ASSA - Expanding Social Security Coverage
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ASSA
2020
Volume No. 33
ASEAN Social Security Association
Special Feature:
Initiatives during
COVID-19
Expanding Social
Security Coverage
CONTENTS
02 ASSA Chairperson’s Statement
03 ASSA
Statement
Secretary General’s
04 36th ASSA Board Meeting in Brunei
Darussalam, 18-19 September 2019
07 ETF responding to COVID-19
09 Health Insurance Cards Delivery for
Cambodian Veterans
10 Cambodia will launch Pension
Scheme for Persons defined by the
provisions of the Labour Law
including Personnel Serving in the
Air and Maritime Transportation as
well as Domestic Workers
11 NSSFC: Pensioner ATM Utilizing
Inspection
12
Anticipating the spike in lay off,
BPJAMSOSTEK provides the
Express Service
13 Roundtable Meeting to increase
social security coverage
14 During & Post-Movement Control
Order – The EPF Experience
15 Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic:
SOCSO's Proactive Measures
CONTENTS
17
Measures taken by Social Security
Board, Myanmar to deal with the
COVID-19 Pandemic
19
ECC expands coverage to
land-based OFWs and
self-employed SSS members
GSIS at 83: Responding to the Times,
Transitioning to the New Normal 20
22
Pag-IBIG Fund launches Virtual
Pag-IBIG to provide 24/7online
service to members
Social security in the time of
COVID-19 23
The CPF Nomination Scheme
25
27
COVID-19 highlights the
importance of UHC to cope with
crisis
Thailand Social Security Measures
and Initiatives Against COVID-19 29
Viet Nam Social Security – A
journey for social security cause 31
Promoting ASSA – ISSA Networking
33
ASSA Directory
34
Brunei ASSA Chairperson’s Statement
Dear ASSA Colleagues, order to overcome any challenges we have endured in recent months.
that has been thrown at us. Some
What a year it has been since our last organizations were forced into the Lastly, I wish all ASSA members the
Board Meeting in Brunei Darussalam! realms of conducting services very best and I look forward to our
All of us are currently in the midst of remotely and many of us had to think upcoming meeting.
unprecedented times in which none outside the box in order for us to
of us has probably experienced ensure the continuity of our Best regards
before. It has truly been a challenge businesses.
for us all and I am very sure we have
had our hands full for the past few That being said, it did not dampen
months. our spirits nor our adaptability to
persevere through these tough times.
Most of us had to quickly reroute our Viet Nam Social Security (VSS), Mr. Omar Mohd Dali
priorities due to the COVID-19 through its dedication, promoted and
enhanced the network between
ASSA Chairman
pandemic occurring all over the
world. Some of us were forced to ASSA and ISSA by hosting a Round Managing Director
shut physically while some of us had Table meeting with ISSA Secretary Employee Trust Fund
to cater to the sudden General, Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia, to Brunei Darussalam
needs of those that discuss and share ideas to further
were protected strengthen the bond between ISSA
under the social and ASSA and to potentially
security system. collaborate in the future.
But it is during
these toughest of It is now more important than ever
times that we are to consider extending social security
reminded of the to the workforce in the informal
necessity to be sector as it is apparent that due to
agile in unpredictable circumstances such as
the COVID-19 outbreak, they
are indeed the ones that
are most vulnerable due
to the economic
devastation that has
impacted the whole
world. We saw plenty of
job losses and closures
of big and small
businesses and it is our
responsibility to
ensure that the
wellbeing of our
people is taken care
of. We need to be
prepared for future
unforeseen
events such as what
2
ASSA Secretraty General’s Statement Brunei
One year has passed since their dedication in accommodating the unexpected coming months. Stay
the 36th ASSA Board and giving assurances that our ASSA strong together in enduring this
event must continue to go on even difficult time and stay safe.
Meeting in Brunei
during these difficult times. I very am
Darussalam, and since then so honored that this year we will still
much has changed. The world is have the opportunity to continue our
currently grieving and every country ASSA tradition even though it will be
is facing a universal challenge brought done virtually. It is important that we
upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. too evolve digitally, as an association,
No sector is free from its impact. to continue the ASSA spirit of Mr. Md Adfarul Maz Adanan
achieving cooperation from all ASSA ASSA Secretary-General
On behalf of the Employee Trust member through persistent efforts of
Fund Brunei, we would like to sharing knowledge as well as good
Senior Manager of Operations
express our deepest thoughts, practices. Employee Trust Fund
prayers and well-wishes to everyone Brunei Darussalam
affected during these challenging We have included a special edition
times and also to acknowledge and topic in this newsletter regarding
commend all front liners. information on measures taken by
ASSA member organization in
The past plenary dialogues including dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
last year’s theme “ICT: Empowering While the world is still racing to
Innovative Social Security” has formulate the vaccine; there is so
demonstrated relevance during this much to learn from one another on
global pandemic outbreak situation. how each country deals with this
During lockdown and interruption of pandemic. To ensure the continuity of
operations, organizations had to services, fiscal packages to support
immediately activate their Business businesses, protecting jobs,
Continuity Plan (BCP). One of the temporary benefits for vulnerable
strategies was to accelerate the groups and many more will be part of
digital transformation and to quickly the items that is being shared within
shift towards technology reliance as this newsletter.
to enable employees to work from
home safely while enforcing social Moving forward, we should
distancing. This technological continue to identify the emerging
transition has shown a huge issues of social security and
requirement for computing devices develop knowledge sharing
and video conferencing platforms. efforts encompassing around
The new norm is certainly here to the possible key challenges by
stay in which the world is embracing foreseeing disruption
the full scale of digitalization and indications ahead of us.
enabling more innovation through
the use of smart technologies. Finally, I would like to
thank all for their
We would like to acknowledge and support and
give praise to the National Social e n o r m o u s
Security Fund (NSSF), Cambodia for patience in
3
36th ASSA Board Meeting, Brunei Darussalam
Brunei 18-19 September 2019
YB Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang
Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, the Minister of Culture, Youtrh and
Sports presenting his opening speech.
ETF’s Chairman, YB Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji
Abidin, the Minister of Culture,Youtrh and Sports, and guuests from Ministry of Finance and Economy as well as from the Ministry of Culture,Youth
and Sports with ASSA Board Members. and Board representatives.
