SSS 'text' transactions double in 2012

MANILA, Philippines - As millions of Filipinos turn mobile, the number of "text" transactions made by Social Security System (SSS) members doubled from 2011 to last year.

Mario Sibucao, SSS vice president for member services division, said that a total of 601,936 SMS transactions through "Text-SSS" were recorded in 2012. He said the number is a 106 percent increase compared to 2011's 291,600.

Sibucao also said that the number of new Text-SSS users increased by 107 percent, with a total of 163,384 new registrants recorded in 2012 from only 78,795 members joining the program in 2011. Over 313,000 members are registered in Text-SSS as of December 31, 2012, he said.

"The Text-SSS enhancements we introduced last year gave members a huge incentive to use this facility, which brought steep growths in both registration and number of transactions. This year, we hope more members will register so they will also benefit from the ease and convenience that Text-SSS brings," he added.

The SSS launched the mobile transaction system in February 2010 to allow its members to conveniently check their SSS contributions, loan balance and loan status using their cellphones.

The agency expanded the text service in 2012, allowing members to get updates on their sickness, disability, maternity, retirement and funeral claims. Members can also send feedback on SSS programs and services thru Text-SSS.

Sibucao said that the other text sevices launched last year include inquiry facilities for members asking about the required documents for SSS registration, amendment of membership data and filing of benefit claims and checking of SSS branch locations.

He also reported that a total of 212,174 contribution inquiries made up a third of Text-SSS transactions in 2012, up by 64 percent from the 129,029 inquiries posted in 2011.

To register with Text-SSS, members can text their social security number and birthdate using the format "SSS REG " to 2600. Each text message costs P2.50 for Globe and Smart subscribers and P2.00 for Sun Cellular users.