Job order workers attend an onboarding session at the DOH Healthy Lifestyle Complex in Legazpi City, February 2, 2024. (Photo courtesy of DOH Bicol CHD)
MASBATE CITY, Masbate (PIA) – Job order (JO) and contractual workers in local government units (LGU) here are set to receive social security protection after the local branch of the Social Security System (SSS) signed an agreement with 16 LGUs to enroll their employees under the self-employed category.
Under the “KaltaSSS-Collect Program” of the SSS, JO and contractual workers’ contributions are automatically deducted from their wages and remitted to the SSS.
SSS Masbate Branch Head Donald Dalanon said the workers were directly hired by the LGUs through a contract of service and were not covered by the Government Service Insurance System.
After fulfilling the necessary contribution and application requirements, workers will be entitled to benefits and privileges for work-related situations, he said.
These benefits include cash payments for the days a member cannot work due to illness or injury. A lump sum or monthly pension will be provided to members who become permanently disabled or can no longer work due to old age.
In addition, cash may be granted to those who cover the burial expenses of a deceased member, as well as a monthly pension or a lump sum for the beneficiaries of the deceased.
For a female member who is unable to work due to childbirth or an emergency termination of pregnancy, daily cash payments will be provided.
Moreover, a loan may be granted to a member whose residence is located in a calamity-stricken area.
“If the contract of service and job order workers stop working in the LGUs, they can continue to pay their SSS contributions as voluntary members. This allows them to maintain access to the benefits and loan privileges offered by the SSS,” Dalanon said.
“All workers, regardless of their employment status, deserve a basic safety net during contingencies through SSS membership,” he added. (PIA5/Masbate)