Mr. Omar bin Mohd Dali, Deputy Managing Director of ETF Brunei represented ETF
to receive a Recognition Award from ASSA Chairperson, Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh.
YB Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang
Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, the Minister of Culture, Youtrh and
Sports presented a token of appreciation to Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh.
Mr Markus Ruck presented his topic of The Future of Work and
Social Protection during the Pleanry Session.
ETF Chairman takes a look at a booth by Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam as well as Representative of ETF, Brunei presenting her topic for Good Practices session.
Dynamik Technologies.
36th ASSA Board Meeting, Brunei Darussalam
18-19 September 2019 Brunei
36th ASSA Board Members and Board representatives takes a photo oppurtunitiy
Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh, Vice Minister and Director General of Viet Nam Social Security handing over the ASSA emblem Mr. Dao Viet Anh, Deputy Director General of Viet Nam Social Security handing over the ASSA emblem to the newly
to the newly appointed Chairwoman, Mrs. Hajah Chairani binti Haji Sulaiman, Acting Managing Director of Employee appointed Secretary General, Mr. Omar bin Mohd Dali, Deputy Managing Director of Employee Trust Fund Brunei
Trust Fund Brunei
Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh nominated Mr. Ouk Samvithyea, Executive Director General of the National Social Security Fund
(NSSF), Cambodia as the next ASSA Vice Chairman.
36th ASSA Board Meeting, Brunei Darussalam Brunei 18-19 September 2019
Employee Trust Fund Brunei
ETF responding to COVID-19
The World Health contribution payment processes were under the Micro, Small and Medium
Organization (WHO) declared simplified and communication made Enterprises (MSMEs) with less than 100
the Coronavirus Disease 2019 easier using the on-line messaging employees.
(COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health features.
Emergency of International Concern on To create awareness of these new In addition to this, another stimulus
30th January 2020 before it was changes, ETF has utilized all of its package was also introduced that
announced as a pandemic on 11th March communication channels to disseminate provided 25% salary subsidies for local
2020. Brunei Darussalam was not the latest information. All related employees in MSMEs with less than 100
exempted from the COVID-19 outbreak developments were made available employees for a period of three months.
when the first imported case was online through ETF’s website, official This package was introduced to ease the
detected on 9th March 2020. Facebook page and Instagram account, as financial burden as well as to enhance the
well as the local media. cash flow of businesses as a result of the
Following the first case in Brunei business slowdown. Additionally, the
Darussalam and the WHO Fiscal Stimulus Packages fiscal stimulus packages were also
announcement, the Employee Trust Fund extended to individuals who are
(ETF) immediately activated its Business During the pandemic, the Government self-employed under the SCP scheme,
Continuity Plan (BCP) on 12th March of Brunei Darussalam introduced whereby the Government provided full
2020 where the workforce was divided measures to address the impact of SCP contributions for self-employed
into several teams and stationed to the COVID-19 in Brunei Darussalam. This individuals for a period of 6 months.
BCP office as well as other branches. As was carried out with a “Whole of Nation
the number of reported active cases Approach”- united in addressing the ETF Workforce Deal with
increased, the management of ETF took impact and challenges arising from the Precautionary Measures
an additional step by assigning 50% of the spread of COVID-19 in Brunei. The steps
workforce to work from home, effective undertaken are focused on 3 main The strict precautionary measures under
from 16th March 2020, in order to components, namely, maintaining the the directive of the Ministry of Health
mitigate the spread of the infection. well-being of the public, protecting jobs that were practiced throughout the
and providing support for individuals as nation has helped to flatten the
Subsequently, ETF took another step to well as supporting and assisting COVID-19 cases curve in Brunei. Brunei
safeguard its members, employers and businesses. started to slowly lift restrictions in
staff by temporarily closing all its phases. This allowed ETF to resume its
branches to minimize physical contact. In relation to this economic stimulus counter operations in all branches on
All counter transaction processes were packages were introduced with the main 2nd June 2020 and the whole workforce
converted to online procedures. Those focus to assist businesses as well as were allowed to return to work as
who prefer the traditional method of providing support for individuals. ETF normal in their office premises.
branch services were still able to send was entrusted to assist the Ministry of
physical applications such as withdrawal Finance and Economy, Brunei to process
applications to any of our drop-off boxes the fiscal stimulus applications and
that were made available outside ETF pay-outs.
branches.
Some of the stimulus packages that were
With the temporary closure of our introduced, effective 1st April 2020, was a
counters, members and employers were six -month deferment of mandatory
still able to perform normal transactions contributions to the Employee Trust
via our ETF online platform, e-Amanah. Fund (TAP) and Supplementary
To assist the public when using the Contributory Pension (SCP) for local
platform, a more user-friendly e-Amanah employees earning less than
2.0 beta version was launched where BND$1,500.00 per month in all sectors
7
Brunei Employee Trust Fund To mitigate against the future spread of the virus, the workforce is reminded to oblige with the new safety measures such as maintaining general social distancing, compulsory body temperature checks when entering and leaving the office premises, and the provision of hand sanitizers and face masks for all staff. In addition to the above measures, anyone entering ETF premises are required to scan their QR Code using the contact tracing mobile application developed by the Government of Brunei called BruHealth Application. This application was designed to help the Ministry of Health, Brunei with contact tracing in the case of any outbreak. Although the situation in Brunei is currently under control, ETF will continue to monitor the extent and the impact of COVID-19 and will act appropriately and swiftly to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of its staff and members are being looked after. 8
National Fund for Veterans Cambodia
Health Insurance Cards Delivery for Cambodian Veterans
Since the end of 2019 to the
early of 2020, NFV has been
working devotedly with NSSF to deliver
the Health Insurance Cards for
Cambodian retired armies, police officers
and their dependents.
This marks a new milestone for the
veterans in Cambodia where they now
can enjoy a long-awaited health
insurance scheme. The establishment of
the new scheme is in line with the
government strategies of Social
Protection Policy Framework 2016-2025
which aspires to lower out-of-pocket
payment and thusly alleviate the poverty
within the scope of veterans.
NFV is the main operator of social
security scheme for Veterans in
Cambodia; however, the implementation
of the health insurance scheme is done
by NSSF who is the sole operator for the veterans are 100% subsidized by the
nationwide social health insurance. government.This is done with the motive
Consequently, this effort would not be of our Royal Government of Cambodia
achievable without NSSF as the main to incentivize and uphold the roles of
actor of administering and overseeing veterans to be worthy of the good deeds
the overall scheme. The cards are both they had done for the cause of the
issued and maintained under NSSF, while nation.
