SSS expands micro savings program

MANILA, Philippines - The Social Security System has expanded its microsavings program, AlkanSSSya to include customer care assistants (CCAs).

As of the end of July, a total of 93 CCAs were registered with the SSS as self-employed members under the category of entertainers.  Their contributions amounted to P72,115 as of the same period.

The AlkanSSSya, which derived its concept from a piggy bank, is a large cabinet with individual compartments in which members can put their savings to pay for their monthly SSS contributions.

With savings as little as P10 a day, a CCA or night support worker can contribute a minimum of P312 a month.

Their monthly SSS contributions are paid through their talent managers who deduct a minimal amount from the nightly tips they earn from their customers, and then remit the required monthly amount to the Bayad Center with the assistance of a dedicated SSS account officer.

“These CCAs work in an uncertain environment wherein they can face physical vulnerabilities. Through their active SSS membership, they can avail themselves of social security protection in times of need, as well as prepare for their financial needs in the future,” the SSS said.

The agency’s ongoing campaign to reach out to a wide range of sectors including overseas Filipino workers and the informal sector have helped boost its contribution collections

The SSS tied-up with various informal sector groups, microfinance institutions, cooperatives and local government units to ensure SSS coverage and timely remittance of SSS payments of members. As a result of these partnerships, more than 83,757 workers from 837 informal sector groups, including 4,844 job order and contractual workers of the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development were included in the program.

SSS individual members reached 31 million as of June 30, comprising 23 million employed members, 4.2 million self-employed, 3.2 million voluntary members and one million OFWs.