SSS for OFWs Guide 2026: Registration, Contributions & Benefits Abroad
Complete SSS guide for OFWs in 2026. Learn registration, contribution rates (15%), payment methods abroad, and how to claim benefits while overseas.
As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), maintaining your SSS membership is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. Whether you’re a land-based worker in the Middle East, a seafarer, or working anywhere else in the world, SSS provides crucial protection for you and your family. This comprehensive guide covers everything OFWs need to know about SSS membership, contributions, and benefits in 2026.
What is SSS OFW Coverage?
Under Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018), SSS membership is compulsory for all Overseas Filipino Workers, both land-based and sea-based. This means if you’re working abroad, you’re required by law to be an SSS member and pay contributions.
Who is Considered an OFW?
An OFW is defined as a Filipino who is to be engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in remunerated activity in a country of which they are not an immigrant, citizen, or permanent resident. This includes:
- Land-based OFWs – Workers in foreign countries (domestic helpers, nurses, engineers, etc.)
- Sea-based OFWs (Seafarers) – Workers on international vessels (seamen, cruise ship staff, etc.)
- Filipinos with work contracts – Even if you haven’t left the Philippines yet
Note: Filipino permanent migrants, immigrants, permanent residents, and naturalized citizens of other countries may still join SSS on a voluntary basis.
Land-Based vs. Sea-Based OFWs: Key Differences
| Feature | Land-Based OFWs | Sea-Based OFWs |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Type | Treated as self-employed | Treated as employees |
| Who Pays Contributions | OFW pays full 15% | Employer (manning agency) + OFW share |
| Minimum MSC | ₱8,000 | ₱5,000 |
| Payment Method | Self-remittance via My.SSS | Employer remits through payroll |
| Employees’ Compensation (EC) | Not applicable | Included (paid by employer) |
SSS OFW Contribution Rates 2026
For Land-Based OFWs
Land-based OFWs pay the full 15% contribution rate based on their declared monthly earnings (Monthly Salary Credit or MSC).
2026 Contribution Table for Land-Based OFWs:
| Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) | Monthly Contribution (15%) |
|---|---|
| ₱8,000 (minimum for OFWs) | ₱1,200 |
| ₱10,000 | ₱1,500 |
| ₱15,000 | ₱2,250 |
| ₱20,000 | ₱3,000 |
| ₱25,000 | ₱3,750 + ₱750 MPF = ₱4,500 |
| ₱30,000 | ₱3,000 + ₱1,500 MPF = ₱4,500 |
| ₱35,000 (maximum) | ₱3,000 + ₱2,250 MPF = ₱5,250 |
Notes:
- Minimum MSC for OFWs is ₱8,000 (higher than the ₱5,000 for local members)
- Maximum MSC is ₱35,000
- For MSC above ₱20,000, additional contributions go to the MySSS Pension Booster (MPF)
- Regular SS contribution is capped at ₱3,000 (15% × ₱20,000)
For Sea-Based OFWs (Seafarers)
Sea-based OFWs follow the employee-employer contribution scheme:
| Share | Rate |
|---|---|
| Employer (Manning Agency) | 10% of MSC + EC |
| Employee (Seafarer) | 5% of MSC |
| Total | 15% + EC |
The manning agency deducts the seafarer’s share from their salary and remits the total contribution to SSS.
How to Register as an OFW Member
For New Members (No SS Number Yet)
Step 1: Online Registration
- Go to SSS Online Registration
- Click “Apply for an SS Number Online”
- Fill out the registration form with your personal details
- Upload supporting documents:
- Birth Certificate (PSA)
- Valid ID (Passport, Driver’s License, PRC card)
- Seaman’s Book (for seafarers)
- Submit your application
- Wait for your SS Number to be issued
Important Reminders:
- Your SS Number is a lifetime number – never apply for a new one
- If you already have an SS Number but forgot it, contact SSS through their channels
- Coverage starts on the month of your first contribution payment
For Existing Members Transitioning to OFW Status
If you were previously employed locally and are now working abroad:
- Log in to your My.SSS account
- Update your membership type to OFW
- Declare your monthly earnings abroad
- Start paying contributions at the OFW rate
How to Pay SSS Contributions While Abroad
Method 1: Online via My.SSS Portal (Recommended)
Step 1: Generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN)
- Log in to My.SSS
- Go to Payment Reference Number (PRN) tab
- Click Contributions > Generate PRN
- Select applicable months and MSC
- Click “Generate PRN”
- Print or save your Statement of Account
Step 2: Pay Using Your PRN
Pay through any of these channels:
Online Payment Options:
- SSS Mobile App (via BPI, GCash, Maya, credit cards)
- SSS Website (via AltPayNet, Billeroo)
- GCash, Maya, Shopee Pay
- BancNet e-Gov facility
- Partner bank apps (BPI, UnionBank, Robinsons Bank, Security Bank)
Over-the-Counter (in the Philippines):
- SSS Tellering Branches
- Partner banks
- Bayad Centers
- SM Business Centers
- ECPay outlets
Method 2: Through Authorized Representatives
You can authorize a family member in the Philippines to pay on your behalf:
- Generate your PRN through My.SSS
- Send the PRN to your representative
- They can pay at any SSS-accredited payment channel
Method 3: SSS Foreign Offices
Visit any SSS Foreign Office for assistance:
Asia:
- Brunei, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Singapore, Taipei
Middle East:
- Abu Dhabi, Al Khobar, Amman, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Manama, Muscat, Riyadh, Tel Aviv
Americas:
- Calgary, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver
Europe:
- London, Madrid, Milan, Rome
Method 4: Remittance Transfer Companies (RTCs)
Use accredited RTCs abroad:
- Pinoy Express
- Philippine National Bank (PNB)
- Ventaja
- Asia United Bank
- Bank of Commerce
Payment Deadlines for OFWs
| Member Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Land-Based OFWs | Anytime during the applicable year |
| Sea-Based OFWs | Employer remits by last day of month following applicable period |
Example: For contributions covering January to December 2026, land-based OFWs can pay anytime within 2026.
