SSS Branches in Cebu and Bohol Provinces Implement Number Coding and Drop Box System

In the interest of public health and safety for all SSS members, and to ensure compliance to the IATF directive to strictly implement physical distancing in all public and private establishments, SSS branches in Cebu and Bohol provinces which were already declared under General Community Quarantine will implement the Number Coding System for all transactions starting 18 May 2020.

“We have to limit the number of transacting members coming to our branches as we noted that most of their transactions are only for inquiries and follow-ups which can already be handled thru our branch hotlines and via branch emails,” said Atty. Alberto Montalbo, Acting VP of SSS Visayas Central 1 Division. “For claim applications for retirement, disability, death, funeral, maternity and sickness benefit, we encourage our members and claimants to drop their applications in the designated drop boxes found in the entrance area of our branches. To ensure confidentiality, we encourage that the claim applications be put in a sealed brown envelop, together with the supporting documents, and that only the name of the member and the type of claim should be written outside the envelop. SSS forms can be downloaded from the SSS website,” VP Montalbo added.

With the implementation of the Number Coding System, all members, employers and claimants wishing to transact in the various SSS branches in Cebu and Bohol provinces will have to check the ending digits of their SSS numbers or employer ID numbers, whichever is applicable, and follow this schedule:

Only those whose ending digits are scheduled for the day shall be allowed entry in the office, subject to various precautionary measures being implemented such as mandatory wearing of protective face mask, thermal scanning, foot bath and hand disinfection upon entry, submission of health declaration slip, among others. All office entrants will also be required to present their SSS ID/UMID card or any 2 valid identification cards. Persons transacting in behalf of others will be required to bring authorization letter and copies of the IDs of the person he is representing.

For proper guidance, all members, employers and claimants who are planning to visit any of the SSS branches are advised to text, call or email first the concerned branch:

Self-employed and voluntary members who wish to pay their SS contributions or their loans are also discouraged from making their payments in the SSS tellering centers to avoid crowding the offices. They are instead advised to do their payments in the various SSS accredited payment outlets nearest their places of residence which is more convenient and less costly for them. The list of SSS accredited payment outlets can be secured by calling the branch hotline numbers.

SSS members 60 years old and above are also discouraged from personally transacting in the SSS offices. If they wish to file a retirement benefit application or a pension loan application, or simply to comply for ACOP, they can still do their transaction thru an authorized representative. It is important though that they call first the branch hotline for proper guidance and advice on the procedures and requirements for filing. It must be stressed that in all transactions, the branch reserves the right to refuse entry of persons, including senior citizens, who may take advantage of the current situation, jeopardizing the safety protocols and order in the office.

For those residing in areas still under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), members can still drop their claim applications or queries in the drop boxes in various SSS branches, or simply ask their queries and follow-ups by calling the branch hotline numbers. Also, members may still check their SSS records via the SSS mobile app or thru Text SSS channels, wherever they may be located.

“We assure our members that we have dedicated SSS personnel handling all calls and text messages received thru the branch hotlines from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Also, all claims dropped in the drop boxes will be acknowledged and acted upon by our personnel within 24 hours from receipt. It is therefore important that members and claimants must include in their claim applications their contact numbers and email addresses, for us to immediately reach out to them if there is a need for clarification and for personal interview. We are doing all these because we want our members to still have access to our services even during the ECQ or GCQ period,” VP Montalbo ended.