State-run Social Security Number (SSS) coding scheme has been implemented and adapted by the agency as well as modified service procedures in dealing with transactions throughout its selected 61 branches.
Aurora C. Ignacio, the SSS president and chief executive, stated that the pension fund has made available its Circular No. 2020 – 017 which restricts the number of walk-in transactions in the branches. The SSS circular also said that the weekly schedule in which members and employers (ERs) may perform their transactions with the pension fund. The schedule is based upon the last digit of their Social Security (SS) or ER ID numbers.
The president and chief executive claimed that these new procedures would govern the number of people transacting in SSS branches.
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The new procedures aim to regulate the number of people transacting in SSS branches amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.”
Upon the circular, the SSS number coding scheme and modified service procedures in all 51 branches in the National Capital Region will have to be implemented.
In Luzon, the modified procedures will be followed throughout the areas of Baguio, Dagupan, Bacoor, and Biñan, while in the Visayas and Mindanao region; it will also be implemented in Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Bacolod, Iloilo-Central, Cagayan De Oro, and Davao branches.
Walk-in transactions and SSS number coding scheme schedule
Meanwhile, walk-in transactions in the stated branches will have to be restricted upon the payment of contributions and loans, compliance to the SS Number Application thru the SSS web, pick-up of Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card, presentation of original documents to support claim applications, and other justifiable reasons.
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The SSS told their members and employers to perform their transactions on the stated schedule as follows:
- Mondays for SS or ER ID number ending in 1 or 2;
- Tuesdays for those ending in 3 or 4;
- Wednesdays for those ending in 5 or 6;
- Thursdays for those ending in 7 or 8; and
- Fridays for those ending in 9 or 0.
However, transactions like funeral and death claims; the SS number of the deceased member will be based upon the SSS number coding scheme schedule.
Holidays and system downtime
But such the case that the prescribed transaction day is scheduled on a declared holiday; the member or employer may do their transactions on the next working day. And in the case of a system downtime, the branch will schedule an appointment for members and employers in queue.
The option to wait until the system is once again operational is also available for member; or they may choose to come back in the next week on their prescribed schedule.
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Digital transactions
Members and employers may also opt to call, text, or send an email to the branch that is nearest their residence or workplace.
Contact numbers and email addresses of branches are provided at the branch’s entrance and on the branch directory on the SSS website. The public will be informed by the agency if the number coding system and modified service procedures have been suspended in the stated branches or if it will be imposed in other branches.
The agency encourages members and employers to navigate its digital platforms upon performing their transactions to prevent long queues throughout its branches.
The president and chief executive likewise noted that they want to minimize the transmission of the disease and provided information upon digital transactions.
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Through these alternative branch service procedures, we are hoping to limit our stakeholders’ risk of exposure to COVID-19. We have also expanded our online services in the My.SSS web portal so that they can transact with us at the convenience of their homes or offices.”
The submission of maternity notifications (for self-employed, voluntary, and overseas Filipino worker members), generation of Payment Reference Numbers (PRN), etc., are also available via the My.SSS web portal and SSS Mobile App.
In addition to that, members can use the My.SSS web portal for transactions , too; these include the filing of applications for unemployment and retirement benefits, salary and calamity loans, enrollment of bank accounts for thru-the-bank releases of benefits or loans, and others.
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Use of Web Portal
SSS encourages employers to use the web portal to certify the loan and claim applications of their employees, submit their employment reports, or file their sickness benefit reimbursement applications.
Online and over-the-counter contribution and loan payment facilities may also be performed through various SSS-accredited bank and non-bank collecting partners.
What do you think of the SSS number coding scheme? Do you approve of it? Do you think that it’s something that can help SSS members in making their lives easier?