NFV provides the data of our
beneficiaries and proposed for the cards’
issuance.
There are 2 types of card handed over to
the beneficiaries. The Health Insurance
Card (HIC) provided to the retirees,
invalidities and disabilities, while the
Health Equity Card (HEC) provided to
the dependents of the deceased (one for
each family). Up to now, we have
delivered 63,695 of HIC and 33,296 of
HEC respectively.
HIC is to be contributed 50% by
individual in the future; however,
currently there is no contribution made
as both of the schemes provided for the
9Cambodia National Social Security Fund
Cambodia will launch Pension Scheme for Persons defined by the
Provisions of the Labour Law including Personnel Serving in the
Air and Maritime Transportation as well as Domestic Workers
Pension Scheme, Chapter V on
Conditions and Formalities and
Procedures of Benefit Claim and
Provision of Compulsory Pension
Scheme, Chapter VI on Voluntary
Pension Scheme, Chapter VII on
Co-Regulations, and Chapter VIII on
Penalties. Part III states Transitional
Provisions including Chapter IX with 3
articles (from article 38 to article 40).
Part IV states Final Provisions including
Chapter X with 1 article (article 41).
The main goal of this meeting aims to
collect more key inputs in a bid to
determine the broad, comprehensive
conditions before submitted it to the
Cambodia promulgated the Government in charge as Director of the National Social Protection Council and
sub-decree concerning Launch of National Social Security Fund of the the Royal Government for check and
Retirement Pension Scheme and Ministry of Labour and Vocational decision.
Invalidity Pension for Civil Servants of Training.
the Kingdom of Cambodia, dated 06
October 1997. In a bid to ensure equity The main goal of this meeting aims to
and social solidarity and promote the collect more key inputs in a bid to
welfare and livelihood of all citizens, the determine the broad, comprehensive
National Social Security Fund (NSSF) of conditions before submitted it to the
Cambodia is preparing and will launch National Social Protection Council and
Pension Scheme for Persons Defined by the Royal Government for check and
the Provisions of the Labour Law decision.
including Personnel Serving in the Air
and Maritime Transportation as well as This draft sub-decree on Social Security
Domestic Workers in 2020 in line with Scheme on Pension consists of 10
the new law on Social Security Scheme chapters with 41 articles and 04 main
adopted in 2019. parts. Part I states General Provisions
including Chapter I with 04 articles (from
On 12 February 2020, NSSF convened article 1 to article 4) that enumerate
the tripartite meeting on the Draft purpose, objective, scope, and definition.
Sub-Decree concerning “Social Security Part II states Implementation Provisions
Scheme on Pension for Persons Defined including 07 chapters (from Chapter II to
by the Provisions of the Labour Law Chapter VIII) with 33 main articles (from
including Personnel Serving in the Air article 5 to article 37)—Chapter II on
and Maritime Transportation as well as Competent Institution, Chapter III on
Domestic Workers” joined by Formalities and Procedures of the
representatives of the Royal Registration for Compulsory Pension
Government, employers, and trade Scheme, Chapter IV on Contribution
unions and presided over by H.E. Ouk Rate and Formalities and Procedures of
Samvithyea, Delegate of the Royal Contribution Payment of Compulsory
10National Social Security Fund for Civil Servants Cambodia
NSSFC: Pensioner ATM Utilizing Inspection
ATM gives plenty of issue on time, prevent the risk, and many
advantages. For the beneficiaries of kinds of fraudulence. Today, there are
NSSFC, they can access the service about 25% of NSSFC’s pensioners
round the clock and feel convenience. (around 15,000 pensioners) who utilize
Especially, they can access the bank from the ATM card. With the sturdy
anywhere. But the majority of prevention and protection system, there
beneficiaries of NSSFC are aging. It is are less than 50 cases related to the ATM
risky for the entity that allows them to utilizing are occurred each year.
access ATM.
In early 2012, the NSSFC launched its
pension payroll initiative through banking
services. At the same time, the ATM
transaction was also approved for
utilizing. But, NSSFC confronts many
issues that emerged from the ATM
utilizing. Under the issues, the Board of
Directors urgently halted the ATM
utilizing.
Dozens of the solutions presented by the
technical working group, with the
strategic commitment to curb the risks
of ATM utilizing, The ATM utilizing was
reconsented to access by early 2016.
Coinciding, the ATM Utilizer Inspection
Program was also formed and implement.
With the ATM Utilizer Inspection
Program, we can effectively resolve the
11Indonesia BPJS Ketenagakerjaan
Anticipating the spike in lay off, BPJAMSOSTEK
provides the Express Service
Jakarta, June 30th 2020. A
negative impact for business in the
Indonesian Economy due to Covid-19
that turned into a Global Pandemic
resulted in massive layoffs in many
business sectors. It pushed every
business to terminate work contract
establishments for their workers. As a
result, it will also increase the number of
claim applications for provident fund
benefit (Jaminan Hari Tua/JHT) organized
by BPJAMSOSTEK (BPJS
Ketenagakerjaan).
President Director of BPJAMSOSTEK,
Agus Susanto, revealed that at the end of
June 2020, the claim application already
reached 1,12 million applications
nationwide with a nominal value of IDR
14.34 Trillion and and still rising.
Compared only in June 2020, the number BPJAMSOSTEK branch office still the same time.This method increases the
of claims processes has reached 283 provides the offline services but keep on ability to collect claim applications up to
thousand cases with a nominal value of referring to the safety and health five-time as much and obedient to the
IDR 3.5 trillion, and there was an protocol stated by the government. physical distancing regulation at the same
increase of 129% in terms of cases and time. It is already implemented in all
nominal compared to June 2019. He Agus stated that this offline service branch offices nationwide with adequate
expressed that the institution he is would remain a contactless service. In space availability. For branch offices with
running has been prepared to face the the branch office, the applicant will be insufficient space availability, we conduct
situation, even with a massive wave of lay sent to a chamber with a video the One to One method with physical
off by providing several application conferencing system connected to the distancing regulation applied.
channels. officer in charge to begin the application
process, such as data verification and Furthermore, there is one more scheme
He is talking about The Lapak Asik authentication. that could be done for submitting the
Protocol, the Physical Contactless application, namely Lapak Asik Collective.
