In a major boost to social protection efforts, the Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines has forged a new agreement with the Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga.
This agreement ensures that over 200 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers will now gain access to vital social security benefits, previously unavailable to them due to their employment status.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed on June 13, 2025, enables these temporary workers to enroll as self-employed members under the KaSSSangga Collect Program, a targeted initiative designed to bring informal and non-regular workers into the SSS fold.
Why This Pact Matters
Historically, JO and COS workers in the government were excluded from coverage by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), leaving them vulnerable during illness, disability, maternity, or retirement. This MOA shifts the tide by offering:
- Structured access to SSS core benefits
- Payroll-based contribution deductions
- Inclusion in the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program
Key Benefits for Temporary Government Workers
Once enrolled, these temporary workers will be entitled to the full suite of SSS benefits, including:
| Benefit Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sickness Benefit | Daily cash allowance during illness |
| Maternity Benefit | Support during childbirth or miscarriage for female workers |
| Salary Loan | Short-term financial assistance |
| Disability Benefit | Monthly or lump-sum support for permanent or partial disability |
| Retirement Benefit | Monthly pension or lump-sum at retirement age |
| Death/Funeral Benefit | Support for beneficiaries of deceased members |
| EC Program | Added benefits in case of work-related injuries or sickness |
How Contributions Work
SSS contributions for these workers are automatically deducted from their salaries, making the process hassle-free and consistent. The Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) determines their contribution rate and benefit amount.
| Monthly Salary Credit | Monthly Contribution (₱) |
|---|---|
| ₱3,000 | ₱760 |
| ₱10,000 | ₱1,300 |
| ₱20,000 | ₱2,600 |
| ₱30,000 (Maximum) | ₱5,280 |
This tiered structure ensures fairness and scalability, making it easy for other agencies to replicate.
The Role of KaSSSangga Collect Program
The KaSSSangga Collect Program is a vital SSS outreach campaign that targets informal, freelance, and now, temporary government workers. It simplifies:
- Registration and onboarding
- Salary-based automated contributions
- Education and orientation on SSS rights and benefits
For the DOH Caraga partnership, orientation drives were conducted before enrollment, ensuring full awareness among the 200 affected workers.
Impact on Philippine Labor Policy
This move signals a progressive shift in employment policy, emphasizing inclusion and equity. It creates a precedent for other government units to:
- Offer uniform benefits across employment types
- Reduce the divide between regular and non-regular workers
- Encourage long-term financial planning and resilience
The initiative is expected to improve workforce morale, reduce attrition, and contribute to higher public service efficiency.
The partnership between SSS and DOH Caraga reflects the government’s growing commitment to inclusive social protection.
By integrating temporary workers into the SSS system with ease, this model sets a new standard for equity and long-term security.
Its success may pave the way for a nationwide expansion, safeguarding the rights and welfare of all Filipino workers, regardless of their employment status.
FAQs
Who are eligible under the SSS and DOH Caraga agreement?
Temporary government workers like Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) personnel from DOH Caraga are eligible.
How will contributions be made to SSS under this agreement?
Contributions are automatically deducted from workers’ salaries and remitted to SSS by DOH Caraga.
What is the KaSSSangga Collect Program?
It’s an SSS program designed to bring informal and non-regular workers into the formal social security system through simplified enrollment and contributions.