How to Register as a Voluntary or Self-Employed SSS Member
Whether you are a freelancer, self-employed professional, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), separated from employment, or a non-working spouse, you can continue or start your SSS coverage as a voluntary or self-employed member. This guide explains everything you need to know about registering, choosing your contribution bracket, paying your monthly contributions, and maintaining your active membership status so you can enjoy the same benefits as employed members.
Voluntary/Self-Employed Membership at a Glance
Monthly Contribution
Based on your declared monthly earnings. Minimum of P580 per month (for MSC of P4,000) up to a maximum of P2,450 per month (for MSC of P30,000). You shoulder the full contribution since there is no employer share.
Benefits
Same benefits as employed members: sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, funeral, and unemployment benefits. Loan eligibility also applies with sufficient contributions.
Key Fact
Voluntary and self-employed members pay the full contribution rate of 14% of their declared Monthly Salary Credit (MSC). There is no employer counterpart, so the entire amount comes from the member.
Who Can Register as a Voluntary or Self-Employed Member?
The following individuals are eligible to register as voluntary or self-employed members of SSS. If you fall under any of these categories, you can start or continue your SSS coverage on your own.
Self-Employed
Business owners, sole proprietors, professionals, farmers, fishermen, and anyone who earns income from their own trade, business, or profession.
Freelancers
Independent contractors, gig workers, content creators, virtual assistants, graphic designers, writers, and anyone who works on a per-project or per-contract basis without a formal employer.
OFWs
Overseas Filipino Workers who wish to continue their SSS coverage while working abroad. OFWs can register or maintain membership through the SSS Foreign Representative Office or online via My.SSS.
Separated from Employment
Employees who have resigned, been retrenched, or otherwise separated from their employer. You can continue your SSS coverage as a voluntary member to avoid gaps in your contribution record.
Non-Working Spouse
Housewives or househusbands who are not currently employed but wish to build their own SSS coverage and retirement fund independently.
Contribution Table for Voluntary/Self-Employed Members
As a voluntary or self-employed member, you pay the full contribution based on your declared Monthly Salary Credit (MSC). The contribution rate is 14% of your chosen MSC. Below is a summary of selected contribution brackets:
| Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) | Monthly Contribution (14%) | Compensation Range |
|---|---|---|
| P4,000 | P580 | P4,000 and below |
| P5,000 | P720 | P4,250 - P5,749.99 |
| P7,000 | P980 | P6,250 - P7,749.99 |
| P10,000 | P1,400 | P9,250 - P10,749.99 |
| P15,000 | P2,100 | P14,250 - P15,749.99 |
| P20,000 | P2,800 | P19,250 - P20,749.99 |
| P25,000 | P3,500 | P24,250 - P25,749.99 |
| P30,000 | P4,200 | P29,250 and above (Maximum) |
Note: The contribution rate for voluntary/self-employed members is 14% of the declared MSC. You may choose any MSC bracket based on your actual monthly earnings. The minimum monthly contribution is P580 (MSC of P4,000) and the maximum is P4,200 (MSC of P30,000). These rates are effective as of the latest SSS schedule.
Requirements
To register or change your membership status to voluntary/self-employed, prepare the following documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| SSS Form RS-1 (Self-Employed) | The Personal Record Form for self-employed members. Download from the SSS website or get a copy at any SSS branch. Fill out completely with your personal information, declared earnings, and chosen contribution bracket. |
| Change of Status Form (E-4) | If you are already an SSS member (previously employed) and are changing your status to voluntary or self-employed, submit the SSS E-4 form (Employer Notification of Change of Status). This notifies SSS that you are no longer employed and wish to continue as a voluntary member. |
| Valid Government-Issued IDs (at least 2) | Bring at least two valid IDs with photo and signature. Accepted IDs include: Philippine passport, UMID, PhilSys/National ID, driver's license, PRC ID, voter's ID, postal ID, TIN ID, or PhilHealth ID. Bring originals and photocopies. |
| Proof of Income / Business | For self-employed: DTI Business Name Registration, SEC Registration, BIR Certificate of Registration (Form 2303), or Mayor's Permit / Business Permit. For freelancers: Contracts, invoices, bank statements, or a sworn declaration of monthly earnings. |
| PSA Birth Certificate | PSA-authenticated birth certificate for new members who are registering for the first time. Not required if you are simply changing membership status from employed to voluntary. |
| 1x1 or 2x2 ID Photo | Recent ID photo (white background) for new member registration. Some branches may require this for UMID card processing as well. |
Step-by-Step: How to Register as Voluntary/Self-Employed
Follow these steps to register as a new voluntary or self-employed member, or to change your existing membership status.
