A Complete Guide to the SSS Table: Contribution Rates and Updates

Understanding the SSS table is crucial for both employees and self-employed individuals who want to stay compliant with the Social Security System (SSS) contribution rules. The SSS contribution table outlines the specific contribution amounts required based on the salary or income of each member. Whether you’re a regular employee, a self-employed worker, or an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), knowing how to interpret the SSS table ensures that you’re paying the correct amount and securing your future benefits.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what the SSS table is, how it works, and how you can use it to calculate your monthly contributions to the Social Security System.

What is the SSS Table?

The SSS table is an official guide issued by the Social Security System that shows the corresponding contribution rates for employees, self-employed individuals, and voluntary members based on their monthly salary or income. The table serves as a reference for calculating the mandatory contributions that each member must pay to the SSS every month. These contributions are vital as they fund various benefits such as retirement pensions, sickness, maternity, and disability benefits.

The SSS table is regularly updated by the government to reflect adjustments in contribution rates, salary brackets, and coverage. It is important for members to stay informed about these changes to ensure they are contributing the right amount and maintaining their eligibility for benefits.

How to Read the SSS Table

The SSS table consists of different salary brackets, and for each bracket, it shows the corresponding contribution amount for both employees and employers. The table is divided into two main categories:

Employee Contributions

Employer Contributions

For employed workers, contributions are shared between the employee and employer, with the employee typically paying a smaller percentage. For self-employed and voluntary members, they are responsible for the entire contribution.

Example of the SSS Table (For Employees):

Monthly SalaryEmployee ContributionEmployer ContributionTotal Contribution

₱1,000 - ₱1,249 ₱100 ₱100 ₱200

₱1,250 - ₱1,749 ₱125 ₱125 ₱250

₱1,750 - ₱2,249 ₱150 ₱150 ₱300

₱2,250 - ₱2,749 ₱175 ₱175 ₱350

This is just a simplified sample. The full SSS table includes a wide range of salary brackets, from lower to higher income levels, and it will indicate the corresponding contributions for each.

For Self-Employed and Voluntary Members:

For self-employed and voluntary members, the contributions are based on their declared monthly income. The contributions cover both the employee and employer portions, meaning that the individual must pay the total contribution amount on their own.

Why is the SSS Table Important?

Accurate Contribution Calculation: The SSS table helps members calculate how much they need to contribute each month, depending on their income or salary level. By following the table, members can ensure that they are making the correct payments to avoid underpayment or overpayment.

Eligibility for Benefits: Timely and accurate contributions are necessary to be eligible for the various benefits offered by SSS, including:

Retirement Benefits

Sickness Benefits

Maternity Benefits

Disability Benefits

Death Benefits

Avoiding Penalties: Incorrect payments can result in penalties or gaps in membership, which can affect your benefits. By using the SSS table, you can make sure you stay compliant and avoid these issues.

Loan Eligibility: Active and consistent contributions make members eligible for SSS loans, including salary loans, calamity loans, and educational loans.

How to Calculate Your SSS Contribution Using the Table

To calculate your monthly contribution, simply determine which salary bracket you fall into based on your monthly earnings. Once you've identified your salary range, refer to the SSS table to find the corresponding contribution amount for both the employee and employer portions. If you are self-employed or a voluntary member, you’ll need to pay the full contribution amount listed in the table.

Example for a Self-Employed Member:

Let’s say you are a self-employed individual earning ₱15,000 a month. Based on the SSS table, you would fall under the salary bracket of ₱15,000 - ₱19,999. If the contribution for this bracket is ₱1,500, then you are required to pay ₱1,500 each month.

For employed individuals, remember that the contribution will be split between you and your employer.

Updates to the SSS Table

The SSS contribution table is updated periodically to reflect changes in contribution rates and salary brackets. These changes may be influenced by factors such as inflation, economic conditions, and government policies. For instance, the contribution rate may increase, or the salary brackets may be adjusted to account for rising wages.

To ensure that you are following the most current SSS table, it’s important to check for updates regularly. The Social Security System provides these updates on their official website and social media platforms.

Where to Access the SSS Table

The SSS table is readily available on the official SSS website. It is also published in physical copies at SSS branches, and can sometimes be found on other financial websites that offer guidance about SSS contributions.

Pro Tip: You can learn more about the SSS table here by visiting the official SSS website or checking with your local SSS branch for the most recent updates.

Conclusion

The SSS table is an essential tool for both employers and employees, as well as self-employed and voluntary members, to calculate their monthly contributions. By understanding how the table works, you can ensure that your contributions are accurate, timely, and in compliance with the rules set by the Social Security System.

Paying the correct amount of contributions not only ensures your eligibility for important benefits but also helps you avoid penalties and gaps in your membership. Stay informed by regularly checking the SSS table for any updates and make sure that you're securing your financial future by making the right contributions.