SSS Voluntary & Self-Employed Member Guide 2026: How to Register and Pay
Complete SSS guide for freelancers, self-employed, and voluntary members in 2026. Learn how to register, contribution rates (15%), and payment methods.
Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, professional, or someone who stopped working but wants to continue SSS coverage, this guide is for you. Self-employed and voluntary members can enjoy the same SSS benefits as regular employees—you just need to know how to register and pay contributions on your own.
Understanding Self-Employed vs. Voluntary Members
Before diving in, let’s clarify the difference between these two membership types:
Self-Employed Members
Coverage Type: Compulsory (required by law)
Self-employed members are individuals who earn income from their own business, profession, or trade without an employer. This includes:
- Freelancers and independent contractors
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Professionals (lawyers, doctors, accountants, etc.)
- Partners and single proprietors
- Actors, actresses, directors, scriptwriters
- Professional athletes, coaches, trainers
- Individual farmers and fishermen
- Market vendors and ambulant vendors
- Transport workers (tricycle/jeepney drivers)
- Watch-your-car boys and similar workers
- Government contractual/job order workers (not covered by GSIS)
- Any other self-employed person
Key Point: If you earn income from self-employment and you’re not yet 60 years old, SSS membership is mandatory.
Voluntary Members
Coverage Type: Voluntary (by choice)
Voluntary members are individuals who were previously SSS members (as employees, self-employed, or OFWs) with at least one contribution and choose to continue paying even though they’re no longer required to. This includes:
- Former employees who resigned or were terminated
- Former self-employed who stopped their business
- Former OFWs who returned to the Philippines
- Non-working individuals who want to maintain coverage
- Stay-at-home parents (who were previously employed)
Key Point: To become a voluntary member, you must have at least one prior contribution as an employee, self-employed, or OFW.
Self-Employed vs. Voluntary: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Self-Employed | Voluntary |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Compulsory (if earning) | Optional |
| Requirement | Currently earning income | Previous SSS contribution |
| Minimum MSC | ₱5,000 | ₱5,000 |
| Maximum MSC | ₱35,000 | ₱35,000 |
| Contribution Rate | 15% | 15% |
| EC Coverage | Yes (since Sept 2020) | No |
| Can change MSC freely? | Yes (if below 55) | Yes (if first time as VM) |
Contribution Rates 2026
Both self-employed and voluntary members pay 15% of their declared Monthly Salary Credit (MSC).
2026 Contribution Table
| Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) | Monthly Contribution (15%) | With MPF (if MSC > ₱20,000) |
|---|---|---|
| ₱5,000 (minimum) | ₱750 | — |
| ₱8,000 | ₱1,200 | — |
| ₱10,000 | ₱1,500 | — |
| ₱15,000 | ₱2,250 | — |
| ₱20,000 | ₱3,000 | — |
| ₱25,000 | ₱3,000 SS + ₱750 MPF | ₱3,750 |
| ₱30,000 | ₱3,000 SS + ₱1,500 MPF | ₱4,500 |
| ₱35,000 (maximum) | ₱3,000 SS + ₱2,250 MPF | ₱5,250 |
Notes:
- Regular SS contribution is capped at ₱3,000 (15% × ₱20,000)
- For MSC above ₱20,000, additional contributions go to MySSS Pension Booster (MPF)
- Self-employed members also pay Employees’ Compensation (EC) of ₱10-₱30 per month
Employees’ Compensation (EC) for Self-Employed
Since September 2020, self-employed members are covered under the EC Program, which provides benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses.
| MSC Range | EC Contribution |
|---|---|
| ₱5,000 to ₱14,750 | ₱10/month |
| ₱15,000 and above | ₱30/month |
How to Register as Self-Employed Member
For New Members (No SS Number Yet)
Step 1: Apply for SS Number Online
- Go to SSS Online Registration
- Click “Apply for an SS Number Online”
- Select “Self-Employed” as membership type
- Fill out personal information
- Declare your monthly earnings and start of business/profession
- Upload supporting documents:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Valid government ID
- Submit application
- Wait for SS Number issuance
Step 2: Register Your My.SSS Account
- Go to My.SSS Registration
- Click “Register”
- Enter your SS Number and personal details
- Create username and password
- Verify via email
Step 3: Pay Your First Contribution
- Log in to My.SSS
- Generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN)
- Pay through any accredited channel
- Your coverage starts on the month of your first contribution
For Existing Members Changing to Self-Employed
If you already have an SS Number from previous employment:
Option 1: Through My.SSS (Easiest)
- Log in to My.SSS
- Go to PRN generation
- Select “Self-Employed” as membership type
- This automatically updates your status
Option 2: Through SSS Branch
- Download and fill out Member Data Change Request Form (E-4)
- Submit to any SSS branch
- Bring valid ID
How to Continue as Voluntary Member
If you stopped working or became self-employed and want to continue paying:
No form needed! Simply:
- Log in to My.SSS
- Generate a PRN
- Select “Voluntary Member” as membership type
- This automatically changes your status
- Pay through any accredited channel
Important: By selecting “Voluntary Member,” you’re declaring that you:
- Have ceased employment or self-employment
- Did not have income for the period covered
How to Pay Contributions
Step 1: Generate Payment Reference Number (PRN)
- Log in to My.SSS
- Go to Payment Reference Number (PRN) tab
- Click Contributions > Generate PRN
- Select:
- Membership type (Self-Employed or Voluntary)
- Applicable month(s)
- Monthly Salary Credit
- Click “Generate PRN”
- Print or save your Statement of Account
Step 2: Pay Through Any Channel
Online Payment Options:
- SSS Mobile App (BPI, GCash, Maya, credit/debit cards)
- GCash, Maya, Shopee Pay
- BancNet e-Gov Facility
- Partner bank apps (BPI, UnionBank, Robinsons Bank, Security Bank)
- AltPayNet, Billeroo
Over-the-Counter:
- SSS Branches with Tellering Facilities
- Partner banks (BPI, BDO, Metrobank, etc.)