Services Protocol, that provides three This service is called a One to Many The scheme is only applicable for
different ways of submitting the methods, where a Customer service medium to the large scale of the
application: online, offline, and collective officer could minister 4 to 6 people at corporation that recently undertook a
application submission system. massive lay off from a minimum of 30% of
their total numbers of employees. Using
Since it was introduced in March 2020 this scheme, the corporation could
and can be accessed via the internet at accommodate its employees to submit
antrian.bpjsketenagakerjaan.go.id, The the claim application through a dedicated
Lapak Asik protocol has been through person in the corporate office.
some improvement. Recently, one who
has difficulties in accessing the site can
directly come to the branch office nearby
to get the offline service. The
12Lao Social Security Organization Laos
Roundtable Meeting to increase social security coverage
National Social Security
Organization cooperated with ILO
held meeting on 5 May 2020 to discuss
strategies to increase social security
coverage among private sector workers
in Lao PDR. Co Chair by Excellency Mr.
Padeumphone Sonthany Vice Minister of
Labour and Social Welfre and Kristina
Kurths Project Technical Advisor, ILO.
There are Representatives from the
government, employers, workers and
civil society.
Participants shared ideas and
experiences on how to improve access
to health care and income security,
particularly in cases of work injury and
occupational diseases.The workshop was
organised by the ILO project
“Occupational Safety and Health in Lao
PDR’s Supply Chains”, funded by the EU, National Social Security Fund. social security fund membership” says
in cooperation with the Ministry of Mr. Thongphim Vongrapha, Vice Director,
Labour and Social Welfare and the “As LNNCI, it is our obligation to Social Protection Department, LFTU.
National Social Security Fund. encourage our members to pay
contributions into social security. We Highlighting the importance of
“A substantial number of private sector welcome this workshop as an knowledge sharing, participants also
employees are currently not covered by opportunity to agree among government, developed a joint action plan to improve
social security. This leaves them employers and workers on a way social security registration and payment
unprotected against the consequences of forward to improve the level of social of contributions, as well as data
work accidents and diseases, which can security coverage in Lao PDR” explains collection.
cause long-term financial burden to them Mr. Rasphone Xaybandith, Vice President,
and their families. The Lao PDR Employers’ Committee, LNCCI. The workshop was funded by the Vision
Government is committed to address Zero Fund (VZF), a G 7 multi-donor
this situation in a strategic effort by In addition to improved stakeholder initiative, which is administered by the
working closely with other line cooperation and coordination, ILO. The aim of the VZF is to reduce
ministries, social partners and other participants emphasized that law work-related accidents, injuries and
organisations as relevant”, says His enforcement and awareness raising were diseases and improve access to
Excellency Mr. Padermphone Sonthany, critical to address the challenge of social employment injury insurance in global
Vice Minister, Ministry of Labour and security coverage in the private sector. supply chains. The Vision Zero Fund in
Social Welfare, Lao PDR. Lao PDR is currently funded through a
“Workers in private businesses need to contribution from the EU.
While the private business sector in Lao understand better their right to be
PDR plays an increasing role in the covered by social security and the
country’s economic growth, only 2,287 benefits they are entitled to. LFTU is
private businesses are currently paying ready to contribute to information
contributions into the fund, covering campaigns and other initiatives that
117,509 employees, according to the highlight the importance and benefits of
13Malaysia Employees Provident Fund
During & Post-Movement Control Order – The EPF
Experience
The Employees Provident into the MCO at the beginning of April, a maximum of three months respectively,
Fund (EPF) is the federal statutory allowing members to withdraw RM500 to the period of July to November 2020.
body which is in charge of a mandatory per month (or less if desired) for 12
months from their EPF Account 2 which Plans for the future of EPF and its
savings scheme for employees in
caters for specific withdrawal. members centres around the social
Malaysia, assuming the role as custodian
wellbeing and livelihood of Malaysians.
of the citizens’ retirement savings. With
(ii) Following that, the EPF With the pandemic hitting the most
the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic,
Members Investment Scheme (MIS) saw vulnerable parties the hardest, EPF’s
the Malaysian government implemented
a reduction in upfront fees and service initiatives hope to achieve their intended
the Movement Control Order (MCO)
fees starting 1 May 2020 for a period of objectives and help alleviate the
on 18 March 2020 as a preventive monetary pressure on employees,
measure to curtail the spread of the 12 months, to enable members to
diversify their retirement portfolio at a employers and the government alike.
virus in the country. The EPF, with the
majority of our members and lower cost with the current market
outlook being an opportune time to Approach towards the post MCO period
stakeholders greatly affected by these will be daunting and uncertain, hence the
ramifications, has had a unique make strategic investments.
EPF strives to be dynamic in response to
experience in coordinating, managing and the upcoming recovery period which will
implementing initiatives as part of the (iii) Employers, from
multi-national corporations to be crucial to all stakeholders. This
institution’s rapid response and includes relying on public feedback,
contribution to the country’s efforts. small-medium enterprises, were not
forgotten as well with the EPF providing evidence-based policymaking and
an extension for employers’ mandatory designing needs-focused programmes to
Prior to the MCO, the EPF had already smoothen the transition to the new
introduced a reduction in the statutory contribution payments from the 15th to
the 30th day of each month for May to normal in all our business practices.
contribution rate of members from 11%
to 7%, with an opt-out option for July 2020. This extension hopes to
employees to remain at 11% by informing alleviate the cash flow of businesses and
the EPF through their employers. This allow a certain degree of flexibility for
initiative was intended to inject more employers to manage their finances
cash into the consumer economy in view during the economic recovery process.
of the slowing growth rate of the
national economy due to the COVID-19
outbreak. This is not a new measure as
the government and EPF had previously
resorted to this method in 2001, 2003,
2009 and 2016. Essentially, it is a short
term cash boon at the expense of
long-term welfare.
