Jessie
In an important move to enhance social protection, the Social Security System (SSS) has forged a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga to provide comprehensive benefits for temporary state workers, specifically Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) employees.
As of June 2025, over 200 workers in the region are set to gain access to social security, marking a significant shift in the Philippine government’s approach to non-regular workers.
Expansion of Coverage to Temporary Workers
Temporary government workers, including JO and COS personnel, have long been excluded from traditional social insurance schemes due to the nature of their contracts.
These workers are typically engaged for short-term, project-based tasks without the stability afforded to regular government employees.
Through a formal memorandum of agreement (MOA), SSS has expanded its coverage, allowing these workers to register as self-employed members and access essential benefits under the SSS KaSSSangga Collect Program.
This initiative underscores a policy shift towards inclusivity, ensuring that even non-regular employees can benefit from vital social security protections.
This partnership is especially important for the Caraga region, where these workers play critical roles in public health and community development services.
What the New Agreement Means for Workers
The collaboration will allow JO and COS workers to enroll in the SSS KaSSSangga Collect Program, granting them eligibility for a wide range of social protection benefits.
These benefits are designed to provide financial security in times of illness, disability, maternity, or old age. Once enrolled, workers will be able to access the following:
Short-Term Benefits:
- Sickness Benefit: Cash allowance for workers unable to perform their duties due to illness.
- Maternity Benefit: Cash support for female workers during childbirth or miscarriage.
- Salary Loan: Short-term financial assistance for personal or emergency expenses.
Long-Term and Contingency Benefits:
- Disability Benefit: Lump-sum or monthly payments for workers who suffer from partial or permanent disability.
- Retirement Benefit: Monthly pension or lump-sum payments upon reaching retirement age.
- Death and Funeral Benefits: Cash assistance for beneficiaries upon the worker’s death.
Additionally, workers will be enrolled under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program, which provides supplemental assistance in cases of work-related injuries or illness.
How Contributions are Calculated and Collected
Under this program, contributions will be deducted directly from the salaries of JO and COS workers, ensuring smooth and timely remittance.
The contribution amount is based on the worker’s Monthly Salary Credit (MSC), which determines both the contribution and the benefits they are entitled to. Below is a table outlining the contribution structure:
| Monthly Salary Credit (₱) | Monthly Contribution (₱) |
|---|---|
| 3,000 | 760 |
| 10,000 | 1,300 |
| 20,000 | 2,600 |
| 30,000 (Maximum) | 5,280 |
The DOH Caraga will act as the collecting agency, ensuring that the contributions are deducted and remitted efficiently.
SSS KaSSSangga Collect Program
The KaSSSangga Collect program is a key component of this partnership, designed to extend coverage to informal sector workers, freelancers, and now, temporary government workers.
It simplifies the registration process and ensures that contributions are automatically deducted from the workers’ salaries, minimizing the need for manual payment transactions.
Key Features of KaSSSangga Collect:
- Ease of Access: Simple registration and onboarding for informal and non-regular workers.
- Efficient Remittance: Contributions are deducted directly from salaries, ensuring timely remittance.
- Institutional Support: Continuous guidance and updates provided by SSS to both workers and partner agencies.
This model has been successfully implemented for over 200 workers in Caraga, and it’s expected to scale in other regions, potentially revolutionizing how non-regular workers are included in the social security system.
Broader Impact on Public Workforce Policy
The extension of SSS coverage to JO and COS workers in Caraga has broader implications for the public workforce. It reflects a growing commitment to providing equal social protection to all workers, regardless of their employment status.
This initiative could set a precedent for other government agencies and local government units to adopt similar models, ultimately reducing disparities in worker protection.
The inclusion of non-regular workers in the social security system can improve worker morale, retention, and overall productivity.
It also signals a shift in public policy towards inclusivity, ensuring that even temporary workers are given long-term financial protection.
By providing social security benefits to over 200 temporary state workers in Caraga, SSS and DOH have set a new precedent for inclusion.
This collaboration marks an important step towards a more equitable workforce, ensuring that all workers, regardless of employment type, have access to essential social protection.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the KaSSSangga Collect program?
Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers, including those in the DOH Caraga region, are eligible to enroll.
How are contributions collected for the KaSSSangga Collect program?
Contributions are automatically deducted from workers’ salaries by DOH Caraga and remitted to SSS.
What benefits do workers receive under the KaSSSangga Collect program?
Workers are eligible for a range of benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and death benefits, among others.