SSS tapping new remittance system

The Social Security System has tapped the latest innovations in information and communication technology to make the remittance of its members safe and quick, a top official said yesterday.

SSS president and chief executive officer Corazon de la Paz said they would open up in the near future Internet and text-based payment system, tap into banks' automated teller machines 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," De la 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 will 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.

De la 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 on-line 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.

De la Paz said the payment kiosks, which will be piloted in selected branches, will use interactive multimedia 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," De la Paz said, "while improving our service to our members, we also expect to boost our collections." - Jasmin R. Uy