- Bayad Centers
- SM Business Centers
- ECPay outlets
- USSC
Payment Schedule
| Member Type | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|
| Self-Employed | Last day of month following applicable month |
| Voluntary | Last day of month following applicable month |
Example: For January 2026 contribution, pay by February 28, 2026.
Flexible Payment Options:
- Pay monthly or quarterly
- Cannot pay retroactively for missed months (gaps cannot be filled)
Choosing Your Monthly Salary Credit (MSC)
For Members Below 55 Years Old
You have full flexibility:
- Change MSC as many times as you want per year
- Increase or decrease by any number of brackets
- No need to submit proof of earnings
- Minimum: ₱5,000 | Maximum: ₱35,000
For Members 55 Years Old and Above
More restrictive rules:
- Can only increase MSC once per year
- Limited to one salary bracket increase
- Can decrease MSC without limit
- Exceptions:
- First-time voluntary/self-employed: Can choose any MSC
- Maximum MSC ceiling increases: Can jump to new maximum
Choosing the Right MSC
Higher MSC = Higher Benefits (but higher payments)
Consider:
- Your actual monthly income
- How much you can afford to pay consistently
- Your long-term retirement goals
- Qualifying requirements for benefits (some require minimum contributions)
Recommendation: If you can afford it, contribute at a higher MSC to maximize your future pension. But consistency is more important than amount—regular contributions matter more than sporadic high payments.
Benefits Available
Self-employed and voluntary members enjoy the same benefits as employees:
Short-Term Benefits
| Benefit | Description | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Sickness | Daily cash allowance for illness | 3 contributions in 12 months prior |
| Maternity | Cash benefit for childbirth | 3 contributions in 12 months prior |
| Funeral | ₱12,000 to ₱60,000 for burial | 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) |
Unemployment Benefit
Not available for self-employed and voluntary members. This benefit is only for employees who were involuntarily separated from employment.
Loan Privileges
| Loan Type | Maximum Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Loan | 2 months’ MSC (up to ₱40,000) | 36 contributions, 6 in last 12 months |
| Calamity Loan | 1 month’s MSC | In calamity-declared area |
Employees’ Compensation (EC) for Self-Employed
Since September 2020, self-employed members are covered under EC, which provides:
- Disability benefits for work-related injuries
- Medical benefits for work-related illness
- Death benefits for work-related death
- Funeral benefits for work-related death
Note: Voluntary members are NOT covered under EC.
Maintaining Your Membership
What Happens If You Stop Paying?
- You remain an SSS member for life
- You can still claim benefits if you meet qualifying conditions
- Months without contributions become “gaps” (cannot be filled later)
- Your total contribution history remains intact
How to Resume Payments
Simply:
- Log in to My.SSS
- Generate a new PRN for current month forward
- Pay through any accredited channel
Remember: You cannot pay for past months. Only current and future contributions are allowed.
Tips for Self-Employed and Voluntary Members
- Pay consistently – Regular contributions are more important than large sporadic payments
- Choose a realistic MSC – Base it on what you can sustain long-term
- Set reminders – Mark your calendar for monthly payment deadlines
- Use auto-debit – Some banks offer automatic SSS payments
- Check your contributions – Regularly verify payments are posted in My.SSS
- Update your records – Keep beneficiary information current
- Consider higher MSC – If you can afford it, higher contributions mean higher pension
- Start early – You need 120 contributions (10 years) for retirement pension
Penalties for Non-Compliance (Self-Employed)
Self-employed individuals who fail to register may face:
- Fines
- Imprisonment
- Loss of coverage
If you’re earning income from self-employment, register with SSS to avoid penalties and secure your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I become a voluntary member if I’ve never been employed before?
No. To become a voluntary member, you must have at least one prior contribution as an employee, self-employed, or OFW. If you’ve never contributed to SSS, you need to register as self-employed (if earning) or wait until you get a job that provides SSS coverage.
2. What if I’m a freelancer working for foreign clients?
You’re considered self-employed and should register as such. Your income from foreign clients is still income from self-employment. Register with SSS, declare your monthly earnings, and pay contributions based on your chosen MSC.
3. Can I pay SSS contributions for my non-working spouse?
Yes, but only if your spouse was previously an SSS member with at least one contribution. They can continue as a voluntary member. Alternatively, your spouse can register as a Non-Working Spouse (NWS) if they have no prior contributions, but this has different rules and requirements.
4. I stopped paying for several years. Can I pay for those missed months?
No. Retroactive payment (back-payment) is not allowed for self-employed and voluntary members. The months without contributions are permanent gaps. You can only pay for current and future months. However, your previous contributions remain valid and count toward your benefit eligibility.
5. Which is better: higher MSC with fewer months or lower MSC with more months?
For retirement pension, both contribution history (number of months) and MSC (amount) matter. You need at least 120 contributions to qualify for pension. Generally, consistency is more important—paying regularly at a moderate MSC is better than sporadic payments at a high MSC. However, if you can afford higher contributions consistently, that will result in a higher pension.
Sources
- SSS Self-Employed Official Page
- SSS Voluntary Member Official Page
- SSS Contribution Table 2025
- SSS Become a Member
- Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018)
Last Updated: December 2025
This guide is for informational purposes only. For specific concerns about your membership, please contact SSS directly at their hotline 1455 or email usssaptayo@sss.gov.ph.