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Did you know that if you’re unable to work due to sickness or injury, you might be eligible to receive cash assistance from the SSS? It’s called the SSS Sickness Benefit, and it’s there to help when you need it most.

What is the SSS Sickness Benefit?

The SSS Sickness Benefit is a daily cash allowance paid to qualified members who are unable to work for at least four (4) days due to illness or injury, whether you’re confined at home or in a hospital.

Who Can Avail of the Sickness Benefit?

You may qualify if:

1. You’re unable to work due to sickness or injury for at least 4 days.
2. You’ve paid at least 3 monthly contributions within the last 12 months before the semester of sickness/injury.
3. You notified your employer or the SSS about your illness.
4. If employed, you’ve already used up your company sick leave for the current year (except sea-based OFWs).

Limitations to Remember

• You can only receive up to 120 days of sickness benefit in one calendar year.
• The maximum for the same illness is 240 days. Beyond this, it may be considered a disability claim.

Deadlines for Filing

For Employed Members (Home Confinement):

• Notify your employer: within 5 days from start of illness.
• Employer must notify SSS: within 5 days of your report.

For Employed Members (Hospital Confinement):

• No need for employee notification.
• Employer must notify SSS: within 1 year from hospital discharge.

For Self-Employed/Voluntary/OFWs:

• Home confinement: File to SSS within 5 days from start.
• Hospital confinement: File to SSS within 1 year from discharge.

Late filing may result in reduction or denial of your benefit.

How Will I Receive My Benefit?

SSS will send your benefit via:

• UMID ATM Card
• PESONet Bank Account
• E-Wallets (e.g. GCash)
• Remittance Centers or Cash Payout Outlets

You must enroll your disbursement account in the My.SSS portal with the following:

• Valid government ID
• Bank account or e-wallet details
• Proof of ownership and a selfie with your ID and proof

How to Apply for the Sickness Benefit

For Employed Members:

1. Notify your employer and submit:
   • SSS Medical Certificate
   • Medical records (if needed)
2. Your employer will submit the sickness notification online via their My.SSS account.

For Self-Employed, Voluntary, OFWs, and Separated Members:

1. Log in to your My.SSS account.
2. Go to E-Services > Submit Sickness Benefit Application.
3. Fill in the required information and upload documents.
4. Certify and submit.

For Employers (Reimbursement):

1. Log in to the Employer’s My.SSS account.
2. Submit the Sickness Benefit Reimbursement Application (SBRA) online.

What Documents Do I Need?

Basic requirements:

• SSS Medical Certificate with complete diagnosis, clinic details, and doctor’s license number
• Medical records such as lab results, X-rays, or hospital records (if applicable)

Additional documents may be required if:

• You were recently separated from work
• Your company is on strike, dissolved, or you went AWOL

Exemptions from Online Filing

Some cases still require manual submission at SSS branches, such as:

• Reconsidered denied claims
• Unclaimed benefits of deceased members
• Inactive/closed companies’ reimbursements

Track Your Application

SSS will notify you via email or SMS once your benefit is credited. You can also check your application status in your My.SSS account.

Final Tip

If you get sick or injured, don’t delay. Notify your employer or SSS right away and prepare your documents early. This benefit is yours—make sure you claim it properly!