral Benefit to the beneficiaries of a deceased SSS member. This benefit is a cash payment intended to help defray the cost of funeral expenses. The amount of the benefit varies, depending on the member's contributions and years of membership, but there is a minimum amount set by the SSS. To claim the benefit, the claimant must file the necessary forms and submit the required documents to the SSS. 

The SSS provides disability benefits to members who suffer a partial or total permanent disability. This includes monthly pensions and a lump-sum amount for those who haven't paid the required number of contributions. The specific benefits depend on the member's contributions and employment history. Eligibility requires a medical examination by an SSS physician to determine the degree of disability. 


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