The EPF abided by the MCO and closed
Photo credit: myMetro
the organisation’s non-essential services
throughout the period. Nevertheless, the (iv) As a complementary
vulnerability of the citizens’ wellbeing policy for employers, SMEs with 200
brought to light new needs and employees or less are also eligible for the
opportunities which were met with a Employer COVID-19 Assistance
slew of initiatives from the EPF. Programme (e-CAP) which allows a
deferment and restructuring of the
(i) Firstly, the i-Lestari employer’s share of EPF contributions
programme was launched just 2 weeks for the months of April to June 2020 for
14Social Security Organisation Malaysia
Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic: SOCSO's
proactive measures
Considering the scale and experienced loss of employment but did of 305,503 Wage Subsidy applications for
graveness of the COVID-19 not meet the Contributing Qualifying 2.47 million employees. SOCSO’s data
Conditions (CQC) set for the EIS. shows that the majority of employers
pandemic, the Government of who applied for the Wage Subsidy are
Malaysia, through its ministries and
On 16th of March 2020, the Government those with less than 75 workers, in line
agencies including Social Security
announced the Employment Retention with the Government’s aim to assist the
Organisation (SOCSO), has
Programme (ERP), administered by micro and small enterprises. Among the
implemented proactive measures to
SOCSO. The ERP provides immediate challenges faced by employers include
soften the impact of the pandemic on the
financial assistance for employees who the inability to operate during the
nation. As a background, the Government
are instructed to take no-pay leave by Movement Control Order (MCO),
announced the Movement Control
employers who have been economically reduction of sales and demand, as well as
Order from 18th March to 12th May
affected by the pandemic. All private high administration cost.
2020 and followed by the Conditional
sector employees with monthly salary of To further assist SOCSO’s beneficiaries,
Movement Control Order starting from
RM4,000 and below, who are on no-pay SOCSO has revised its benefit payment
13th May 2020 to 9th June 2020. Since
leave for a minimum of 30 days are schedule and announced advanced
the start of the pandemic, SOCSO has
eligible for ERP. The period of assistance benefit payments for the month of March
improved the existing Employment
ranges from 1 to 6 months, depending on until August. Additionally, SOCSO has
Insurance System (EIS) benefits,
the no-pay leave notice issued. This extended the final date of contribution
introduced the Employment Retention
involves an initial allocation of RM120 payment for employers, from the 15th of
Programme (ERP), Wage Subsidy
million and was later increased to RM240 each month to the end of the month,
Programme (WSP), and Prihatin
million, as applications exceeded the starting from the month of April to
Screening Programme (PSP). In addition
estimated employees targeted to receive September.
to that, SOCSO has also revised its
the ERP benefits. As of 31st May 2020,
contribution and benefit payment
SOCSO received 37,009 applications for SOCSO has also adapted its internal
schedule to assist employers and
the ERP, involving 332,513 affected operations to align with the Movement
beneficiaries who are in financial
employees. Control Order announced by the
difficulties during the MCO.
government starting from 18th March
Under the Prihatin Rakyat Economic 2020. A Pandemic Management
As part of the Economic Stimulus
Stimulus Package (PRIHATIN) Committee was established to discuss
Package 2020 “Bolstering Confidence,
announced on 23rd March 2020, the and decide on issues related to the
Stimulating Growth & Protecting Jobs”
Government introduced the Wage pandemic. In SOCSO’s offices across the
announced on the 27th of February
Subsidy Programme (WSP) that aims to country, specific measures are put in
2020, SOCSO increased the rate of
help companies continue their place such as social distancing, document
benefits under the Employment
operations and avoid employees being dropboxes, and limited function
Insurance System (EIS) for insured
laid off. On 6th April, the WSP was counters. SOCSO employees carrying
persons who experience loss of
expanded with an increase in budget to out essential operations are divided into
employment. As part of the EIS, eligible
RM13.8 billion. This subsidy is given for a two teams (Team A and Team B) that are
insured person may receive Training Fee
period of 3 months for local employees rotated weekly with a full sanitation
and Training Allowance under the
earning RM4,000 and below, for a process carried out in the office after
Employment Services benefits. The
maximum of 200 employees. The rate of each rotation, whereas employees who
Training Fee was increased from
WSP consists of three tiers (RM1,200, are categorised as non-essential are
RM4,000 to RM6,000 while Training
RM800 and RM600) depending on the requested to work from home. At the
Allowance was increased from RM10 to
workforce size of an enterprise. same time, meetings are carried out
RM30 per day. In addition, SOCSO has
Employers who receive WSP benefits are online using applications such as Webex
also introduced the SIP Plus 600 which is
subject to the condition of retaining their and Microsoft Teams.
a temporary financial incentive worth
employees for at least 6 months. As of In addition to the mentioned initiatives,
RM600 a month for a maximum of 3
31st May 2020, SOCSO received a total SOCSO has also conducted multiple
months to insured persons who
15Malaysia Social Security Organisation
CSR programmes for different target
groups during the Movement Control
Order period. SOCSO provided multiple
meals a day to 338 policemen, army
members and volunteer corps, as well as
delivered staple groceries to 485 families
of SOCSO’s beneficiaries. Simpang
Renggam, a district that was placed under
the Enhanced Movement Control Order
(EMCO) due to high reported cases of
COVID-19 was delivered staple
groceries, benefitting 130 residents who
were not allowed out of their homes.
Members of SOCSO Rehabilitation
Centre also produced 510 PPE for health
officials. As a sign of solidarity, 1,571
SOCSO employees agreed to donate a
percentage of their salary for a social
security donations fund which will be
used for upcoming CSR programmes.
Photo credit: Berita Harian
In conclusion, we are only experiencing
the first of multiple waves COVID-19
impacts. Social Security Organisations
across the region need to prepare
themselves beyond COVID-19 to reduce
the impact of the upcoming economic
recession. Active Labour Market
approaches especially, need to be
adopted to prevent the possibility of the
largest tsunami no one desires, an
economic depression. These are difficult
times, but Social Security Organisations
play an imperative role in supporting the
government and our people the best as
we can.
16Social Security Board Myanmar
Measures taken by Social Security Board,
Myanmar to deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic
Issuing social assistance benefit to employees from Myanmar Brilliant Sky, Hlaing Tharyar Township,Yangon Region on 21st May, Issuing social assistance benefit to employees from Marga Manufacturer,Yangon Region on 25th May, 2020.
2020.
