Baguio City: The Social Security System (SSS) has once again urged fresh graduates, whether from senior high school or college, to apply for SSS membership to become eligible for a range of benefits. "If they have time, they can already register, especially if they intend to work in a private company or establishment because it is a requirement," said Christian Andrew Rillorta, information officer of the SSS North Luzon 1 office, in a media interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, the application process is conducted online, eliminating the need to visit an SSS office unless assistance is required for registration through the SSS website or the my.sss portal. Rillorta explained that applicants would find a prompt saying, "You need a number," which they should click on to proceed with entering their personal information.

Rillorta further elaborated that applicants can generate a registration form, which they can either photograph or print, and submit to their employer. This submission is necessary for fulfilling the requirement of paying the employer share and acting as a withholding agent for the SSS on behalf of the employee.

Rillorta highlighted that SSS membership is a right for all private sector employees. Benefits for male members include coverage for sickness, disability, unemployment, retirement, death, and funeral, while female members have the same benefits with the additional provision for maternity. Active members who have maintained their membership dues for a specified number of months are also eligible for salary and calamity loan programs.

Furthermore, Rillorta noted that members who have contributed at least 120 months of accumulated dues and reach the age of 60 are entitled to retirement benefits or pension. In the event of a member's death, the surviving legal spouse and minor children are entitled to benefits under the death benefit package.

Rillorta mentioned that non-members have the option to become voluntary members and can transition to a "working status" once they gain employment. He emphasized that the SSS is actively pursuing employers who fail to register their workers or do not remit payments, as part of their efforts to protect members.

"Our accounts management section monitors all employer members, particularly regarding the non-membership of their workers and non-remittance. Our program targets contribution evaders to ensure that employees receive their rightful entitlements without affecting their benefits," Rillorta stated.