SSS: Application to small business subsidy program up to May 8

BAGUIO CITY -- The Social Security System (SSS) is calling on private sector workers affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine due to the COVID pandemic to coordinate with their employers so they can be applied for financial assistance under the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) Program.

                SSS – Baguio Information Officer Christian Rillorta explained during the Cordillera Regional Inter – agency Task Group COVID – 19 online media briefing that the SBWS is a program being spearheaded by the Department of Finance in line with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

This provides P5,000 – P8,000 cash assistance to affected workers nationwide based on the minimum wage in the region, which in the Cordillera Region is  P5,500.  

Rillorta said the SSS comes in with its database of private sector member employees and use of its online portal for employers – My.SSS account for the SBWS application. The Bureau of Internal Revenue will notify the qualified small businesses based on their database.

The online application for the SBWS started last April 16 and the last day of application will be on May 8.

The government plans to release the first tranche of cash assistance from May 1 – 15 and second tranche by May 16 – 30, he added.

Meanwhile, Rillorta said payment for SSS member contribution for the first quarter of 2020 has been moved to June and that there is  a 3 – month moratorium for payment of loans.

Rillorta calls for understanding of members  with the salary loan currently offered online  due to the ECQ  and may take longer processing time as the SSS online services is focused on the SBWS. SSS will also be offering Calamity Loan Assistance program after the SBWS implementation, he said.

“Hopefully our branches will open after May 15 and our clients must also expect changes operations as health and safety precautions will be included in the system”, he added.

For more information on the SBWS program and other SSS updates, log on to the facebook page – Philippine Social Security System. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)