SSS enhances text messaging facility

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Social Security System (SSS) can get updates on the status of their benefit claims and relay their concerns to government pension fund by sending an SMS, or text message, using their mobile phones.

SSS vice president for Member Services Mario Sibucao said the enhanced Text-SSS facility also provides the location of the nearest SSS branch and the list of required documents for benefit claims and change in membership data.

“It also helps members and beneficiaries avoid making multiple visits to our offices because of incomplete requirements,” Sibucao added.

Those seeking SSS coverage as overseas Filipino workers (OFW), self-employed individuals (SELF) or voluntary members (VOL) can use Text-SSS services to get a list of documents required to register by sending “SSS <OFW or SELF or VOL >” to 2600.

About 150,000 users are registered in Text-SSS, which was launched in February 2010 to offer members a fast and convenient means to inquire about their contributions, status of their loan applications and loan balance.

The agency handles an average of 24,300 Text-SSS transactions every month. The SSS earned last year a prestigious citation from Computerworld, a global media firm based in the United States, for the Text-SSS facility’s “visionary applications of information technology.”

Sibucao said the pension fund posted a total of 291,600 Text-SSS transactions last year, with contribution inquiries comprising the biggest share at 44 percent.

Other services include inquiries on the status of sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death and funeral claims, as well as medical benefits under the Employees Compensation program, which SSS administers for private sector workers.

Members can register by sending their SS number and birthdate using the format “SSS REG <SS Number> <MM/DD/YY>” to 2600. Registered members will receive their Personal Identification Number (PIN) code, which is needed in Text-SSS transactions, through text.

The service fee is P2.50 for Globe and Smart subscribers and P2 for Sun Cellular users. Members can get the list of keywords by sending “SSS HELP” to 2600.