Delivery riders urged to seek SSS coverage

MANILA, Philippines — State-run provident fund Social Security System (SSS) is encouraging riders working for door-to-door and food delivery platforms to avail of insurance coverage from the agency given the risks that go along with their job.

SSS president and CEO Aurora Ignacio said delivery riders should consider signing up with the pension fund to enjoy benefit programs and loan privileges similar to what regular members get.

Ignacio said most delivery riders working for digital platforms like Angkas, foodpanda, Lalamove and Grab are considered as independent contractors or freelance workers.

As contractuals, these delivery riders are excluded from receiving the same benefits that regular workers obtain as mandated under labor laws.

Ignacio said delivery riders need social security due to the dangers of plying the roads in a motorcycle.

As such, Ignacio urged delivery riders to enlist as self-employed members of the SSS. She said contributing to the state-owned firm would enable them to avail of social security and loan packages that they can use in cases of emergency.

“Considering the high risk of their profession by being in the field most of the time, they need a solid protection that in cases of contingencies, they can have something to turn to,” Ignacio said.

As self-employed members, delivery riders will be qualified for benefits on sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, funeral and death, as well as loans on salary, calamity and education.

Also, delivery riders will gain additional coverage from the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) for contingencies related to work, such as sickness, disability, funeral and death.

“We encourage them to become SSS members or to continue their membership under the Self-Employed Coverage Program. SSS is the most affordable and meaningful savings option, which can provide them with several types of benefits,” she said.

At present, SSS members, both regular and self-employed, pay a contribution rate of 13 percent of their monthly salary. The lowest contribution stands at P400, or P390 for social security, P10 for ECP, while the highest reaches P3,280, or P2,600 for social security, P30 for ECP and P650 for a savings program.

For instance, a delivery rider earning P13,000 a month will be required to remit a contribution of about P1,700.

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Article was originally published in Philippine Star and written by Elijah Felice Rosales.