If you are a private sector worker, professional, or an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), then you are likely a member of the the Social Security System (SSS), the social insurance program of the Philippine government. For OFWs based in Hong Kong, there’s an SSS office where you can avail of the agency’s services.
In times of calamity, sickness, disability, unemployment, and other emergencies — SSS members can apply for certain benefits. And when they retire, they can expect to receive a monthly pension, which is computed based on the contributions that they have made while they were working, both inside and outside the Philippines.
Hong Kong OFW’s Guide to Paying SSS Contributions
As an SSS member, it’s only fitting that you know what the agency is and how you and your family can benefit — while you are still working, and even up to your retirement days.
What is SSS?
The Social Security System (SSS) is a government-run program that covers workers in the private, professional, and informal sectors — including OFWs. The SSS provides different kinds of programs and services to its members and their dependents.
Vision and Mission
As shared on its official website, the vision and mission statements of the SSS are as follows:
Vision. “A viable security institution providing universal and equitable social protection through word-class service.”
Mission. “To manage a sound and viable social security system which shall promote social justice and provide meaningful protection to members and their families against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden.”
SSS Coverage for OFWs
Membership in the SSS is mandatory for all OFWs. For land-based OFWs, they are regarded in the same way as “self-employed” SSS members in the Philippines. Meanwhile, sea-based OFWs are considered as employees of their managing agencies (principals), in accordance with the policies and regulations of the SSS.
As for overseas Pinoys who are immigrants, permanent citizens, or naturalized citizens abroad — they can opt for voluntary memberships with the SSS. Either way, whether employed or a voluntary member, workers can apply for benefits, and receive a regular monthly pension when they retire.
Programs and Benefits
The SSS provides short-term as well as long-term benefits to its members. Short-term benefits include maternity, sickness, unemployment, and funeral benefits. Long-term benefits, on the other hand, include disability, retirement, and death benefits.
What’s more, SSS members can apply for calamity loans, salary loans, and pension loans — depending on their situation and subject to certain conditions.
Contribution and Payments
SSS contributions are calculated based on a member’s Monthly Salary Credit (MSC), which, in turn, is based on the member’s declared monthly earnings at the time of registration. Currently, the minimum MSC for land-based OFWs is PHP 8,000.
Meanwhile, since sea-based OFWs are regarded as employees of their manning agencies, their SSS contribution is computed based on their monthly salaries. Their contribution includes the employer’s contribution as well as their (the employees’) contribution.
Services Offered by SSS Hong Kong
The SSS office in Hong Kong offers various services to OFWs, such as inquiries and verification regarding their SSS membership, contributions, etc. The office also assists members with online services such as: MySSS account creation/reset, member data and contact details update, Payment Reference Number (PRN) generation, Disbursement Account Enrollment (DAEM), and benefit claims applications.
Video: Kwentong SSS OFW
The SSS regularly features “Kwentong OFW” (OFW Story) videos on its Facebook page. This video features Oscar Londonio, an OFW who talks about the benefits he has gained from being an SSS member:
Where to Pay SSS Contributions
Members can pay their contributions at any SSS branch in the Philippines. Likewise, there are “over the counter” and “online” payment options as well, both inside and outside the country.
Over the Counter Payments
In the Philippines, members can pay contributions at SSS Tellering Branches, SM Business Centers, ECPay centers, USSC centers, Bayad centers, and partner banks of the agency.
Outside the country, members can pay contributions through the SSS’ overseas partners, namely: Asia United Bank (AUB), Bank of Commerce (BOC), Philippine National Bank (PNB), Pinoy Express, and Ventaja. Correspondingly, these partners are affiliated with other banks and remittance companies worldwide, which makes it possible for OFWs to pay SSS contributions anytime, anywhere!
Online Payment Facilities
In this day and age, online banking has become the norm, and paying your SSS contribution online is possible, too! First of all, you can use the MySSS mobile app, which accepts payments made through bank cards (MasterCard, JCB, Visa, American Express) and digital wallets (Maya, GCash).
Similarly, you can visit the SSS website to make online payments; these are processed via Billeroo and AltPayNet. Moreover, the mobile apps of PayRemit, Security Bank, Rewire, Shopee Pay, UnionBank, and Robinsons Bank can be used to pay contributions.
How to Pay SSS Contribution Online
One of the ways to pay SSS contributions online is through the MySSS mobile app, which you can download from Google Play Store or App Store. After downloading this app, you’ll need to create a MySSS account first, then you can use it to pay contributions.
To pay your contributions using the MySSS mobile app, simply follow these steps:
- Open the MySSS mobile app, enter your MySSS user ID and password, then click “Sign In.”
- Select “Generate PRN” to generate a Payment Reference Number. Tap “Create,” then choose “Generate.”
- Enter the required fields (i.e. membership type, applicable period, SSS contribution amount), click “Submit,” then “OK.”
- The screen will display your PRN. If you want, you can download a PDF copy of your PRN by clicking the download icon on the upper right corner. Select the back arrow to proceed with your payment.
- Tap “Pay,” then choose “Credit Card/Debit Card” (other payment methods displayed include Maya, GCash, and BPI).
- Click “OK,” then “Proceed.”
- Review the summary of payment details displayed onscreen.
- Enter your account details, then select “Complete Order.” Wait for your payment to be processed.
- Enter the One-Time PIN (OTP) that will be sent to your registered mobile number with the servicing bank, then tap “Submit.”
- The screen will display “Payment Successful.” You can opt to receive the receipt by entering your email address or mobile number in the field provided.
- The screen will display a notification about your successful SSS Mobile Payment.
- To check or confirm your payment, you can view “Actual Premiums” on the MySSS app, which displays posted payments. You can also verify the status of your payment on the app’s “Activity History.”
NOTE: SSS contributions for the period of January to September must be paid on or before December 31st of the year covered. Meanwhile, contributions for the period of October to December must be paid on January 31st of the following year.
Contact Information: SSS Hong Kong Office
The SSS office is located at the United Centre building in Hong Kong. From Mondays to Thursdays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, it is situated on the 14th floor (Philippine Consulate General office). On Sundays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, it is situated on the 18th floor (OWWA, OFW Global Center). You can also get in touch with the office through these contact details:
Address: 14/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, MTR Exit D, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Telephone: 3595 5357 / 3595 5358
Email: hongkong@sss.gov.ph
Website: https://www.sss.gov.ph/
Google Map Location:
Final Thoughts
The SSS helps ensure that working Filipinos receive different types of benefits throughout their lives. For OFWs who spend many years abroad, it is also great way to save money for retirement.
Aside from the SSS, another attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers is the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). If your OWWA membership is expiring soon, check out this guide on renewing OWWA membership in Hong Kong.