The Social Security System (SSS) has announced that voluntary and self-employed female members can now use the Text-SSS facility in submitting maternity notifications as part of its mandate to continuously provide better service.

SSS President and Chief Executive Emmanuel F. Dooc said that with the Text-SSS facility, individually-paying members have another way of notifying SSS about their pregnancy aside from the current practice of submitting maternity notifications directly to any SSS branch.

"With just one text away, expecting mothers can now inform SSS of their pregnancy. It is more convenient for them since they no longer need to go to SSS personally to comply with the notification requirement," said Dooc.

Dooc added that members will not be required initially to submit a proof of pregnancy when notifying the SSS using the facility. However, the proof of pregnancy must be submitted to SSS once the member applies for reimbursement of her maternity benefit.

The agency chief also emphasized that maternity notification via Text-SSS is only for individually-paying members for now, and that employed members must still notify the SSS through their employers.

Submission of the maternity notification via text message should be in the following format: SSS MATERNITYNOTIF <SSNumber> <PIN> <Expected Delivery Date MM/DD/YYYY> <Total Number of Pregnancies (including this pregnancy)> to be sent to 2600.

Each text costs P2.50 for Globe /Touch Mobile and smart subscribers and P2.00 for Sun Cellular subscribers. The member will receive a confirmation once the maternity notification is successfully received by SSS.

Aside from the Text-SSS facility, maternity notifications can be done online thru the My.SSS portal in the SSS website. Members will be asked to provide information such as expected date of delivery, number of delivery, and date of last delivery or miscarriage.

"Text-SSS and online facilities are our answer to the growing need of members for a more convenient and accessible means of transacting with SSS for their maternity claims. Rest assured that SSS will also devise more friendly means for other benefits," said Dooc.