The Philippines Social Security System (SSS) opened an extension office at the Philippine Consulate General offices in Vancouver’s Canada Place. This is the third Canadian location with others located at Philippine Consulate General offices in Calgary, and Toronto as the main branch.
SSS President and CEO Aurora Cruz Ignacio, who was earlier appointed to the post in March, led the ribbon-cutting event and information session on August 7. The service office will cater to Filipino overseas workers and Filipinos residing in Canada who are Canadian citizens. Dual citizenship is not a requirement to avail of pension membership and benefits.
The Social Security Act of 2018 mandates compulsory coverage for all overseas foreign workers (OFWs) whether sea or land-based. The law also declares manning agencies as agents of their principals, and employers of sea-based OFWs, holding them jointly and severally liable with the actual employers of OFWs.
According to the Philippine Information Agency, the law is also expected to generate additional funding for the pension fund by implementing a gradual increase of monthly contributions from the current 11 percent to an additional one percentage point starting on the year of implementation until it reaches 15 percent in 2025, and the gradual adjustment of the minimum and maximum monthly salary credit.
SSS provides benefits to all private employees and self-employed persons. Membership to the pension plan may also be voluntary.
For more information, contact the Philippine Consulate General Vancouver at (604) 685-1619.
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