The Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday warned its members and pensioners against online fixers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
SSS clarified in a statement posted on their social media accounts and pages that they are not accepting any fees in exchange for transactions made in their agency.
Transactions such as filing of benefits, creating SSS accounts, and facilitating the immediate release of loan applications and early release of retirement benefits are free of charge.
“Members must be vigilant in protecting their SSS accounts from these unscrupulous individuals and ensure that all online applications and transactions are to be made only through their My.SSS online accounts can be accessed via the SSS official website at sss.gov.ph and SSS Mobile App,” it said.
It also warned online fixers, saying their “malicious acts violate Section 17 of Republic Act 11199, or the ‘SS Act of 2018’ and is punishable by a fine up to P5,000 or imprisonment for not less than six months up to 1 year or both depending on the decision of the court.”
How to Apply for SSS Unemployment Benefits Online
- Members should log in to My.SSS account and click “apply for unemployment benefit claim” under the e-services tab.
- Provide all the pertinent information such as the active savings account enrolled through the Bank Enrollment Module (BEM), employment category, date of involuntary separation, the reason for involuntary separation, and the employer’s name where the member was separated.
- Read the certification carefully before clicking the “Submit” box to agree and proceed with the application. SSS will send a notification through email.
- Members should reply by attaching the scanned images of the certification issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), together with the notice of termination from their employers or Affidavit of Termination from Employment, whichever is applicable.
- SSS will once again send a notice through email regarding their unemployment benefits application.
Unemployment benefit will be released through various SSS payment channels such as Unified Multi-purpose Identification (UMID) card enrolled as ATM card, bank account in PESONet participating banks, electronic wallet such as (e.g., Paymaya), and remittance transfer companies or cash payout outlets (e.g., DBP Cash Padala through MLhuillier).