A Complete Guide on SSS Unemployment Benefit Program

Due to the increased unemployment rate in the Philippines, many Filipinos lost their jobs. However, in November 2022, the unemployment rate decreased from 6.5% to 4.2%. If you’re one of them, you must be interested to know how you can receive cash assistance from the sss unemployment benefit.

Social Security System (SSS) provides unemployment benefits to its members. This guide aims to provide an overview of the sss unemployment benefit, as well as details on eligibility criteria and the application process.

Definition of SSS Unemployment Benefit

The Social Security System (SSS) unemployment benefits are a form of financial assistance the government provides to those afflicted with involuntary separation from employment. This program is designed to provide temporary relief and support for members in times of need so that they may be better prepared for life after their job has ended.

Overview of Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for unemployment benefits from the SSS. These include:

An active member of the Social Security System before an involuntary separation
Being between 18 and 60 years of age
Having at least 36 monthly contributions within the last 12 months before their job loss
Not receiving any other SSS benefits such as sickness, maternity, retirement, or disability.
No settled SSS unemployment benefit within the last three years before the date of unemployment.

Detailed Explanation of Eligibility Requirements

Age limits: Applicants must meet the age limit criteria of 18 to 60 years old to be considered for SSS unemployment benefits.

Monthly Contributions: To get unemployment benefits from the government, a person should have paid into the system for at least 36 months. Out of those 36 months, 12 should have been in the 18 months before the person lost their job. This policy ensures that sss members are well-supported in times of hardship, providing them with much-needed assistance during unemployment.

Not Receiving Other Benefits: Those receiving any other form of SSS benefit when applying for unemployment benefits will not be eligible. This includes sickness, maternity, retirement, or disability benefits.

Unemployment Benefits Within Last 3 Years: Any individual who has already received an SSS unemployment benefit within the last three years before their current claim will not be eligible to apply again until after that period has lapsed.

Amount of Cash Benefit Provided: Employees who meet specific qualifications can receive a substantial payout, equal to twice half of their monthly salary credit. This one-time payment is available for up to twelve months following involuntary separation; those impacted should consider filing as soon as possible to maximize their benefit.

Application Process for SSS Unemployment Benefit

Are you in the Philippines and looking for financial help due to unemployment? The Social Security System (SSS) can provide relief through its Unemployment Benefits Program. To apply, follow these simple steps:

Log in to your My.SSS account and go to Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM).
Register your preferred disbursement account – this is where it will send the cash benefit.
Go to the E-Services tab and click “Apply for the Unemployment Benefits Claim.”
Input required information such as DAEM-enrolled account, date of involuntary separation from employer, employer’s name, and employment category.
Review the details entered, then hit Submit once done and wait for an email from SSS, which will require you to reply with scanned copies of pertinent documents.

Needed Documents for Application Submission

When applying for SSS unemployment benefits, applicants must submit the following documents:

Original and Photocopy of Proof of identity, such as a valid ID
Proof of involuntary separation from employment, such as a certificate from your former employer
Affidavit of Termination of Employment
Certification of the nature and date of involuntary separation from DOLE

Exceptions to SSS Unemployment Benefits Program

Serious misconduct: If the applicant were dismissed due to serious misconduct or any known violation of company rules and regulations, they would not be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Willful disobedience to lawful orders: If the applicant willfully disobeyed legal orders from their employer, they will not be eligible.

Gross and habitual neglect of duties: If the applicant were dismissed due to gross and habitual negligence, they would not be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Voluntary resignation: If the separation were voluntary on the part of the employee, they would not qualify for sss unemployment benefits.

Knowing and willful breach of trust or commission of fraud or dishonesty: If the Employer terminated an employee due to a knowing and intentional violation of trust, fraud, or deceit, they will also not be eligible for sss unemployment benefits.

Fraud or willful breach of trust/loss of confidence: If the Employer terminated an employee due to a fraud or intentional breach of trust/loss of confidence, sss unemployment benefits will also not be awarded.

Commission of a crime or offense: If an employee was terminated due to their commission of a crime or offense, you would not give sss unemployment benefits. Illegal activities: If the applicant was dismissed from employment due to unlawful activities, they will also not qualify for sss unemployment benefits.

Analogous cases like abandonment, gross inefficiency, disloyalty/ conflict of interest/ dishonesty: If the applicant were separated from their job due to these cases, you would not provide sss unemployment benefits.

Conclusion

In summary, the SSS Unemployment Benefits Program provides financial assistance to members who have lost their source of income due to involuntary separation from employment. The benefits are available for up to twelve months following the date of unemployment, and applicants must file as soon as possible to maximize their benefit level. To apply, members need to go through a 5-step process that includes registering a preferred disbursement account, providing detailed information about the nature of their termination, and submitting supporting documents.

Those terminated due to serious misconduct, willful disobedience to lawful orders, gross or habitual neglect of duties, voluntary resignation, or any other illegal activities will not qualify for sss unemployment benefits. As such, applicants must review all criteria before filing and ensure that they meet all requirements to receive sss unemployment benefits.

With this information, members can make an informed decision on whether sss unemployment benefits would benefit them. In any case, this guide provided the information required to make a well-informed decision. Thank you.

Disclaimer: The information in this guide is intended as a general overview and should not replace professional advice from qualified financial advisors or SSS personnel regarding sss unemployment benefit eligibility. It is vital that applicants research carefully and discuss with experts before making any decisions about filing for sss unemployment benefits.

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