SSS wants barangay officials nationwide covered

Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Rolando Macasaet is urging the captains and councilors of 42,000 barangays across the country to become members of the state-run insurer.

“Many of our barangay officials and workers serve their constituents for 10 or 20 years. However, when they retire from public service, they do not get any separation pay or monthly pension. Now, through the SSS membership, we are offering you an opportunity to get a monthly pension when you retire from being a barangay official,” Macasaet said in a statement on Thursday.

He urged barangay officials to secure a social security number and begin paying at least P120 in monthly contributions to ensure they receive automatic social security coverage from SSS.

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He also said they should consider contributing as an investment for their future.

“Aside from retirement benefits, you will be entitled to sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, funeral and death benefits,” he said.

Macasaet also noted they can benefit from various SSS loan programs, including salary and calamity loans, and gain extra protection through the Employees’ Compensation Program for work-related illnesses, injuries, disabilities or fatalities.

SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire Agas said they have deployed personnel to help barangay officials obtain their social security numbers.

“We put up an SSS booth in the National Congress to assist barangay officials in their SSS transactions such as applying for SS and employer numbers or verifying their contribution or loan records,” Agas said.