SSS, DICT sign deal to expand social security coverage for virtual assistants, freelancers
Virtual assistants and freelancers could gain better access to social security coverage following an agreement between the Social Security System and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
Under the signed Memorandum of Understanding, freelancers and virtual assistants will be encouraged to enroll in the SSS as self-employed members, giving them access to benefits covering sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral expenses, and death.
Self-employed SSS members may also apply for salary loans, emergency loans, and microloans, and receive coverage under the Employees’ Compensation Program for work-related sickness, disability, or death.
The SSS contribution rate is currently 15%, with a Monthly Salary Credit ranging from P5,000 to P35,000 for self-employed members.
“Freelancers and virtual assistants are an important and growing segment of our workforce. By bringing them into the SSS coverage, we ensure that they, too, can access the same protection and benefits enjoyed by other workers—whether in times of sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, or even death,” Victor Alfonso A. Limlingan, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.
“Our goal is simple: no Filipino worker should be left without social security protection. Through this MOU with DICT, we are taking a significant step toward making social security more accessible, more relevant, and more responsive to the needs of our digital workforce," he added.
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Limlingan said the minimum monthly contribution is P760, comprising P750 for regular SSS contributions and P10 for EC coverage.
The signed MOU is said to benefit the country’s estimated 1.5 million freelancers and virtual assistants. It also aims to raise awareness, registration, membership, and compliance with Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, among freelancers and online workers,
The SSS and DICT will also work on initiatives covering freelancer education, partnerships, job creation and matching, advocacy, and program monitoring to help sustain and grow the freelancing industry.
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