The Union Government, Reducing the time limitation for If the unemployment period exceeds six
according to the Notifications No. paying contributions of employers months, the insured worker who
(23/2020) issued by the State President and employees becomes unemployed due to COVID-19
Office on dealing with COVID-19, the outbreak will be allowed to enjoy
Central Committee for 2019 Novel Employers and employees shall pay their medical care for one year and medical
Coronavirus was formed with (27) contributions not later than 3 months costs and travel expenses for admission
members and chaired by Union Minister after the end of respective month instead for one year starting from the day of
for the Ministry of International of paying contributions within 15 days being unemployed under the notification
Cooperation. The National Central after the end of the respective month No. (64/2020) issued by the Ministry of
Committee for COVID-19 was also under the notification No. (63/2020) Labour, Immigration and Population on
issued by the Ministry of Labour, 20 March 2020.
formed with (22) members and chaired
Immigration and Population on 20 March
by The State Counsellor according to the
2020. Measures for the economic impact
Notification No. (45/2020) on 13 March relating to Coronavirus Disease
2020. The Committee for Controlling Allowing Benefits during the 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak
and Emergency Response to COVID-19 Unemployment period
was also formed with (11) members and Under the Announcement No. (1/2020)
chaired by Deputy President (1) During the unemployment period, the issued by the Ministry of Planning,
according to the Notification No. insured worker will be allowed to enjoy Finance and Industry on 18 March 020.
(53/2020) issued on 30 March 2020. The benefits under the health and social care The CMP business groups, hotel and
policies and measures are being Insurance System which are the right to travel agency groups and small and
undertaken to prevent, control and take medical treatment not exceeding six medium enterprises groups will be
respond to COVID-19 pandemic with months, cash benefits for sickness, defined as the priority sector groups to
the cooperation of respective Ministries. benefits relating to maternity, benefits for save because these business groups were
funeral expenses and the right to receive mostly hit by economic impact due to
Under the theme of ‘Overcoming as medical costs and travel expenses for COVID-19.
One;’ the COVID-19 Economic Relief admission not exceeding six months
Plan with (7) goals was implemented under the Directive No. (1/2020) issued The COVID-19 Fund has been
with the cooperation of respective by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration established with (50) billion Kyats from
Ministry on 27 April 2020. and Population on 20 March 2020. the State Revolving Fund and (50) billion
17Myanmar Social Security Board
Kyats from the Social Security Fund. The Security Board. The insured workers In conclusion, we need to cooperate in
total of (100) billion Kyats has been who are being quarantined under the sharing information, sharing experiences
deposited at Myanmar Economic bank. direction by the Ministry of Health and and good practices on policies and
Sports will be allowed to enjoy the procedures for enterprises and worker
Our Social Security Board has withdrawn medical leave with medical certificate and regarding the actual condition and
50 billion kyats from Social Security enjoy the cash benefit for this period information on COVID-19, standing
Account CS-009477 and transferred to under the Directive No. (10/2020) and continuously economic among member
Myanmar Economic Bank at Naypyitaw the Directive No. (11/2020) by the Social countries: no less income and
on COVID – 19 Fund Account Security Board, Ministry of Labour, employment, occupational safety and
OA-013379 by the approval of Cabinet Immigration and Population. health, continuously implementing
Meeting No. (7/2020). coordination process beyond the
Supporting the insured workers COVID-19 crisis.
With this Fund, the Myanmar with social security assistance
citizens-owned CMP business groups,
hotels and travel agency groups and small Under the Notification No (83/2020)
and medium enterprises groups who issued by the Ministry of Labour,
were mostly hit by economic impact due Immigration and Population on 28 April
to COVID-19 may get the loan for one 2020:
year with 1% interest rate. The interest (a) Factories and establishments will
rate and loan period will be reviewed be inspected under the instructions by
depending on the situation of economic the Ministry of Health and Sports from
crisis. 20 April to 15 May , 2020 and they will be
allowed to reopen their operations if
Allowance of medical leave and only terms and conditions are met.
giving cash benefits during medical
leave period (b) For this reason, factories and
establishments will be shut down
The insured pregnant woman will be temporarily to be inspected and the
allowed to enjoy the medical leave with insured workers from these will be
medical certificate and enjoy the cash allowed to enjoy the 40 percent of their
benefit for this period under the wages which is payable contribution as
Directive No. (9/2020) issued on 3 March the social assistance benefit for their off
2020 and the Order No. (594/2020) days period.
issued on 6 April 2020 by the Social
Issuing social assistance benefit to employees from Bellmart Myanmar Garment Co.,Ltd, Bago Region on 28th May, 2020. Issuing social assistance benefit to employees from Myanmar Wise Pacific Co.,Ltd, Bago Region on 21st May, 2020.
18Employees’ Compensation Comission Philippines
ECC expands coverage to land-based OFWs and
self-employed SSS members
The Employees’ jockeys, individual farmers, and fisher Employees’ Compensation Program is a
Compensation Commission folks; workers in the informal sector such show of our support and recognition of
as market and ambulant vendors, their significant contribution to our
(ECC) has expanded the coverage of transport workers, and those similarly workforce.”
the Employees’ Compensation Program
situated; contractual and job order
(ECP) to the land-based Overseas For her part, Director Banawis
personnel engaged by the government
Filipino Workers (OFWs) and expressed that, “We are happy that our
through a Contract of Service and who
self-employed members of the Social land-based OFWs as well as the
are not covered under the GSIS Law; and,
Security System (SSS). self-employed compulsory members of
any other self-employed as determined
by the Social Security Commission is the SSS who suffer from work-related
The coverage under the ECP covers all contingencies such as sickness, injury
subject for compulsory coverage.
SSS-registered land-based OFWs and and/or death are now covered under the
self-employed compulsory members not EC Program. This way, we can protect
In the board resolutions issued by the
over 60 years of age. and promote their welfare.”
ECC, both the land-based OFWs and
self-employed workers can also claim the
An OFW, as defined under R.A. 10022 or Reporting by Carlo Katigbak
benefits under the ECP which include
Migrant Workers & Overseas Filipinos
loss of income benefits, medical benefits,
Act of 2009, refers to a person who is to
rehabilitation services, death and funeral
be engaged, is engaged or has been
benefits and cash assistance should they
engaged in a remunerated activity in a
suffer from work-related contingencies
State of which he/she is not a citizen or
such as sickness, injury, and/or death.
on-board a vessel navigating the foreign
These EC benefits are filed at the SSS,
sea other than a government ship used
except for cash assistance which is filed
for military or non-commercial purposes
directly at the ECC.
or on an installation located offshore or
on the high seas.
