Senator Jinggoy Estrada seeks expansion of SSS unemployment benefits

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is seeking to expand the unemployment benefits of the Social Security System (SSS).

Estrada said this is to strengthen the safety net for workers who have lost their jobs due to layoffs, retrenchment, or company closures – including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

“Hindi lang kita ang nawawala sa mga nawalan ng trabaho. Nawawalan din sila ng pag-asa at seguridad ng kanilang pamilya kung paano maitatawid ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, dapat may nasasandalan silang tulong at malasakit ng pamahalaan upang makabangon muli,” Estrada, an advocate of workers’ rights, stressed. 

“Ang panukalang cash aid ay hindi limos. Ito ay proteksyon laban sa gutom at kahirapan habang sila’y naghahanap ng bagong trabaho,” he added.

Estrada wants the SSS to expand its unemployment benefits to last up to five months, from the current 50% of a member’s average monthly salary credit for two months. 

Under Estrada’s Senate Bill No. 1070, the duration of assistance for displaced workers will depend on their years of contribution to the SSS.

Section 14-A of the bill on unemployment or involuntary separation benefits says the monthly cash benefit will be equivalent to 1/3 of the existing minimum wage.

Unemployed members will receive this amount based on the number of years they have been contributing to the SSS.

(1) Those with six months to less than two years of SSS contributions will receive the cash benefit (equivalent to 1/3 of the current minimum wage) once only.

(2) Those with two to less than four years of SSS contributions will receive the cash benefit (equivalent to 1/3 of the current minimum wage) once a month for two months.

(3) Those with four to less than six years of SSS contributions will receive the cash benefit (equivalent to 1/3 of the current minimum wage) once a month for three months.

(4) Those with six to less than 11 years of SSS contributions will receive the cash benefit (equivalent to 1/3 of the current minimum wage) once a month for four months; and

(5) Those with 11 years or more of SSS contributions but less than15 years will receive the cash benefit (equivalent to 1/3 of the current minimum wage) once a month for five months.

Estrada said his proposal is designed to serve as a lifeline for workers during periods of joblessness.

Cash assistance from SSS will help them meet basic needs and maintain dignity while transitioning to new employment, he said.

“In today’s unpredictable economy, job loss can happen overnight. Workers who have contributed to nation-building should not be left helpless when circumstances beyond their control take away their livelihood,” Estrada said.

-Paraluman News