SSS maternity notification now available through text messaging

The Social Security System (SSS) on Thursday launched its text message facility which allows voluntary and self-employed female members to notify the SSS about their pregnancy through text messaging.

In a statement, the SSS said individually-paying members of the SSS can now inform them about their pregnancy by either submitting maternity notifications to branches, or doing so through text messaging.

"With just one text away, expecting mothers can now inform SSS of their pregnancy," SSS president and CEO Emmanuel Dooc said.

"It is more convenient for them since they no longer need to go to SSS personally to comply with the notification requirement," he added.

Under the program, members will have to provide details such as their social security number, their PIN, the expected date of delivery, and the total number of pregnancies.

It is required to be sent to 2600 in the following format: SSS MATERNITYNOTIF <SSNumber> <PIN> <Expected delivery data MM/DD/YYYY> <Total number of pregnancies (including this pregnancy)>.

The texts will be charged P2.00 to P2.50, depending on the telecommunication company.

Aside from the text messaging facility, members are now also allowed to give notice about their pregnancies online through the SSS website.

"Text-SSS and online facilities are our answer to the growing need of members for a more convenient and accessible means of transacting with SSS for their maternity claims," Dooc said.

"Rest assured that SSS will also devise more friendly means for other benefits," he added.

The SSS clarified, however, that members will have to submit proof of pregnancy for them to claim reimbursements for their maternity benefit. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/KG, GMA News