Register or Update Your Membership Status
New members: Visit any SSS branch and fill out the SSS Form RS-1 (Personal Record Form for Self-Employed). Submit the form along with your valid IDs, birth certificate, and proof of income. You will be assigned an SS number upon registration. You can also register online through the SSS website by clicking "Online Member Registration."
Existing members: If you were previously employed and are now self-employed or separated from your employer, submit the SSS E-4 form (Change of Status) at any SSS branch or update your status online through the My.SSS portal. This changes your membership category from employed to voluntary/self-employed.
Tip: If you register online, you will still need to visit an SSS branch to verify your identity and submit your supporting documents. Bring the confirmation email or reference number from your online registration.
Choose Your Contribution Bracket
Declare your monthly earnings and choose the corresponding Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) bracket. Your monthly contribution will be 14% of your chosen MSC. The minimum MSC is P4,000 (P580/month contribution) and the maximum is P30,000 (P4,200/month contribution).
Important: Choose a bracket that reflects your actual earnings. Higher contributions mean higher benefits (sickness pay, maternity pay, retirement pension, loan amounts). You can increase your MSC bracket later but you cannot decrease it once declared, so start at a comfortable level and increase as your income grows.
Pay Your Monthly Contributions
Once registered, begin paying your monthly contributions through any of the available payment channels. You must generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) through the My.SSS portal before making each payment. The PRN is required by all payment partners.
Contributions are due on or before the last day of the applicable month. You can also pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually in advance. SSS accepts payments through banks, bayad centers, digital wallets, and the My.SSS portal.
Maintain Active Membership Status
To maintain your active status and remain eligible for benefits, pay your contributions regularly and on time. Avoid gaps in your contribution record. Use the My.SSS portal or SSS Mobile App to track your payment history, verify posted contributions, and check your eligibility for benefits and loans.
Note: If you miss payments, you can pay for past months as long as it is within the same semester (January to June or July to December). SSS does not accept retroactive payments beyond the current semester for voluntary members.
Payment Methods
Voluntary and self-employed members can pay their SSS contributions through various channels. Always generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) from your My.SSS account before paying.
Banks
Pay over the counter at partner banks including BDO, BPI, Landbank, Metrobank, PNB, RCBC, UnionBank, and other SSS accredited collecting banks. Present your PRN to the teller.
Bayad Centers
Pay at Bayad Center outlets, SM Business Services Centers, Robinsons Department Store payment centers, and other authorized payment partners nationwide.
GCash
Pay through the GCash app: Go to Pay Bills > Government > SSS Contribution. Enter your PRN, SS number, and the amount. Payment is posted within 2-3 business days.
Maya (PayMaya)
Pay through the Maya app: Go to Pay Bills > Government > SSS. Enter your PRN, SS number, and contribution amount. Payments are processed within 2-3 business days.
My.SSS Portal
Pay directly through the My.SSS online portal using your linked bank account or debit card. Log in at my.sss.gov.ph, generate a PRN, and follow the payment instructions.
Other Channels
7-Eleven (via CLiQQ), Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier, Palawan Express, RD Pawnshop, and other SSS-accredited payment partners. Check the SSS website for the complete list.
Complete Example: Maria's Voluntary Membership
Maria is a 32-year-old freelance graphic designer from Quezon City. She previously worked for an advertising agency for 5 years but resigned to work as a freelancer. She earns an average of P25,000 per month from various clients. Here is how she continued her SSS coverage as a voluntary member:
Changed Membership Status
Maria visited her nearest SSS branch and submitted the E-4 form (Change of Status) to switch from employed to voluntary/self-employed. She brought her two valid IDs (passport and driver's license), her freelance contracts as proof of income, and her last payslip from her previous employer. The SSS staff processed her change of status within 15 minutes.
Chose Contribution Bracket
Maria declared a monthly income of P25,000 and chose the MSC bracket of P25,000. Her monthly contribution is P3,500 (14% of P25,000). She decided she could afford this amount since she would be paying the full contribution herself.
Set Up My.SSS Account and First Payment
Maria registered for a My.SSS online account at my.sss.gov.ph. She logged in, generated her Payment Reference Number (PRN) for the current month, and paid her first P3,500 contribution through GCash. The payment was posted to her SSS account within 3 business days.
