If you’re no longer employed or are a freelancer and want to maintain your SSS benefits, paying voluntary contributions is key.
This program allows former employees, self-employed individuals, non-working spouses, and OFWs to continue contributing to the Social Security System (SSS). Staying on top of your voluntary payments ensures access to retirement, sickness, maternity, disability, and death benefits.
In this guide, we’ll cover eligibility, step-by-step instructions, contribution rates, tips, and FAQs for voluntary SSS members in 2025.
What is an SSS Voluntary Contribution?
An SSS voluntary contribution is a payment made by members who are no longer employed or earning a regular income. Unlike regular employee contributions deducted from salaries, voluntary contributions are initiated directly by the member.
By paying voluntarily, you can:
- Keep your retirement benefits on track
- Maintain eligibility for sickness and maternity benefits
- Secure disability and death benefits for you and your dependents
- Avoid gaps in your SSS contribution record
Voluntary contributions are especially important for freelancers, OFWs, and homemakers, providing financial security even during periods of no income.
Who Can Contribute Voluntarily?
Not everyone can make voluntary contributions. Eligibility is limited to those without current employment or income. Eligible members include:
1. Former Employees
Employees who were previously covered by SSS can continue paying contributions voluntarily to maintain benefits like retirement pensions and separation pay coverage.
Example: Maria, a marketing professional, resigned from her company but wants to secure her retirement benefits. She pays voluntary contributions to continue building her SSS record.
2. Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed members with temporarily inactive businesses or no current earnings can maintain their SSS membership through voluntary payments.
Example: Juan, a freelance designer, experienced a slow year. Paying voluntary contributions ensures he remains eligible for retirement and disability benefits.
3. Non-Working Spouses
Spouses who stay at home to manage the household can build independent SSS benefits by paying voluntary contributions.
Example: Liza, a homemaker, contributes voluntarily to ensure access to maternity and retirement benefits despite not being employed.
4. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Land-based OFWs whose employment ended can continue paying voluntary contributions to maintain SSS benefits for retirement or family protection.
Example: Mark, an OFW in Dubai, lost his job but continues voluntary contributions to secure his future benefits in the Philippines.
See also: Pag-IBIG Contributions for Freelancers and Self-Employed in 2025: How Much, How to Pay, and Why It Matters
How to Pay Your SSS Voluntary Contributions
Paying voluntary contributions is now easier through the My.SSS online portal or the SSS Mobile App. Follow these steps:
- Log in to My.SSS via the SSS website or the mobile app.
- Generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) — this ensures your payment is credited to your account.
- Select “Voluntary Member” during PRN generation, declaring that you are no longer employed or earning income.
- Make your payment using:
- Online channels: GCash, PayMaya, Landbank Online, BDO, BPI, UnionBank
- Over-the-counter: Bayad Center, SSS branches, SM Business Services, 7-Eleven
- Save proof of payment for your records.
SSS Voluntary Contribution Rates (2025)
Voluntary contributions are based on your Monthly Salary Credit (MSC). In 2025:
- Contribution Rate: 15% of MSC
- Minimum MSC: ₱5,000 → monthly contribution ₱750
- Maximum MSC: ₱35,000 → monthly contribution ₱5,250
- Voluntary members pay 100% of the contribution themselves.
| Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) | Contribution Rate | Monthly Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| ₱5,000 (minimum) | 15% | ₱750 |
| ₱5,500 | 15% | ₱825 |
| ₱6,000 | 15% | ₱900 |
| ₱10,000 | 15% | ₱1,500 |
| ₱20,000 | 15% | ₱3,000 |
| ₱30,000 | 15% | ₱4,500 |
| ₱35,000 (maximum) | 15% | ₱5,250 |
Notes:
- Higher MSCs may lead to higher retirement benefits.
- Voluntary contributions count toward your required 120 contributions for retirement.
- The MSC and contribution table is updated per SSS Circular 2024‑006, effective January 2025.
Important Things to Remember
- Eligibility Declaration: Selecting “Voluntary Member” means you have no current employment or income.
- Contribution Count: Payments count toward total contributions required for benefits like retirement or maternity.
- Missed Payments: Skipping a payment does not immediately disqualify you, but it can delay claims.
- Keep Records: Always retain proof of payment, including receipts and PRN confirmation.
- Choose MSC Wisely: Pick an MSC that balances affordability with future benefit potential.
Benefits of Voluntary Contributions
- Financial Protection – Even without a job, you are building toward retirement, disability, and death benefits.
- Flexibility – Pay monthly or backpay for missed months within SSS rules.
- Continuity of Coverage – Avoid gaps in your SSS record.
- Maximizing Pension – Higher MSC can result in higher retirement payouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pay voluntary contributions while employed?
No. Voluntary contributions are for those not currently earning. Employee contributions are deducted automatically by employers.
Q: How many contributions are required for retirement?
You need at least 120 contributions. Voluntary contributions count toward this total.
Q: Can I pay for missed months?
Yes. Generate a PRN for the specific past period you were eligible.
Q: What is the minimum contribution amount?
The minimum monthly contribution in 2025 is ₱750, based on the minimum MSC of ₱5,000.
Case Scenario: Ana’s Voluntary Contributions
- Ana resigns from her company in January 2025.
- She wants to keep her SSS benefits, so she logs in to My.SSS.
- She generates a PRN under “Voluntary Member” and pays contributions from February to December.
- By December, Ana has an uninterrupted record, securing her eligibility for retirement and sickness benefits.
This example shows how voluntary contributions protect benefits and maintain continuity.
Conclusion
The SSS voluntary contribution program is essential for anyone who wants to maintain or increase their SSS benefits without current employment. Former employees, self-employed individuals, non-working spouses, and OFWs can all benefit by paying regularly and choosing the right MSC.
By generating a PRN, selecting the voluntary membership type, and paying on time, you ensure continuous coverage, higher retirement potential, and financial protection for you and your dependents.
