he Social Security System (SSS) recently revealed around P4.23 billion worth of benefits were disbursed to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) last year.
“We are glad that we were able to translate the contributions of our dear OFW-members into benefits that were disbursed to them during times of contingencies.” said SSS CEO and President Aurora C. Ignacio. “SSS stands by its mandate to provide adequate, universal social security protection for all workers in the private sector in times of retirement, disability, death, funeral, sickness, or maternity.”
Among the total disbursements, over half, approximately 2.87 billion, went towards regular pensions; while sickness and maternity comprised of around P271 million, with initial and lump-sum benefits amounting to P1.09 billion.
Last June, SSS affirmed their commitment to provide coverage for OFWs, which is a component of RA 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018. The government agency made the announcement after various members of the OFW community previously claimed they were not consulted on the matter.
After public consultations were held earlier this year, which were attended by members of the Filipino Association of Mariners’ Employment Inc., Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc., Joint Manning Group, Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, Coalition of Licensed Agencies for Domestic, and Service Workers Inc., SSS noted, as of March 2019, the government agency reported a total 325,061 OFWs were making regular contributions./WDJ
“We are glad that we were able to translate the contributions of our dear OFW-members into benefits that were disbursed to them during times of contingencies.” said SSS CEO and President Aurora C. Ignacio. “SSS stands by its mandate to provide adequate, universal social security protection for all workers in the private sector in times of retirement, disability, death, funeral, sickness, or maternity.”
Among the total disbursements, over half, approximately 2.87 billion, went towards regular pensions; while sickness and maternity comprised of around P271 million, with initial and lump-sum benefits amounting to P1.09 billion.
Last June, SSS affirmed their commitment to provide coverage for OFWs, which is a component of RA 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018. The government agency made the announcement after various members of the OFW community previously claimed they were not consulted on the matter.
After public consultations were held earlier this year, which were attended by members of the Filipino Association of Mariners’ Employment Inc., Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc., Joint Manning Group, Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, Coalition of Licensed Agencies for Domestic, and Service Workers Inc., SSS noted, as of March 2019, the government agency reported a total 325,061 OFWs were making regular contributions./WDJ