How to Pay SSS Contributions for Filipinos in Malaysia

The Social Security System (SSS) is a government program that provides different kinds of benefits for Filipino workers, both inside and outside the Philippines. Members can avail of maternity benefits, sickness benefits, unemployment benefits, and many more — including a pension benefit when they retire.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Malaysia can access SSS services through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), which is located at the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. When it comes to paying SSS contributions, they can pay online or “over the counter” in banks and companies that have partnered with the SSS.

Malaysia OFW’s Guide to Paying SSS Contributions

Let’s review what the SSS is all about, its benefits, and the different ways in which OFW members can pay their contributions.

What is SSS?

The Social Security System (SSS) is a government-run program that serves Filipino workers in the private, professional, and informal sectors — including OFWs. It offers various benefits to its members, at different stages of their lives.

Occasionally, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur conducts outreach activities for OFWs in different parts of Malaysia. During these events, many services are provided to OFWs, including passport processing, contract verification, voters registration, SSS, and Pag-IBIG transactions.

Vision and Mission

According to the official website of the SSS, its vision and mission are as follows:

Vision. “A viable security institution providing universal and equitable social protection through word-class service.”

Mission. “To manage a sound and viable social security system which shall promote social justice and provide meaningful protection to members and their families against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden.”

SSS Coverage for OFWs

SSS coverage is mandatory for OFWs, both land-based and sea-based. According to the agency’s policies and guidelines, land-based OFWs are regarded as similar to “self-employed” members based in the Philippines, while sea-based OFWs are considered as employees of their principals (manning agencies).

For Filipinos who are immigrants, permanent citizens, or naturalized citizens abroad, membership with the SSS is voluntary.

Programs and Benefits

The SSS provides short-term benefits such as maternity, sickness, and unemployment benefits. Likewise, it offers long-term benefits such as retirement (pension) and disability benefits, depending on each case. Death and funeral benefits are also provided.

In cases of financial difficulty or natural calamities, the SSS offers salary loans, pension loans, and calamity loans to its members.

Contribution and Payments

How much is the SSS contribution? This is determined by the member’s Monthly Salary Credit (MSC), which, in turn, is based on his/her declared monthly earnings at the time of registration. For land-based OFWs, the minimum MSC is now at PHP 8,000.

Meanwhile, for sea-based OFWs, their SSS contribution is based on their monthly salaries. It include the worker’s contribution plus the employer’s contribution, since seafarers are regarded as employees of their principals or manning agencies.

Video: SSS’ Kwentong OFW

The SSS regularly features a “Kwentong OFW” (OFW Story) through its official Facebook page. Here’s a video presenting the story of Juditha Ala, an OFW who joined the SSS to avail of its benefits:

Where to Pay SSS Contributions

Members of the SSS can pay contributions through “over the counter” or online methods.

Over the Counter Payments

In the Philippines, SSS members can pay contributions at SSS Tellering Branches, SM Business Centers, ECPay centers, USSC centers, Bayad Centers, and other partner agencies.

Outside the Philippines, SSS members can pay contributions through partners companies such as the Bank of Commerce (BOC), Philippine National Bank (PNB), Asia United Bank (AUB), and Ventaja — along with their accredited collecting agents.

Online Payment Facilities

The MySSS mobile app makes is possible for members to pay their contributions online. This app accepts payments made using bank cards like MasterCard, JCB, Visa, or American Express, and also digital wallets such as Maya or GCash.

Other than the MySSS mobile app, members can also use the mobile applications of PayRemit, Security Bank, Rewire, Shopee Pay UnionBank, and Robinsons Bank to pay contributions.

How to Pay SSS Contribution Online

The MySSS mobile app, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store or the App Store, offers a fast and convenient way to pay SSS contributions. Here is a step-by-step guide to using the app:

1. Open the MySSS mobile app, provide your MySSS user ID and password, then click “Sign In.”
2. Select “Generate PRN” to generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN). Tap “Create,” then click “Generate.”
3. Provide the required fields (i.e. membership type, applicable period, SSS contribution amount), click “Submit,” then “OK.”
4. The screen will display your PRN. If you want, you can download a PDF copy of your PRN by tapping the download icon on the upper right corner. Click the back arrow to proceed with your payment
5. Tap “Pay,” then choose “Credit Card/Debit Card” (other payment methods displayed include Maya, GCash, and BPI). Click “OK,” then “Proceed.”
6. Review the summary of payment details displayed onscreen.
7. Provide your account details, then tap “Complete Order.”
8. Wait for your payment to be processed.
9. Provide the One-Time PIN (OTP) that will be sent to your registered mobile number with the servicing bank, then tap “Submit.”
10. The screen will display “Payment Successful.” You can opt to receive the receipt by entering your email address or mobile number in the field provided.
11. The screen will display a notification about your successful SSS Mobile Payment.
12. To check or confirm your payment, you can see “Actual Premiums” on the MySSS app, which displays posted payments. You can also verify the status of your payment through the app’s “Activity History.” That’s it!

NOTE: SSS contributions covering the months of January to September must be paid on or before December 31st of the year covered. Meanwhile, contributions for the months of October to December must be paid on January 31st of the following year.

Assistance for SSS Account

OFWs in Malaysia who need help with their SSS accounts can send an email to ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph or malaysia@sss.gov.ph. The email must contain the following details: member’s complete name, SS number, details of concern/inquiry, photos of passport, photo/selfie holding ID cards/documents to be provided.

Contact Information: MWO Kuala Lumpur

The SSS office in Malaysia may also be reached through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), which is located at the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Here are the contact details of the MWO:

Address: 95, Jalan Perkasa, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (603) 2161 2222 / +60178837089 (Hotline) / +60177009593 (MWO-ATN)
Email: mwo_kualalumpur@dmw.gov.ph / malaysia@sss.gov/ph / ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph
Website: https://kualalumpurpe.dfa.gov.ph/embassy-services/welfare-services/owwa-in-kl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHinMalaysia/

Google Map Location:

Final Thoughts

Being a member of the SSS entails many benefits for OFWs, especially if they want to have a regular pension when they retire. The fact that there are multiple payment options also makes paying SSS contributions quick and hassle-free!

Of course, as an SSS member, it’s also a wise idea to check and confirm your monthly contributions. Read this guide to learn how you can view your SSS contributions online.