SSS implements number coding in 61 selected branches

This is a press release from the Social Security System.

The Social Security System (SSS) has implemented a number coding system and modified service procedures in handling transactions in 61 selected branches nationwide.

The new procedures aim to regulate the number of people transacting in SSS branches amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio on Wednesday, July 22, signed SSS Circular No. 2020-017 that limits the number of walk-in transactions in the selected branches. It also prescribed the weekly schedule where members and employers (ERs) can do their transactions with SSS. The schedule is based on the last digit of their Social Security (SS) or ER ID numbers.

Under the circular, SSS will implement the number coding system and modified service procedures in all 51 branches in the National Capital Region.

In Luzon, the new procedures will be implemented in the Baguio, Dagupan, Bacoor, and Biñan branches.

Meanwhile, in the Visayas and Mindanao, it will also take effect in Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Bacolod, Iloilo-Central, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao branches.

Walk-in transactions in these branches will be limited to the payment of contributions and loans, compliance to the SS Number Application through the SSS web, pickup of Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card, presentation of original documents to support claim applications, and other justifiable reasons.

SSS advised members and employers to conduct their transactions during the following prescribed schedule:

• 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
• Fridays for those ending in 9 or 0

For transactions such as funeral and death claims, the SS number of the deceased member will be the basis for the number coding schedule.

If the prescribed transaction day falls on a declared holiday, the member or employer may transact on the next working day.

In case a system downtime occurs, the branch will set an appointment for members and employers waiting in line. They also have the option to wait until the system is once again operational, or to come back the following week on their prescribed schedule.

Drop boxes are also available in the said branches. The transacting public can use it to submit documents for transactions that were not mentioned and are not available through the SSS online channels.

Members and employers may also call, text, or send an email to the branch nearest their residence or workplace. Contact numbers and email addresses of branches are posted by the branch’s entrance and on the branch directory on the SSS website.

The SSS will inform the public if the number coding system and modified service procedures are suspended in the said branches or if it will be imposed in other branches.

“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,” Ignacio said.

The SSS encourages members and employers to use its digital platforms for their transactions to avoid having to queue in its branches.

Members may access their contribution records, check the status of their benefit claims and loan applications, and make other transactions through the My.SSS web portal, the SSS Mobile App, Text-SSS at 2600, and the SSS Interactive Voice Response System at 7917-7777.

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.

Members may also use the My.SSS web portal for transactions such as 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.

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 are also available through various SSS-accredited bank and non-bank collecting partners.

For more information, members and employers may call the SSS hotline at 1455 or follow its Facebook page and Instagram account. – Rappler.com