Philippines (PH)
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago of 7,641 islands, the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, and one of the most welcoming destinations for expats.
Social Security in Philippines
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
The Philippines has three mandatory social security systems: SSS (Social Security System) for private sector workers, GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) for government employees, and PhilHealth for universal health insurance. Additionally, Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF) provides housing and savings benefits. Foreigners with valid AEP working in the Philippines are required to contribute to SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. SRRV holders and 13(a) visa holders may enrol voluntarily. There is no unemployment insurance in the Philippines — DOLE and DSWD provide emergency employment programs for displaced workers.
SSS Number
SSS Number
Online: my.sss.gov.ph (online registration available for employees and self-employed). In person: any SSS branch. Required documents: passport (for foreigners), AEP, employment contract. Employer registers employee and deducts contributions from payroll. SSS Number issued immediately upon registration.
- Social security benefit claims (sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death)
- Loan applications (salary loan, emergency loan, calamity loan)
- UMID Card application (Unified Multi-Purpose ID — single card for SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, GSIS)
- Employer payroll contribution compliance verification
- Housing loan supplement through Pag-IBIG-SSS linkage
Benefits & Support Payments
SSS Retirement Benefit
Retirement Pension
Monthly pension upon reaching retirement age — 60 for optional retirement (with at least 120 monthly contributions); 65 for compulsory retirement.
At least 120 monthly contributions AND reached retirement age (60 optional, 65 compulsory). Foreigners with qualifying contributions are eligible.
Apply at SSS branch or online (my.sss.gov.ph) at least 6 months before retirement date. Bring: SSS ID, UMID, birth certificate, bank account details for direct deposit.
SSS Sickness Benefit
Sickness Benefit
90% of average daily salary credit for each day of approved sickness confinement (hospitalised or home). Maximum 120 days per year.
At least 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before semester of confinement. 4+ consecutive days of sickness.
Notify employer within 5 days. Employer files claim with SSS within 5 days of notification. SSS reimburses employer who advances payment.
SSS Maternity Benefit
Maternity Benefit
100% of average daily salary credit for maternity period (105 days for live birth, 120 for solo parents, 60 for miscarriage).
At least 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before semester of delivery. All SSS members regardless of marital status.
Notify employer (employed) or SSS directly (self-employed/voluntary). File maternity notification and claim with required documents (birth certificate, pre-natal records).
SSS Disability Benefit
Disability Benefit
Monthly pension for permanent total disability or lump sum for permanent partial disability (e.g., loss of limb). Covers work-related and non-work-related disabilities.
Must be medically certified as permanently disabled. Varying contribution requirements by type of disability.
File at SSS branch with medical certificate, ID documents, and SSS claim form.
SSS Death and Funeral Benefit
Death and Funeral Benefit
Monthly pension to designated beneficiaries upon member's death. Funeral benefit: ₱20,000 lump sum for burial expenses.
Member must have at least 36 months contributions for pension; 1 year for lump sum. Beneficiary: spouse and minor children (in default: dependent parents).
Beneficiaries file at SSS branch with death certificate, birth certificates, and relationship proof.
Pag-IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan
MPL (Multi-Purpose Loan)
Short-term loan up to 80% of total Pag-IBIG savings (TAV — Total Accumulated Value). Used for medical, educational, home repair, or livelihood.
Active Pag-IBIG member with at least 24 monthly contributions. Good loan standing.
Online at pagibigfund.gov.ph or at Pag-IBIG branch. Processing: 3–5 business days.
Pag-IBIG Housing Loan
Housing Loan
Long-term housing loan for purchase, construction, or renovation of residential unit (condominium allowed for foreigners).
Pag-IBIG member with 24 months contributions. Not over 65 years old at time of application. Good credit standing.
Apply at Pag-IBIG Fund office or online. Submit property documents, proof of income, and member ID. Processing: 3–6 months.
DSWD Emergency Cash Subsidy / Ayuda
Ayuda (Assistance)
Emergency cash assistance to low-income households during disasters, public health emergencies, or economic disruptions. Not a regular benefit.
Registered low-income households in disaster-affected or economically distressed areas. 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) beneficiaries.
Through barangay registration and DSWD field office. DSWD Social Pension Program for indigent senior citizens: ₱1,000/month.
Contribution Overview
Total mandatory contributions as percentage of gross salary: SSS 14% (employee 4.5% + employer 9.5%); PhilHealth 5% (employee 2.5% + employer 2.5%); Pag-IBIG 4% (employee 2% + employer 2%). Combined employer burden: ~17% on top of gross salary. Foreign employees with AEP must contribute to all three. Self-employed voluntarily (but highly recommended): SSS voluntary MSC declaration; PhilHealth 5% of declared income; Pag-IBIG ₱100+ voluntary.
International Social Security Agreements
Philippines-Canada Bilateral Social Security Agreement (in force). Philippines-USA: discussions ongoing but no treaty in force. Philippines has bilateral labour agreements with many Gulf countries covering OFW social protections but not social security totalization. SSS is working on additional totalization agreements — check sss.gov.ph for the current list.
SSS UMID Card: a single unified multi-purpose ID that combines SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and GSIS (if applicable) — apply at SSS after receiving your SSS number. Processing time: 2–6 months. The UMID is a widely accepted government ID in the Philippines. OFW Desk: SSS has dedicated OFW/Overseas Filipino Worker programs — relevant if you are a returning OFW or foreign worker with prior OFW relatives.
Social Security
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