Important: You can pay contributions in advance for multiple months or even years. However, if contribution rates increase, you may need to settle the difference later.
Changing Your Monthly Salary Credit (MSC)
For OFWs Below 55 Years Old
You can change your MSC without limits:
- Increase or decrease anytime
- No frequency limit per year
- No need to submit proof of earnings
- Cannot go below minimum MSC of ₱8,000
For OFWs 55 Years Old and Above
More restrictive rules apply:
- Can only increase MSC once per year
- Limited to one salary bracket increase from your last posted MSC
- Exceptions apply if:
- You’re transitioning from employee/self-employed to OFW for the first time (unlimited increase allowed)
- Maximum MSC ceiling increases (can jump to new max)
Benefits Available to OFWs
All SSS benefits apply to OFWs, subject to qualifying conditions:
Short-Term Benefits
| Benefit | Description | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Sickness | Daily cash allowance for illness | At least 3 contributions in 12 months prior |
| Maternity | Cash benefit for childbirth | At least 3 contributions in 12 months prior |
| Unemployment | Cash assistance for involuntary job loss | 36 contributions, 12 in last 18 months |
| Funeral | ₱12,000 to ₱60,000 for burial expenses | At least 1 contribution |
Long-Term Benefits
| Benefit | Description | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement | Monthly pension for life | 120 contributions, age 60/65 |
| Disability | Monthly pension or lump sum | 36 contributions (for pension) |
| Death | Monthly pension or lump sum to beneficiaries | 36 contributions (for pension) |
Loan Privileges
OFWs can also avail of:
- Salary Loan – Up to 2 months’ MSC
- Calamity Loan – For members in calamity-declared areas
- Pension Loan – For pensioners
Note: Loan applications are done online through My.SSS.
MySSS Pension Booster (Mandatory Provident Fund)
For OFWs with MSC above ₱20,000, additional contributions go to the MySSS Pension Booster. This provides extra benefits for:
- Retirement
- Permanent total disability
- Death
The Pension Booster amount is the total accumulated value of your contributions plus investment earnings, paid out together with your regular SSS benefits.
Claiming Benefits from Abroad
Online Filing (Recommended)
Most benefits can be filed through your My.SSS account:
- Log in to My.SSS
- Go to Benefits tab
- Select the benefit type
- Upload required documents
- Submit application
Through SSS Foreign Offices
Visit the nearest SSS Foreign Office for:
- Document verification
- Claim assistance
- Status inquiries
Through Authorized Representatives
Authorize a family member in the Philippines to:
- File claims on your behalf
- Submit original documents
- Receive benefit payments
Requirements:
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
- Valid IDs of both parties
OFW Contact Services
Dedicated OFW Support:
| Channel | Contact |
|---|---|
| ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph | |
| Landline | (+632) 8364-7796 / (+632) 8364-7798 |
| Local Extensions | (+632) 8709-7198 locals 1655/1656 |
| Globe Mobile | +63 977 804-8668 |
| Smart Mobile | +63 998 847-4092 |
SSS-DMW Branch Office: Located at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Building, Ortigas Ave., Cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City Tel: +63 (02) 8726-1679
Tips for OFWs
- Keep contributing consistently – Gaps can affect your benefit eligibility
- Pay at higher MSC if possible – Higher contributions = higher pension
- Update your records – Keep your contact info and beneficiaries current
- Check contributions regularly – Verify through My.SSS that payments are posted
- Start early – You need 120 contributions for retirement pension
- Consider advance payments – Pay for multiple months when you have the funds
- Keep your My.SSS updated – Use it for all transactions and inquiries
After Returning to the Philippines
When you stop working abroad:
- You can continue as a Voluntary Member
- Or resume as an Employee if you find local work
- Your previous contributions remain valid
- Benefits are based on your total contribution history
Bilateral Social Security Agreements
The Philippines has agreements with several countries that allow OFWs to combine contribution periods. Check if your host country has an agreement:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is SSS mandatory for OFWs?
Yes. Under RA 11199, SSS membership is compulsory for all OFWs, both land-based and sea-based. However, Filipino permanent migrants, immigrants, and naturalized citizens of other countries may join on a voluntary basis.
2. What is the minimum SSS contribution for OFWs in 2026?
The minimum Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) for land-based OFWs is ₱8,000, which means a minimum monthly contribution of ₱1,200 (15% of ₱8,000). This is higher than the ₱5,000 minimum for local members.
3. Can I pay SSS contributions for multiple months at once?
Yes. OFWs can pay contributions in advance for multiple months or even years. Simply generate a PRN for all the months you want to pay and settle in one transaction. Note that if contribution rates increase in the future, you may need to pay the difference.
4. How do seafarers pay their SSS contributions?
Sea-based OFWs (seafarers) have their contributions deducted from their salary by their manning agency, which acts as the employer. The agency remits both the employer and employee shares to SSS. Seafarers don’t need to pay directly unless they want to continue coverage between contracts.
5. Can my family in the Philippines file SSS claims on my behalf?
Yes. You can authorize a family member through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to file claims, submit documents, and receive benefits on your behalf. The SPA must be notarized and specify the authorized transactions.
Sources
- SSS OFW Member Official Page
- SSS Contribution Table 2025
- SSS Pay Contributions
- Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018)
Last Updated: December 2025
This guide is for informational purposes only. For OFW-specific concerns, contact the SSS OFW Relations Section at ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph or call +63 977 804-8668 (Globe) / +63 998 847-4092 (Smart).