SSS soon to accept payments by Internet

The Social Security System has tapped latest innovations in information and communication technology to help members remit payments to the institution safely and quickly, a senior official said yesterday.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Corazon dela Paz said SSS would open up in the near future Internet-and text-based payments system, tap into banks' automated teller machines or ATMs and install payment kiosks in its offices to make it easy for members to pay their contributions loans.

"The new payment facilities are additions to the existing ones," dela Paz said. "The new facilities are part of our continuous effort to provide faster, more convenient and efficient ways for members to pay contributions and loans to the SSS wherever they are."

SSS existing payment facilities include over-the-counter payments through accredited banks, the institution's teller windows, the Electronic Data Interchange used by companies and Automatic Debit Arrangement with banks for voluntary and self-employed members.

The new facilities would facilitate remittances of members, especially the self-employed, overseas Filipino workers and voluntary members who comprise about 20 percent of SSS membership. More than five million of about 25 million SSS members are classified as self-employed and voluntary members.

Dela Paz said the Internet-based system would allow a member who is a depositor of a consortium's member-bank to pay his contributions and loans to SSS online through the Internet or through the bank's ATMs.

With the text-based payment system using pre-paid contribution coupon, a member will simply text in to pay his contributions and get immediate confirmation of payments, she said.

Dela Paz said the payment kiosks, which will be piloted in selected branches, will use inter-active multi-media technology to accept cash payments, and the member will simply swipe his SSS ID or key in his SSS number, select the amount to be paid, and get a receipt as proof of transaction.

"We expect these new self-service payment facilities to cut down the long queues at the teller windows during payment days and also facilitate posting of payments," Dela Paz said.

"While improving our service to our members, we also expect to boost our collections," she added. - Jasmin R. Uy