SSS, TESDA-CAR expand social security coverage for contract workers

BAGUIO CITY July 7 — The Social Security System (SSS) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority–Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR) have signed an agreement extending social security coverage to 60 job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers under the KaSSSangga Collect Program, the state-run pension fund said.

The memorandum of agreement allows TESDA-CAR to facilitate the workers’ SSS registration and remit their monthly contributions, making it easier for them to qualify for statutory benefits and loan programs.

The initiative seeks to provide social security protection to workers who are not covered by regular government employment benefits because of their contractual status.

“Through this collaboration, JO and COS workers, who are often excluded from traditional employment benefits, can now enjoy social security protection such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral and death benefits,” SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Normita Cruz said in a statement.

The workers will also gain access to SSS loan facilities, including salary, calamity and emergency loans, according to the agency.

Cruz also urged TESDA personnel who had previously worked in the private sector to continue paying SSS contributions as voluntary members.

She said maintaining voluntary membership could allow eligible workers to receive retirement benefits from both the SSS and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), provided they satisfy the respective requirements of each pension system.

The agreement is part of the SSS’ KaSSSangga Collect Program, which aims to expand social security coverage by partnering with organizations that can facilitate registration and contribution collection for self-employed, voluntary and other underserved members.