ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Social Security System (SSS) is rolling out key initiatives nationwide in 2025 to enhance pension services, reduce loan interest rates, expand coverage for self-employed professionals, and strengthen digital access to services. While these are part of SSS’ broader efforts, Napoleon R. Rabanal II, Senior Communications Analyst, SSS Mindanao, West Division, spells out how these plans are being implemented in Region 9 to benefit members and pensioners in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Better Services for Pensioners
To simplify processes for retirees, SSS is strengthening its Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) Program to ensure continuous benefit distribution while reducing the need for in-person visits.
In line with SSS’ nationwide efforts to modernize its services, a drive-thru service is in the pipeline, aimed at making transactions more convenient for pensioners.
“In the future, we envision a service as fast and convenient as a drive-thru. Pensioners won’t have to stand in long lines; their representatives can approach us, and we will go to them to serve,” Rabanal explained.
To further support those who cannot physically visit SSS offices, domiciliary services are being strengthened, ensuring that bedridden pensioners, those in mental institutions, or individuals with severe mobility issues can still receive proper assistance. Through this service, SSS personnel visit the pensioners at their homes or care facilities to assist them with pension verification, benefits processing, and other necessary transactions to ensure they continue receiving their benefits without inconvenience.
Lower Loan Interest Rates in 2025
SSS is also considering a reduction in loan interest rates, a move that will have a significant impact on members, allowing them to receive higher take-home proceeds from their salary and calamity loans.
“There are ongoing discussions on reducing the interest rates of our loan programs. If implemented, this will have a significant impact on the take-home loan proceeds of our members, giving them more financial flexibility,” Rabanal said, adding that this initiative will greatly benefit workers in Region 9 who rely on these financial assistance programs.
Expanding Social Security for Self-Employed Professionals
While SSS has long focused on covering informal workers, it is now intensifying efforts to encourage self-employed professionals, including lawyers, doctors, nurses, and other PRC-licensed individuals, to continue their contributions beyond the required 120 months.
“The more contributions they make, the better their benefits in the future. We want to ensure that not only informal workers but also self-employed professionals secure their financial protection through SSS,” Rabanal emphasized.
Strengthening Online Security and Member Awareness
With misinformation and scams on the rise, SSS is reminding members to follow only its official social media accounts for reliable updates.
“We highly encourage all our members and their beneficiaries to monitor and follow only the official social media accounts of the Philippine Social Security System. They can find it with the official handle my.sss.ph. This will ensure that the information they get is legit and will help battle misinformation and scammers that are rampant,” Rabanal said.
He also emphasized the importance of online registration, which allows members to monitor their accounts, file benefit claims, and transact with SSS without physically visiting branches.
“We also call on our members to continue paying their contributions to ensure that they will receive their rightful benefits should any contingency come their way. And for those who are not yet members of SSS, my advice is to become a member now to be able to reap the benefits like lifetime pension and other financial assistance,” he added.
Commitment to Service Excellence
These nationwide plans, alongside Region 9’s localized efforts, reaffirm SSS’ dedication to service excellence, financial accessibility, and social security expansion for all members. For updates on these programs, SSS members in Zamboanga Peninsula are encouraged to visit their nearest SSS branch or access services through official SSS platforms. ( JPA / Zamboanga Sibugay)
