The Social Security System (SSS) in Bicol released some PHP2.3 million as cash assistance to 177 members who applied online for the unemployment benefit program.

Jeanette Mapa, SSS-Legazpi Branch spokesperson, in a phone interview on Wednesday said the amount covers applications filed from June 22 to July 6 this year.

Asked if the members who availed of the program were affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis, Mapa said: “Not all because of Covid-19 but some are. Since the unemployment benefit is part of the benefits given by SSS and the program is ongoing, we are expecting more applications”.

She said before submitting their unemployment benefit application online, members should have their own My.SSS account through registration at the SSS website.

Disbursement should also be registered in the members’ My.SSS accounts through Bank Enrollment Module (BEM). Applicants can then proceed to the E-services tab and click Bank Enrollment. From there, they can select their preferred PESONet participating bank, e-wallet, or remittance transfer companies/cash payout outlets (RTC/CPO) and enter their correct bank account number or mobile number.

Upon successful registration, members should log in to My.SSS account and click “apply for the unemployment benefit claim” under the E-Services tab.

Members must provide all the information such as their active savings account enrolled in the BEM, employment category, date and reason of involuntary separation, and the employer’s name.

Online applicants should read the certification carefully before clicking the “Submit” box to agree and proceed with the application. SSS will send a notification through email.

Members must reply to the notification by attaching the scanned copies of the certification issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Notice of Termination from the Employer or Affidavit of Termination from Employment, whichever is applicable.

Member-applicant will receive a confirmation email from SSS regarding their successful application.

The SSS unemployment benefit is equivalent to half of the members’ average monthly salary credit (AMSC) for a maximum of two months.

The cash benefit ranges from the minimum amount of PHP1,200 up to the maximum amount of PHP16,800, or depending upon their monthly contributions if involuntary separated until July 2020.

Mapa said Republic Act 11199, the Social Security Act of 2018, mandates the SSS to give unemployment benefit to members who are involuntarily separated from employment. (PNA)