With the surge of COVID-19, the Philippines is preparing, not only for more health cases but unemployment as well. In light of the situation, SSS announced that the agency has enough funds to provide for its members. This fund will go to the members who won’t be able to come to work at the moment.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III that SSS can shell out as much as Php1.2B to more than 60,000 members. COVID-19 affected many industries in the country, thus also affecting employees. The agency is expecting between 30,000 to 60,000 members who need this help due to private companies halting their operations while the virus continues to spread.’
Dominguez assures SSS members that they can get their benefits should the need for it arises. Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 qualifies its member to unemployment benefits. Members can get ‘half of their average monthly salary credit for a maximum of two months if they are displaced because of redundancy, installation of labor-saving devices, retrenchment, closure or cessation of operation and disease or illness.’
Thanks to the efforts of SSS management, many members can rest knowing they will get some help. It’s not much, but this can help them survive while authorities are trying to contain the situation.
As of now, COVID-19 is affecting more citizens in the country. But with the help of the government, and people’s correct hygienic practices, this too shall end. Everyone needs to stay updated at this time and stay at home unless it’s necessary to go outside. There’s already a curfew in the Metro, and citizens need to be inside by 8:00 pm. Let’s all try to abide by these rules for now so the number of the cases won’t multiply. Most of all, let’s trust God that He will answer our prayers and heal everyone affected.
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