(Photo Credit: www.sss.gov.ph)
Note: This blog post is relevant to Filipinos only. Thanks
I always encourage other Filipino expats or OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) to pay their SSS contributions. In my early years of working as OFW, I didn’t pay attention to this but my Mum insisted (and I am glad she did).
Then four years ago, I met a veteran OFW who was working in Saipan. We were in a queue waiting for our turn in POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration). Then we chatted casually until he opened up about his SSS issue. The gray-haired veteran was actually retiring soon, a couple of months to go.
He was there to check about his possible pension but to his dismay, he came to know that he was not eligible. He didn’t meet the minimum number of contributions. All along he thought that his family has been paying regularly his contributions.
I felt sorry for him and I could see the disappointment painted on his face.
That encounter with him became an eye-opener. It stirred my “I don’t care” mindset to a more conscious effort of paying my contributions faithfully. Though I don’t rely solely on SSS for retirement, still it is a good additional source of income when I reach my golden years.
For 2012, I tried paying my contributions here in Abu Dhabi. I did it once actually in Al Ansari Exchange but I ended up frustrated because it took weeks before the contribution was reflected in my account. When I spoke to SSS in Philippine Embassy, they advised to deal with those exchange companies that have electronic tie-up with them to expedite the process.
So this time, I tried the Al Ahalia Exchange. I paid the contributions from April to December 2012 and a week later I checked my online SSS account. Well, I was impressed – the monthly contributions were reflected already.
Also, Al Ahalia Exchange confirmed that they can accept contributions for SSS flexifund.
I recommend paying at least minimum of three months contribution. The exchange is charging AED 18 per transaction. Paying monthly means you are subject to the AED 18 fee. Why not pay quarterly to save those extra monthly transfer charges?
Al Ahalia Exchange in Abu Dhabi is located in Hamdan Street, close to Al Ahalia Hospital.
hi …im paying it in al ansari my sss..so far i haven’t seen my online account so i better off change my sss to al ahalia ..thnks for the info
@ Peter: Thanks for dropping by. That was my experience with Al Ansari so after that I didn’t make anymore payments through them.
I recommend activating your online SSS account so you can see if your contributions have been credited to your account. I did it online.
For the passed 1 year, I have been paying my SSS / PAG-IBIG / PHILHEALTH contributions thru AL ANSARI EXCHANGE’s PINOY EXPRESS/Cash Express. After 1-2 working days i can obtain my printed official SSS/Pag-Ibig/Philhealth receipts through their AAE/Ventaja online as proof of my payments. If you want an online payment, just mention PINOY EXPRESS. I can also pay quarterly to save from paying monthly transfer service fees. Further, there is an option if i wish to pay late or advance (any months covering the current year + 4 year onwards) at my convenience.
@ Eve: Thanks for sharing this info. Glad to know that they are excepting payments for PAG-IBIG & PhilHealth too.
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Hi there! Recently, i was able to verify through a relative who inquired in one of the SSS office in the Philippines that my SS number is still active. However i was not able to get any info on how to change my sss contribution amount and category to OFW flexy. Any idea how can this be done in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Thanks!
Hi Jayvhie – you need to visit the embassy or consulate to amend your status and to apply for flexifund. Also you have to apply for the maximum monthly contribution (php 1560) to avail the flexifund. Hope it helps