As of September 2019, there are about
37.79 million covered members under
ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan
the SSS. About 7 percent of the covered
Banawis said that sea-based OFWs or
members of the SSS or 2.6 million are
seafarers have long been covered under
self-employed workers. While, 3 percent
the EC Program. But, it is only now that
or 1.2 million are OFWs. Meanwhile,
we have included the land-based OFWs
according to a survey conducted by the
under the EC Program.
Philippine Statistics Authority in 2019,
there are estimated 2.2 million
On the other hand, the ECC considered
documented OFWs including both
as self-employed workers those
sea-based and land-based workers.
professionals who have their own
business offices; partners, single
The guidelines for the implementation of
proprietors of businesses, and directors
the inclusion of the land-based OFWs
or trustees of the Board of corporations
and self-employed workers are currently
duly registered with appropriate
being prepared by the ECC in
government agencies.
coordination with the SSS.
Likewise, actors, directors, scriptwriters, ECC Chairperson and Labor Secretary
and news correspondents who do not Silvestre Bello III said, “This move by the
fall within the definition of the term Commission to include the land-based
‘employee’ in Section 8(D) of the SS Law; OFWs and self-employed compulsory
professional athletes, coaches, trainers, members of the SSS under the
19Philippines Government Service Insurance System
GSIS at 83: Responding to the Times,
Transitioning to the New Normal
#WeGotYourBack
Understanding the financial needs of its
members and pensioners during the
crisis, GSIS raised the credit limit of the
COVID-19 Emergency Loan to
Php40,000 from Php20,000 to enable
more members and pensioners to renew
their previous emergency loan. It also
relaxed the terms and conditions of the
program to qualify more borrowers to
avail of the loan.
To help borrowers reserve their limited
resources for urgent needs, the pension
fund granted a three-month moratorium
on all loan payments (including housing
loan) for the months of March, April and
May. The payment break will not incur
penalty or additional interest. All loan
May 31, 2020 marks the 83rd later extended to cover the COVID-19
term, as a result of the moratorium will
anniversary of the Government Emergency Loan. The pension fund has
be effectively extended by three months.
Service Insurance System (GSIS) in the so far disbursed a total of Php10.12
GSIS also granted payment relief to
Philippines. The 83rd year of the state billion in loans to more than 200,000
other clients. The three-month loan
pension fund takes place in the face of an members and pensioners this year.
moratorium was extended to inactive
unprecedented world health emergency members (already out of government
that has changed the landscape of ContactlessTransactions service) who availed of the Program for
delivering public service. At the onset of Restructuring and Repayment of Debts
the crisis, GSIS President and General After successfully shifting to digital filing and housing loan borrowers. In the same
Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet has of loans, GSIS is now moving to manner, GSIS granted lessees of its
identified the thrusts of GSIS in serving contactless methods of accepting properties a 30-day grace period from
its clients against the backdrop of the application for claims and benefits when the lifting of the Enhanced Community
COVID-19 crisis: Migration to digital the quarantine measures have been Quarantine (ECQ) to pay their accrued
technology; contactless and flexible relaxed starting June 1. GSIS rentals (during ECQ) without
transactions; and sensitivity to the needs interests, penalties, and other fees.
of members and pensioners. Allow us to Under contactless transactions,
share our story with you. members, pensioners and other clients Keeping Pensioners Safe
may apply for benefits through postal
Digital Loan Application mail or delivery courier; drop boxes Safeguarding the well-being of its elderly
located in GSIS branch offices pensioners who are most vulnerable to
To serve the urgent financial needs of COVID-19 is one of GSIS’s priorities.
nationwide; or email. These methods are
GSIS members and pensioners during Thus, the pension fund granted their
applicable for the following benefits:
the crisis, we swiftly switched from April and May 2020 pensions ahead of
retirement; life insurance (maturity or
manual to digital filing of loans right after the usual eighth-of-the month release
cash surrender regular or optional
the government imposed quarantine and will do so again in the coming
policies); survivorship; death; funeral;
measures in March. It was initially months; began accepting pension loan
employees compensation; pre-need and
available to borrowers of Conso-Loan, and emergency loan applications via
policy loan and pension loan and was pension accrual.
20Government Service Insurance System Philippines
email; granted them a three-month loan Kindness Campaign employees. Thus, it has installed
moratorium; extended the deadline for handwashing facilities, disinfecting foot
the physical appearance requirement or The COVID-19 sparked an outpouring of baths, sanitation tents, directional
Annual Pensioners’ Information kindness in the GSIS community. signages, and physical barriers in its
Revalidation (APIR) until 30 June for Executives and employees reached out frontline counters and booths. It also
pensioners whose birthday fall on March, to those at the forefront of the battle implements regular disinfection activities,
April, and May and allowed those who against the virus and the disadvantaged – transport biosecurity, and strict ingress
were not able to comply before March healthcare workers, janitors, security and egress protocols in its building
2020 to undergo online APIR. guards, stranded construction workers, facilities. These social distancing and
colleagues, and neighbors. biosecurity measures are all geared at
Pension is life for many retirees. As the preventing the spread of the virus.
country shifts into the ‘new normal’, GSIS
is set to allow submission of application Transitioning to the New Normal
for the commencement of their pension
via email. This provides them an easier As GSIS transitions to the new normal,
and safer alternative than going to a GSIS its priority remains to promote the
office since they have a high risk of safety and health of its customers and
getting infected with the virus. Retirees employees. Thus, it has installed
under Presidential Decree 1146, handwashing facilities, disinfecting foot
Republic Act 8291 (GSIS Act of 1997), baths, sanitation tents, directional
and Republic Act 7699 (Portability Law) signages, and physical barriers in its
who will start receiving their monthly frontline counters and booths. It also
pension may benefit from this new implements regular disinfection activities,
method of filing. Also covered by the transport biosecurity, and strict ingress
new guidelines are surviving spouse or Food, face masks, alcohol, hygiene kits,
guardian of the children of deceased cash to fund the purchase of ventilators
GSIS retirees, members, or pensioners. and other forms of assistance were
extended to them by GSIS employees
through organizations such as the
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine,
hospitals, health centers, and barangay
offices.
Adopting COVID-19 Shelters
The Philippines needs all the help it can and egress protocols in its building
get to curb the spread of COVID-19. facilities. These social distancing and
Honoring Fallen Public Frontliners GSIS will be refocusing its corporate biosecurity measures are all geared at
social responsibility initiatives by preventing the spread of the virus.
