Recent data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reveals that an estimated 70,000 workers were permanently displaced in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic during the first five months of 2020.
Earlier, DOLE projected the numbers of unemployed Filipino workers would reach 3 to 5 million for this year.
The Social Security System (SSS) is providing relief for its members who lost their jobs through the unemployment insurance or the involuntary separation benefit.
Photo Credit: Facebook/DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment
Qualified SSS members only need to present a certification from the DOLE that they are involuntarily separated to receive unemployment benefits of up to P20,000, depending on their monthly salary credit.
A member who wishes to avail of the SSS unemployment benefits may read DOLE’s Department Circular No. 01, Series of 2019, or the Guidelines on the Issuance of DOLE Certification as a Requirement for Application for Payment of Unemployment Insurance or Involuntary Separation Benefit.
Getting the certification
According to the guidelines, involuntarily separated employees, including kasambahay, may apply for certification at the DOLE Field or Provincial Office where their company or employer is located, or where the employees reside.
Photo Credit: Facebook/DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment
Meanwhile, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may file their application at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) where their employer operates or at the DOLE Field or Provincial Office where they OFWs reside.
They should bring at least one valid ID and a copy of the Notice of Termination issued by their employers. In the absence of such, applicants may submit a duly notarized Affidavit of Termination of Employment to DOLE Field or Provincial Office, or POLO.
The DOLE Field or Provincial Office, or POLO, shall issue the certification within one day upon receipt and verification of application complete with documentary requirements.
SSS Public Affairs and Special Events Division Head Fernando Nicolas said that the unemployment benefit applies not only for those who lost their jobs because of the lockdown measures but also to those who were involuntarily separated because of other reasons.
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