(SSS Vice president for Luzon Central 2 Division Gloria Corazon M. Andrade (left) explains the salient features of RA 11199 during the News@Hues media forum at Park Inn by Radisson Clark on Tuesday. SSS Angeles City branch head Normita Cruz is at right. )
CLARK FREEPORT – The Social Security System (SSS) is now ready to help employees who lost their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control.
Gloria Corazon M. Andrada, SSS vice president for Luzon Central 2 Division, made this announcement during the “News@Hues” media forum organized by the Pampanga Press Club in cooperation with Park Inn Hotel by Radisson Clark here on Tuesday.
Andrada said RA 11199 or an act rationalizing and expanding the powers and duties of the social security commission to ensure the long-term viability of the Social Security System has taken effect on March 5.
She said the approval of its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) is expected before June 3.
Andrada said the salient feature of the law include the introduction of a new benefit (SSS number 7 benefit) which is the unemployment benefit.
“This is for the involuntarily separated employees as well as OFWs who can avail of this benefit which means employees that were laid off due to the closure of business, retrenchment or downsizing,” she said.
But she clarified that the benefit does not cover those that were dismissed for a cause.
Andrada said for those who will be covered, they will get 50 percent of their average monthly salary credit.
“The requirements include a 36-month contribution and 12 of these are supposed to be contributed within an 18-month period,” she said.
“And it can only be availed every three years. So, this is our help for our members that were laid off because of circumstances that were beyond their control,” she added.
Andrada also said natural or man-made calamities or disasters as reasons for the workers’ being laid off are also accepted, she pointed out.
