Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11548)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 11548 is to grant the President of the Philippines the power to defer increases in Social Security System (SSS) contributions during the duration of the state of calamity declared under Proclamation Nos. 929 and 1021, amending Section 4(a)(9) of Republic Act No. 11199, the Social Security Act of 2018.
Section 4(a)(9) of Republic Act No. 11199 is amended by RA No. 11548.
The Commission has the power to implement the rate of contributions and the minimum and maximum monthly salary credits according to the scheduled increases, subject to the President’s power to defer the increase during a declared state of calamity.
The contribution rates vary by year, with both employer and employee shares specified. For example, in 2021, the total rate is 13% with 8.5% paid by the employer and 4.5% by the employee; this gradually increases to 15% total in 2025 with 10% employer and 5% employee shares.
Domestic workers or "kasambahays" receiving monthly incomes lower than the minimum monthly salary credit shall pay contributions based on their actual monthly salary.
Members with compulsory coverage who earn below the minimum or above the maximum monthly salary credits pay contributions based on the prescribed minimum or maximum monthly salary credit, respectively.
The President may suspend the implementation of the 1% increase in contribution rates and monthly salary credits for 2021 upon the Social Security Commission’s recommendation during the state of calamity.
No, only the 2021 increase can be suspended; other scheduled contribution rates and monthly salary credits shall continue to be valid and effective.
No, it expressly prohibits changes in implementing rules or administrative procedures that would defer the disbursement of benefits presently enjoyed by members.
The penalty rate on unpaid SSS loan amortizations shall be determined and fixed by the Social Security Commission through rules and regulations based on actuarial studies, rates of benefits, inflation, and other socioeconomic data.
The separability clause provides that if any part is held invalid or unconstitutional, the rest of the law remains valid and effective.
The law took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.