Government frontliners providing
extending financial support to Local
healthcare service or assistance to
Isolation and General Treatment Areas
COVID-19 patients are now
for COVID-19 cases (LIGTAS COVID)
automatically covered by an additional
Centers. These are community isolation
Php500,000 life insurance under the
units) within a barangay, municipality, city,
Bayanihan Fund for Frontliners (BFF) in
or province that serves as a temporary
recognition of their heroism and
shelter to COVID-19 cases who will
self-less dedication to government
require quarantine or isolation.
service. GSIS is set to release P12.9
million in life insurance benefits to the Transitioning to the New Normal
beneficiaries of eight government health
workers who recently succumbed to the As GSIS transitions to the new normal,
COVID-19 virus. its priority remains to promote the
safety and health of its customers and
21Philippines Home Development Mutaul Fund (Pag-IBIG)
Pag-IBIG Fund launches Virtual Pag-IBIG to provide
24/7online service to members
In celebration of its 39th for an MP2 Savings account, and specially designed activation process,
monitoring their loan application status. which they can access through Pag-IBIG
Anniversary last 12 Members may access even more services Fund’s online chat facility.
December 2019, Pag-IBIG Fund by creating their own Virtual Pag-IBIG
launched the Virtual Pag-IBIG -- an online accounts. With an account, members can The Virtual Pag-IBIG may be access via
portal that allows its members to access have access to their savings records, view the Pag-IBIG Fund website at
their services anytime, anywhere. their loan balances and get the latest https://www.pagibigfundservices.com/vir
Providing the basic services of a physical news and updates about Pag-IBIG Fund. tualpagibig/.
branch, the Virtual Pag-IBIG serves as a
personal online branch for the members Personalized access
where they can access their accounts,
view their records, track the status of Virtual Pag-IBIG makes use of Pag-IBIG
their loans, and pay their loan Fund’s Loyalty Card Plus as a primary
amortizations or remit their savings. access to creating an online account.
Initially packaged as a discount and
The launch, which was held at the reward membership card, wherein
Philippine International Convention Pag-IBIG members and card holders can
Center, was led by Pag-IBIG Chief avail of rebates and benefits from partner
Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti establishments, the Loyalty Card Plus has
and Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario, partnered with international commercial
who heads both the Department of banks to upgrade their functionality akin
Human Settlements and Urban to atm cards or debit cards. Through the
Development (DHSUD), and the Virtual Pag-IBIG, members can also
11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of monitor and view the last ten
Trustees. transactions made with their Pag-IBIG
Fund Loyalty Card Plus.
"Pag-IBIG Fund is celebrating its 39th
anniversary this month with the theme The Virtual Pag-IBIG also features an
‘Serving the Nation with Excellence and online payment facility that allows
Innovation.’ And what better way to members to pay for their loans and remit
mark our 39th year than with the their monthly savings through PayMaya
unveiling of one of the most innovative or with their Visa, Mastercard, or JCB
services in our history, the Virtual credit cards. It also has a real-time chat
Pag-IBIG. With this new service, it’s like facility that allows members to talk to a
having your own personal Pag-IBIG Fund Pag-IBIG Fund service personnel to
branch at your fingertips. With just a address any concern.
smartphone and an internet connection,
our members can now do their Other ways to access Virtual
transactions with Pag-IBIG Fund online, Pag-IBIG
anytime, wherever they are,” Moti said.
Pag-IBIG Fund members who do not
Virtual Pag-IBIG Services have a Loyalty Card Plus can still create
their Virtual Pag-IBIG account but will
By logging into the Virtual Pag-IBIG, Moti have to visit the nearest Pag-IBIG Fund
said that one can immediately enjoy the to validate their biometrics and account
agency’s services such as securing a details. Overseas Filipino Workers
Pag-IBIG Fund Membership ID (MID) (OFWs), on the other hand, has a
number, taking the initial step to enroll
22Social Security System Philippines
Social security in the time of COVID-19
"Providing meaningful social These modifications include the On June 15, 2020, the SSS also opened its
security protection to its suspension of its Annual Confirmation of COVID-19 Calamity Loan Assistance
members and their beneficiaries, Pensioners Program; the extension of Program wherein just 10 days from its
especially in times of financial difficulties, filing periods for sickness notifications, implementation, nearly P585.5 million
has always been at the core of the sickness benefit claims, and calamity loans were already released to
services of the Social Security System unemployment benefit claims; the 35,264 members.
(SSS)," said SSS President and CEO moratorium on short-term and housing
Aurora C. Ignacio. loan payments; and the extension of Intensifying digital transformation
contribution payment deadlines.
"When the coronavirus disease 2019 "The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized
(COVID-19) hit the Philippines earlier Back when community quarantine the importance of using digital
this year, our priority was clear: we must restrictions were stricter, the SSS technologies for transactions," said
ensure the uninterrupted delivery of our installed drop boxes in its branches to Ignacio. "It is a good thing that a few years
services," she added. continuously accommodate member back, we have already started to digitalize
transactions and it has made more our services."
The SSS, a state-run social security services available online.
institution for the country's Before the pandemic, SSS members may
private-sector workers, provides its As of June 27, the SSS' tentative data already view their records, submit salary
members with benefit programs for showed that from January to May this loan applications, submit maternity
sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, year, its benefit disbursements to over notifications (for self-employed,
death, funeral, and unemployment. It also 3.04 million members and pensioners voluntary, and Overseas Filipino Worker
provides salary, calamity, housing, reached P79.94 billion. It also showed members), inquire about the status of
educational assistance, and pension loans. that for the same period, it has released their benefit claims, update their contact
P10.15 billion loans to around 472,000 information, generate payment reference
Recognizing the health and members while its pension loan releases numbers and so forth, using the My.SSS
socio-economic impact of the pandemic, to 32,807 pensioners hit P1.46 billion. web portal and SSS Mobile App.
the SSS is even more motivated to
extend its services to its members and
pensioners.
Adapting to the pandemic
The threat of COVID-19 has
necessitated the practice of public health
measures such as physical distancing,
wearing of masks, limiting mass
gatherings, and movement restrictions.
Since March, a community quarantine is
implemented in the Philippines to
prevent the virus from spreading.
These events have caused challenges for
members and pensioners intending to
avail of SSS benefits. With that in mind,
the SSS implemented temporary
modifications to its programs.
Photo credit: Business Mirror
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