SSS Sickness Benefit 2025: Simple Guide for All Workers in the Philippines

Sandeep Nain
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Getting sick is never easy—especially when it affects your income. The Philippine Social Security System (SSS) offers help for times like this. Through the SSS Sickness Benefit, members can get daily cash support if they cannot work because of sickness or injury.

This benefit is not just for those working full-time. It also covers freelancers, self-employed people, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and even those who have recently left their jobs. Whether you’re resting at home or confined in a hospital, you can apply as long as you meet the rules.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know—from who qualifies, how much you can get, and the exact steps to file your claim. It’s written in very basic language so you can understand the full process easily.

What Is the SSS Sickness Benefit?

The SSS Sickness Benefit is a daily cash allowance given to SSS members who can’t work due to illness or injury. This applies whether you’re at home recovering or staying in a hospital. It helps you manage your daily needs while you are unable to earn an income.

Who Can Receive This Benefit?

To get the sickness benefit, you must meet the following:

  • You’re unable to work for at least 4 straight days because of sickness or injury.
  • You’ve paid at least 3 SSS contributions in the last 12 months before the semester of your illness.
  • You told your employer (if employed) or SSS directly (if self-employed, voluntary, OFW, or unemployed).
  • You’ve used all your paid sick leaves (this doesn’t apply to sea-based OFWs).

How Much Money Will You Get?

The amount you get is 90% of your average daily salary credit (ADSC). Here’s a basic breakdown:

  1. Remove the semester when you got sick.
  2. Count back 12 months before that semester.
  3. From those 12 months, pick your 6 highest monthly salary credits (MSC).
  4. Add them up and divide by 180 to get your ADSC.
  5. Multiply the ADSC by 90% to find your daily rate.
  6. Multiply that by the number of days you’re approved for the benefit.

Maximum duration:
You can get up to 120 days of sickness benefit in a year. For the same illness, you can only get a total of 240 days. If your sickness lasts longer than that, you might qualify for a disability claim instead.

When Should You Notify the SSS?

For Employed Members:

  • Home Recovery: Notify your employer within 5 days from the start. Your employer must tell SSS within 5 days of your notice.
  • Hospital Stay: No need for you to notify. But your employer must report to SSS within 1 year after your discharge.

For Self-Employed, OFWs, and Voluntary Members:

  • Home Recovery: Notify SSS within 5 days.
  • Hospital Stay: Notify SSS within 1 year from discharge.

Important: If you report late, SSS might only consider up to 5 days of your illness before your notice date.

How Will You Get the Benefit?

SSS sends your benefit through:

  • UMID ATM card
  • PESONet-linked bank accounts
  • E-wallets (like GCash)
  • Remittance centers or payout outlets

To receive money, you must register your bank or wallet details in the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) in your My.SSS account.

You will be notified by email or SMS when your benefit is ready.

How Do You File a Claim?

For Employed Members:

  1. Submit a Medical Certificate (Form Med 01688) to your employer.
  2. The employer logs in to My.SSS and files the claim online.

For Self-Employed, OFWs, or Unemployed Members:

  1. Log in to My.SSS.
  2. Click Submit Sickness Benefit Application.
  3. Fill in your details, upload the documents, and submit.
  4. Save your transaction number for follow-up.

For Employers (Reimbursement):

  1. Log in to the Employer’s My.SSS account.
  2. Submit the SS Sickness Benefit Reimbursement Application (SBRA).
  3. Wait for confirmation via email.

Who Can Still Apply Over the Counter?

Online filing is not required if:

  • You’re asking for reconsideration of a denied claim.
  • You’re claiming for a deceased member.
  • An inactive or closed employer is claiming reimbursement.

What Are the Required Documents?

  • SSS Medical Certificate (must be fully filled with diagnosis and rest period).
  • Other medical records: lab results, x-rays, or doctor’s notes.
  • If treated abroad: medical documents must be translated to English and authenticated.

Extra documents (if no longer employed):

  • Certificate of Separation from your last job.
  • Affidavits or DOLE certification if the company closed or is under legal issues.

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