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The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines continues to provide essential financial protection for its members through various benefits. Among these, the SSS sickness benefit is a vital program designed to support employees and self-employed members who are unable to work due to illness or injury. For 2025, updates to payment rates, eligibility rules, and claim schedules have been introduced to ensure workers receive adequate assistance during recovery.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the SSS sickness benefit in 2025, including who qualifies, how much you can receive, and how to file your claim.
What is the SSS Sickness Benefit?
The SSS sickness benefit is a daily cash allowance given to qualified members who cannot work due to sickness or injury. It helps cover lost income while the individual is temporarily unable to earn wages. Unlike permanent disability or retirement benefits, this allowance is short-term and only applies during the recovery period.
It is available to employed, self-employed, voluntary, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who meet the contribution and filing requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for 2025
To qualify for the SSS sickness benefit in 2025, members must satisfy the following conditions:
- The member must have paid at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of sickness or injury.
- The member must have been confined at home or in a hospital for at least four consecutive days.
- The member must have used up all available company sick leave credits with pay before claiming SSS benefits (for employed members).
- The employer must properly notify SSS of the employee’s sickness within five calendar days from the start of confinement.
- Self-employed, voluntary, and OFW members must personally file a notification within five calendar days after confinement.
Failure to meet these requirements could result in reduced benefits or denial of the claim.
Payment Rates and Allowance in 2025
The amount of sickness benefit a member will receive is based on their average daily salary credit (ADSC).
Here’s how the computation works in 2025:
- Take the average of the member’s highest 6 monthly salary credits within the last 12 months.
- Divide this amount by 180 days to get the daily rate.
- The sickness benefit is equal to 90% of the ADSC per day.
Example:
If a member’s monthly salary credit averages ₱20,000, the computation would be:
- ₱20,000 × 6 months = ₱120,000
- ₱120,000 ÷ 180 = ₱666.67 (ADSC)
- 90% × ₱666.67 = ₱600 daily sickness allowance
So, the member would receive ₱600 per day for the approved number of days.
Maximum Number of Compensable Days
For 2025, SSS maintains the rule that a member can claim a maximum of 120 days of sickness benefit per calendar year.
However, if the illness extends beyond 240 days, it will be reclassified as total disability, and the member may then apply for SSS disability benefits.
Filing Process for SSS Sickness Benefit
The process of claiming the sickness benefit depends on the member’s status:
For Employed Members
- The employee must inform the employer within five calendar days from the start of illness or injury.
- The employer then files the Sickness Notification Form with SSS within five days after being informed.
- Once approved, the SSS reimburses the employer, who then pays the employee.
For Self-Employed, Voluntary, and OFW Members
- File the Sickness Notification Form directly to SSS within five calendar days after confinement.
- Submit supporting medical documents such as a medical certificate, discharge summary, or laboratory results.
- Once approved, SSS pays the allowance directly to the member’s bank account.
Required Documents for Application
Members applying for sickness benefits must prepare the following:
- Duly accomplished Sickness Notification Form
- Medical Certificate signed by an attending physician
- Hospital records or laboratory results (if applicable)
- For employed members: employer’s certification of no remaining paid sick leave credits
- Valid government-issued ID for verification
Providing complete documents ensures faster processing and approval of claims.
Payment Schedule for 2025
SSS ensures timely disbursement of sickness benefits in 2025 through bank deposits or accredited payment channels.
- For employed members, benefits are credited via the employer after reimbursement.
- For self-employed and voluntary members, benefits are credited directly to their registered UMID-ATM or PESONet bank account.
On average, claims are processed within 10 to 15 working days, provided all requirements are complete.
Why the SSS Sickness Benefit Matters
The SSS sickness benefit plays an important role in providing financial relief to workers during periods of illness. With rising healthcare costs in the Philippines, this program helps members recover without the added stress of lost income.
It also ensures that employees do not have to rely solely on employer-provided sick leave credits, making it an essential safety net for the country’s workforce.
Key Takeaways
- Members need at least three contributions in the last 12 months to qualify.
- The daily cash allowance equals 90% of the average daily salary credit.
- The maximum claimable period is 120 days per year.
- Proper and timely notification to SSS is crucial for approval.
- Payments are processed within 10–15 working days once documents are complete.
Final Thoughts
The SSS sickness benefit in 2025 continues to be a lifeline for Filipino workers who experience temporary illness or injury. By understanding the eligibility rules, payment computation, and filing process, members can maximize their benefits and avoid delays in receiving financial aid.
With proactive planning and timely filing, this program ensures that workers remain financially supported while focusing on recovery and overall well-being.