home
The Social Security System (SSS) offers insurance benefits to Filipino workers, no matter if they are working in the Philippines or other countries. Being a migrant worker and an SSS member though comes with an advantage because they may opt to enjoy the two- tiered social security scheme of SSS for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The first layer of the SSS program for overseas Filipinos is the Regular OFW Coverage Program. This is actually the Basic Pension Program that aims to provide OFWs with a source of income after retirement. It was first executed in 1995 and all documented OFWs really need to be a member. However, for the reason that many members complain that the first layer does not provide adequate financial protection for life’s uncertainties, SSS created a second layer of protection.
This is now the SSS Flexi-Fund Program that was established in 2001 under President Arroyo’s administration offers members with a pension as well as savings plan. The membership to this supplemental program is voluntary. In 2002, this was adopted as the National Provident Fund for OFWs.
Here are a few FAQs taken from Philippines SSS website:
The program covers all OFWs not over 60 years old, whether previously a member or not.
When does the coverage of an OFW member take effect?
Coverage of an OFW takes effect upon payment of the first monthly contribution.
How does one register as an OFW (New) member?
Visit the nearest SSS office and secure an Overseas Worker Record Form (SSS Form OW-1). Fill out the form and submit with any of the following documents:
* Birth Certificate
* Driver's License
* PRC Card
* Baptismal Certificate
* Passport
* Seaman's Book
What will be the basis of monthly contributions?
The monthly contributions will be based on the monthly earnings declared at the time of registration, computed in Philippine pesos. (Please refer to the Schedule of Contributions)
Where will payments be made?
* Banco de Oro
* Landbank
* RCBC
* BPI
* Metrobank
* PNB
Contributions in any given year may be paid within the same year except for the last quarter wherein payment is extended up to 31 January of the following year.
What are the benefits and loan privileges of an OFW member?
OFWs are entitled to various benefits and loan privileges, provided qualifying conditions for entitlement are met. To ensure higher benefits and privileges you can continue to pay your monthly contributions until you reach the age of 60 or 65 years old.
BENEFITS:
* Sickness
* Maternity
* Retirement
* Disability (Partial/Total)
* Death
* Funeral
LOANS: Salary,Housing,House Repair/Improvement
Information about the Flexi-Fund Program of SSS
What is the SSS Flexi-Fund?
The SSS Flexi-fund is a voluntary provident fund for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It is an additional service of the SSS on top of its regular OFW membership. The program gives OFWs the opportunity to set aside part of their Flexi-fundcontributions, thus providing good security for their future.
What are the benefits under the Flexi-fund program?
The Flexi-fund Program is a pension plan and savings account rolled into one. Primarily, it aims to supplement the pension benefits under the regular OFW coverage. Members who reach retirement or become disabled will receive their benefits, equal to their total Flexi-fundcontributionsplus earnings, either in the form of monthly pension, lump-sum payment or combination of both.
Why is the SSS Flexi-fund agood investment?
Flexi-fundcontributionsare invested entirely in government securities. Interest earnings are computed based on the average 91-day Treasury bill rate, thus ensuring a transparent, high-yielding and risk-free investment of members' hard-earned income abroad.
Who may enroll in the Flexi-fund Program?
The Flexi-fund Program is exclusive to OFW members who are payingcontributionsbased on the prevailing maximummonthly salarycredit (MSC) under the regular SSS coverage program. Enrollment is done using SS Form OW-1 , indicating application for Flexi-fund membership, to be submitted to any SSS Foreign Representative office . Local SSS branches also accept OW-1 forms but will require registrants to present valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or E-receipt issued by the POEA as proof of pending deployment.
How can OFWs contribute to the SSS Flexi-fund?
Contributionscan be made anytime, provided the Flexi-fund member has paid the maximum monthlySSS contribution(currently at P1,560) for the applicable period. Any amount, not less than P200, paid in excess of the requiredcontributionwill be posted to the member's Flexi-fund account and earn interest (e.g., if total payment for applicable month of January is P2,000, the amount of P1,560 will be for regular SSS and P440 for Flexi-fund).
Can Flexi-fund deposits also be withdrawn? What are the requirements?
Flexi-fund members may opt to apply for early withdrawal of their accumulated funds, either in full or partial lump sum, in case of urgent financial needs. Pre-termination fees, however, will be imposed on withdrawal ofcontributionsthat have stayed in the Fund for less than a year.
For all Flexi-fund benefit claims, including early withdrawals, use SS Form DDR-2, which is also downloadable from the SSS website. This should be submitted to any local SSS branch, together with 1x1 IDpictureand photocopy of SSS digitized ID card or passport, for claim settlement.
