SSS inks pact with DICT to expand social security coverage for freelancers

The Social Security System (SSS) on Friday announced it has signed an accord with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand social security protection for the country’s estimated 1.5 million freelancers and virtual assistants.

In a news release, SSS said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was inked by its president and CEO Victor Alfonso Limlingan and DICT Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro on October 21, 2026.

Under the partnership, freelancers and virtual assistants will be encouraged to register as self-employed SSS members, making them eligible for benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral and death benefits.

As self-employed members, they may also apply for SSS loan programs, including salary loans, the Emergency Loan Program and the SSS Micro Loan Program, according to the pension fund.

Members may likewise obtain additional coverage under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program for work-related sickness, disability or death, SSS added.

“A key objective of the MOU is to increase awareness, registration, membership and compliance with Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, among freelancers and online workers, ensuring broader access to social security protection,” said Limlingan.

“Freelancers and virtual assistants are an important and growing segment of our workforce. By bringing them into the SSS coverage, we ensure that they, too, can access the same protection and benefits enjoyed by other workers—whether in times of sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, or even death,” said the SSS chief.

SSS said its contribution rate currently stands at 15%.

For self-employed members, the Monthly Salary Credit used to determine contributions ranges from P5,000 to P35,000.

It added that the lowest monthly contribution is P760, consisting of P750 for the regular SSS contribution and P10 for the Employees’ Compensation contribution.

On the other hand, the highest monthly contribution is P5,280, composed of P3,000 for the regular SSS contribution, P30 for the EC contribution and P2,250 for the Mandatory Provident Fund.

Moreover, under the MOU, SSS and DICT will explore joint initiatives on freelancer education, partnerships, job creation and matching, advocacy activities and the monitoring of program outcomes to support the growth and sustainability of the freelancing ecosystem. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA News