What are your SSS contributions for?

If you don’t know what your Social Security System (SSS) contributions are for, you’re probably not pleased to see that sum deducted from your payslips every month. But these contributions — which are required by law — can benefit you in the long run. If you make regular contributions, you can apply for benefits in case of sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, death, and unemployment. You could even apply for cash loans!

So even though SSS contributions can be inconvenient, just consider it a way to build a cushion for yourself in the future.

How are SSS contributions calculated?

Currently, the SSS contribution rate is 13% of your monthly salary not exceeding P25,000. This amounts split between the employer (8.5%) and the employee (4.5%)

This table shows how the SSS determines the amount that should be deducted from an employee.

First, you’ll need to register on My.SSS

To check your balance online, you’ll first need to register on the SSS online portal, My.SSS. You can access the registration form via this link.

When registering, you’ll need to provide your CRN number (which can be found on your UMID) or your SS number (if you’ve lost or forgotten your SS number, you can ask your HR department or email SSS at member_relations@sss.gov.ph with your complete name, date of birth, address, contact number, and a photo of a valid ID.

What if you don’t have a CRN/SS number?

If you don’t have a CRN/SS number, this means you aren’t an SSS member yet. Fortunately, you can apply as a member online by applying for a UMID.

How to check your SSS contribution online

If you already have a My.SSS account, you can already check your SSS contributions online. To do so, just access the member log-in page by going to the SSS website and clicking on “Member” under “Portals”.

Then, enter your details and accomplish the captcha form before clicking “Submit”.

Once you’re logged in, you can check your SSS contributions by clicking “Contributions” under the “Inquiry” drop-down menu.

A table showing your monthly contributions will appear. You may see periods with no posted contributions — this may mean you were unemployed during those months or your employer still hasn’t remitted your contributions.

If you see any discrepancies in your SSS contributions,  (if you’re employed) or adjust your next contributions to avoid problems when applying for SSS loans or claiming benefits.

What happens if I missed a payment?

If you’re employed

If you’re an empoyee and you see that your SSS contributions haven’t been remitted, you may ask your HR department for clarifications. Employers are required by law to remit SSS contributions, and those who do not are violating the SS law. Employers who fail to remit SSS contributions are liable to employees and must:

1. pay the benefits of those who die, become disabled, get sick, or reach retirement age;
2. pay all unpaid contributions plus a penalty of three percent per month; and
3. be held liable for a criminal offense punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

If you’re self-employed/a voluntary member

All self-employed Filipinos are required to register with the SSS or be subjected to fines and/or imprisonment. However, you’re not required to pay SSS contributions if you didn’t have any income that month. 

Also, note that self-employed and voluntary members can pay their monthly contributions in advance, but never retroactively just so they can qualify for loans or benefits.

How to check your SSS contribution on your phone

Another easy way to check your SSS contributions is via the official SSS mobile app. Once logged in, you see your most recent activity history and the number of total contributions you’ve made. Simply click the number of total contributions so you can see more detail.

You can download the SSS Mobile App for free on Google Play (for Android) and Huawei AppGallery. As of this writing, the iOS app isn’t functional as it still hasn’t been updated to the latest version.

How to check your SSS contribution via text

You can also check your SSS contributions via text — though this will only show the number of contributions you’ve made and the last payment posted.

To check your SSS contribution via text, you first need to register by sending SSS REG <SS NUMBER> <BDAY mm/dd/yyyy> to 2600.

Once registered, you’ll be given a 4-digit PIN.

To check your contributions, send SSS CONTRIBUTIONS <SS NUMBER> <PIN> to 2600. You’ll be given the total number of your contributions and the latest contribution posted.

Note that each inquiry costs Php2.50.

To view the full list of commands, text SSS HELP to 2600.

Remember to clear your browser history!

If you’re using a public WiFi network or a computer at an internet cafe, make sure to wipe your browser history after checking your SSS information. Your SSS data is highly sensitive, so be vigilant and take measures to prevent fraud.