Ongoing Monthly Payments
Maria now pays P3,500 every month via GCash. She generates a new PRN each month through My.SSS and pays before the end of the month. She monitors her contribution history through the My.SSS portal to make sure all payments are posted correctly. After 6 months of consistent voluntary contributions, she became eligible for an SSS salary loan.
Maria's Monthly Summary
Maria enjoys the same SSS benefits as employed members: sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, funeral, and unemployment benefits, plus loan eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a voluntary member and a self-employed member?
A self-employed member is someone who earns income from their own business, trade, or profession (e.g., business owners, professionals, farmers, freelancers). A voluntary member is someone who is not currently employed or self-employed but wishes to continue their SSS coverage (e.g., separated employees, non-working spouses, OFWs). Both categories pay the same contribution rate (14% of MSC) and enjoy the same benefits. The main difference is in the registration form used and the documentation required.
Can I choose any contribution amount I want?
Not any arbitrary amount. You must choose from the SSS contribution table based on your declared Monthly Salary Credit (MSC). The minimum MSC is P4,000 (P580/month) and the maximum is P30,000 (P4,200/month). Your declared MSC should reasonably reflect your actual earnings. You can increase your MSC to a higher bracket, but you cannot decrease it once declared.
What happens if I miss a monthly payment?
Missing a payment does not cancel your membership, but it creates a gap in your contribution record. Gaps may affect your eligibility for benefits that require a certain number of monthly contributions within a specific period (e.g., sickness benefit requires 3 months within the 12-month period before the semester of sickness). You can pay for missed months within the same semester (January-June or July-December), but SSS does not accept retroactive payments beyond the current semester for voluntary members.
Do voluntary members get the same benefits as employed members?
Yes. Voluntary and self-employed members are entitled to the same SSS benefits as employed members, including sickness benefit, maternity benefit, disability benefit, retirement benefit, death benefit, funeral benefit, and unemployment benefit. You are also eligible for SSS loans (salary loan and calamity loan) if you meet the contribution requirements. The amount of benefits you receive depends on your MSC and the number of contributions you have made.
Can OFWs register as voluntary members?
Yes. OFWs can register or continue their SSS membership as voluntary members. They can register at the SSS Foreign Representative Office in their host country, through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, or online via the SSS website. OFWs can pay their contributions through authorized overseas payment channels, the My.SSS portal, or through an authorized representative in the Philippines.
How do I generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN)?
Log in to your My.SSS account at my.sss.gov.ph. Go to the "Payment Reference Number" section under the E-Services menu. Select the applicable month(s) and year, confirm the contribution amount, and generate the PRN. The PRN is valid for a limited time (usually until the end of the applicable month). Use this PRN when paying through any SSS payment channel (banks, GCash, Maya, bayad centers, etc.).
Can I pay my contributions in advance (quarterly or annually)?
Yes. Voluntary and self-employed members can pay contributions in advance for multiple months within the same year. You can pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Simply generate the PRN for the months you wish to cover and pay the total amount through your chosen payment channel. Advance payments ensure you do not miss any months and keep your status active.
Important Reminders
- Always generate a PRN before paying: Every payment requires a Payment Reference Number (PRN) from the My.SSS portal. Without a PRN, your payment may not be posted to your account correctly.
- Pay on time every month: Contributions are due on or before the last day of the applicable month. Late or missed payments may affect your benefit eligibility.
- You cannot decrease your MSC bracket: Once you declare a Monthly Salary Credit, you can increase it in subsequent periods but you cannot lower it. Start with a comfortable amount and increase as your income grows.
- Retroactive payments are limited: Voluntary members can only pay for missed months within the current semester (January-June or July-December). You cannot pay for months in a previous semester.
- Keep all payment receipts: Retain your payment receipts, transaction confirmations, and PRN records. These serve as proof of payment in case of posting issues or disputes.
- Monitor your contributions online: Regularly check your My.SSS portal to verify that all payments are posted correctly to your account. Report any discrepancies to SSS immediately.
- Update your personal information: If your address, civil status, or contact information changes, update your SSS records through the Change of Information process to ensure you receive important notices and benefits.
- Consider applying for a UMID card: The Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card serves as both your SSS ID and ATM card for disbursement. Apply at any SSS branch after registration.
Need Help?
Contact SSS
- SSS Hotline: (02) 8920-6446 to 55
- Toll-Free: 1-800-10-2255-777
- Email: members_relations@sss.gov.ph
- Website: www.sss.gov.ph
- My.SSS Portal: my.sss.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some branches open on Saturdays)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the SSS branch or office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest SSS branch or office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.