Issuance of SS number does not immediately qualify you for coverage or benefits. You must first be employed in an occupation subject to and reported for SSS coverage.
However, once you become a covered SSS member, you become a member for life. The contributions that you remit become savings for the future that will serve as basis for the granting of social security benefits in times of contingencies. Membership cannot be withdrawn and contributions paid cannot refunded.
Changes in your record should be reported immediately to the nearest SSS office through the submission of Member's Data Change Request (SS Form E-4) and the required supporting documents:
- Change of civil status from Single to Married - Marriage contract
- Change of civil status from Married to Single - Death certificate (if due to death of previously reported spouse); Certificate of Finality of Annulment or Decree of Divorce
- New/additional/change of dependents/beneficiaries - Birth or Baptismal Certificate(s) of children or marriage contract for spouses
- Correction of name/date of birth - Birth or Baptismal Certificate or unexpired Passport
The employee is still entitled to SS benefits even if the employer fails or refuses to remit the SSS contributions.
To the Employer
An employer who does not report temporary or provisional employees is violating the SS law. The employer is liable to the employees and must:
- pay the benefits of those who die, become disabled , get sick or reach retirement age;
- pay all unpaid contributions plus a penalty of three percent per month; and
- be held liable for a criminal offense punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
To the Self-employed Person and Voluntary Member
A self-employed person who fails to register with the SSS may be subjected to fines and/or imprisoned. However, in the event the self-employed or voluntary member does not realize earnings in a given month, payment of SSS contributions for that month is no longer required.
Self-employed and voluntary members may pay their monthly contributions prospectively or in advance, but never retroactively to cover month/s when no contribution payments were remitted.
In the case of the covered Non-Working Spouse, if he/she later becomes employed, self-employed or an OFW, the membership shall be reclassified accordingly as employed or self-employed or OFW.