SSS to enhance online services

MANILA, Philippines — State-run Social Security System (SSS) is set to launch its ExpreSSS program, which features enhanced online systems that aim to make the pension fund’s services more accessible to the public.

Under the ExpreSSS program, the state pension fund will introduce improved digital services that will provide its members with simpler, faster and more convenient means for registration, filing of benefit and loan applications, and other transactions.

SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said the initiative would ensure the continuous and efficient delivery of SSS services even amid the coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 pandemic.

“ExpreSSS is a product of our continuous digital transformation efforts over the years, which is also aligned with the call of Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission chairman Carlos Dominguez to expand the use of digital technologies for the prompt delivery of our services,” Ignacio said.

She said the initiative also advances the SSS’ compliance with Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act.

ExpreSSS services are scheduled to be launched today during the 63rd anniversary celebration of the state pension fund.

In celebration of its anniversary, SSS will also hold month-long online activities, including webinars on the agency’s online services. These will be conducted three times a week.

“We encourage our members and their beneficiaries, pensioners, covered-employers, and the public to participate in these activities to keep themselves in the loop as we continuously strive to bring our services closer to them via online services,” Ignacio said.

The SSS has been continuously improving its online channels to improve the delivery of its services.

Just recently, the SSS partnered with the Development Bank of the Philippines, enabling the fund to disburse benefits and short-term loans using PESONet participating banks and remittance centers.

The SSS also implemented the mandatory online submission of maternity notification and sickness notification, as well as the online filing of applications for unemployment benefit, funeral benefit, sickness benefit reimbursement claims, salary loans and calamity loans.

The state pension fund is also requiring the online filing of retirement benefit applications for members who are at least 65 years old, land-based overseas Filipino workers, and voluntary members who are 60 to 64 years old.