Senate inquiry into delays in SSS benefit claims process sought

A resolution seeking a probe into the supposed delays in the processing of claims in the Social Security System has been filed in the Senate.

Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed proposed Senate Resolution 544 which tasks the Senate committee on social justice, welfare, and rural development to review the process of SSS in processing benefit claims to improve the efficiency of the current system, specifically in the process of retirement claims.

“The SSS [has] been receiving complaints from its members about the long and tedious process of claiming their benefits, particularly retirement  claims, which often result in delays and frustration,” Tulfo said in his resolution.

“It is the responsibility of the Senate to ensure that government agencies such as the SSS are efficient in providing services to the public, especially to its members who have contributed to the system,” he added.

In the inquiry, Tulfo proposed to discuss the average time for members to receive their benefits, reasons for the delays, possible reforms that can be implemented to improve efficiency, feasibility of extending the period for filing  claims or possibility of allowing members to file claims online, need for additional funding and manpower in SSS, and the possible establishment of a monitoring system to track the progress of claims, among others.

The resolution was referred to the Senate committee on government corporations and public enterprises last March 15.  —VAL, GMA Integrated News