SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) -- Personnel from the Social Security System (SSS) Occidental Mindoro office have been visiting schools in the province to help graduating college students secure their Social Security Number (SSN).

The activity aims to help graduating students prepare for their entry into the workforce, as the SSN is one of the requirements for employment in accordance with Section 24 of Republic Act 11199, otherwise known as the Social Security Law of 2018.

Moreover, SSS promotes the use of their online services to the public through their website and member portal.

“Pinapaigting po ng SSS ang paggamit ng ating online facilities para sa mas pinadali, mas pinasimple at mas pinabilis na serbisyo sa ating mga miyembro kagaya na lamang ng SSN issuance,” John Michael Gayo of SSS Occidental Mindoro said.

[We, at SSS, are intensifying the use of our online facilities for easier, simpler, and faster services for our members, such as the issuance of SSN.]

What is an SSN?

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a ten-digit unique identifier assigned to an individual enrolled in SSS. It is used to track contributions, benefits, and other transactions related to an individual's SSS account.

However, obtaining an SSN alone does not immediately qualify the bearer of the benefits of SSS membership. SSS explains that for those who are employed, their employers must first report them for SSS coverage. 

Entitlement to benefits will only be effective upon payment of the first month’s contribution for those who are self-employed or working overseas.

What are the benefits of being an SSS member?

During several interviews, SSS Branch Manager Joey G. Monte de Ramos highlighted the benefits of becoming an active SSS member as it offers assistance from the "womb to tomb."

"Ang SSS ay isang ahensya na nangangasiwa sa pribadong sektor sa oras ng kanilang pangangailangan bunsod ng pagkakasakit, panganganak, pagkabalda...imboluntaryong pagkawala ng trabaho lalo noong pumasok ang pandemic...pagreretiro at 'yung huli ay [pagkamatay at pagpapalibing]," Monte de Ramos said.

[The SSS is an agency thatoffers help to those in the private sector in times of need due to sickness, maternity, disability, involuntary resignation from work ,especially during the pandemic, retirement, and lastly, death and burial.]

To date, the SSS Occidental Mindoro has visited two schools, namely: Divine Word College of San Jose and Collegio de San Sebastian in the municipality of Sablayan, and assisted 130 graduating students.

The SSS team is eyeing to assist 6,000 students from all schools in the province this year. Their next schedule will be at the Occidental Mindoro State College Main Campus on April 29. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA - Occidental Mindoro)