Under Republic Act No. 11199, otherwise known as the Social Security Act of 2018, the Social Security System (SSS) is mandated to provide social justice and provide protection to members and their families against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies.

For the Filipino worker—whether a private-sector employee, a self-employed professional, or an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)—the regular remittance of contributions is not merely a financial obligation but a vested legal right. Ensuring these contributions are accurately posted is critical for the eventual availment of short-term benefits (loans and sickness/maternity leaves) and long-term benefits (retirement pensions).

I. The Legal Obligation of Remittance

In an employer-employee relationship, the law dictates that the employer is responsible for deducting the employee’s share of the contribution and adding the employer’s share. Failure to remit these contributions to the SSS constitutes a criminal offense under Section 28 of R.A. 11199, punishable by fines and imprisonment.

However, the burden of monitoring often falls on the member. Online verification serves as the primary tool for members to exercise their right to information and audit their employers' compliance.

II. The My.SSS Member Portal: The Primary Verification Tool

The My.SSS Portal is the official web-based service of the SSS. To check contributions online, a member must first undergo a one-time registration process.

1. Registration Requirements

To register, a member must have a valid SSS number and at least one of the following "security identifiers" previously recorded with the SSS:

Transaction Number from a previous SSS Web Registration.
The Receipt Number from a Contribution Payment.
The Transaction Number of a Cash-off-the-Counter payment.
A Monthly Pension Account Number (for pensioners).
Employer ID Number or Household Employer ID Number.

2. Procedure for Verification

Access: Navigate to the official SSS website and select the "Member" portal.
Login: Enter the User ID and Password created during registration.
Navigation: Once inside the dashboard, hover over the "Inquiry" tab.
Contribution Summary: Click on "Contributions" to view the Actual Premiums.
Review: The system will display a chronological list of all posted contributions, including the month, year, and the amount paid.

III. Alternative Digital Channels

Recognizing the shift toward mobile technology, the SSS has expanded verification methods beyond the desktop portal.

The SSS Mobile App

Members may download the official SSS Mobile App from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery.

Authentication: Uses the same My.SSS credentials.
Functionality: Offers a streamlined interface specifically for viewing "Total Contributions" and "Total Number of Contributions Posted."

SSS Text Inquiry System

For members without stable internet access, the SSS provides a text-based service.

Format: Text SSS CONTRI <SS Number> <PIN> to 2600.
Note: This requires a pre-generated PIN from the My.SSS portal settings.

IV. Interpreting the Contribution Records

When verifying records, members should look for three specific data points:

Month/Year Posted: Ensures the employer is remitting monthly as required by law.
Amount of Contribution: Corresponds to the Monthly Salary Credit (MSC). Members should verify if the deduction on their payslip matches the SSS record.
Posting Status: "Posted" indicates the payment has been reconciled with the member's account.

V. Legal Recourse for Missing Contributions

If the online verification reveals gaps in contributions despite deductions being made from the employee's salary, the member has specific legal remedies:

Internal Coordination: Present the SSS contribution printout and payslips to the employer's HR or Payroll department for clarification.
Request for Inspection: If the employer fails to rectify the discrepancy, the member may file a formal complaint with the nearest SSS branch. The SSS has the authority to conduct an Employer Audit.
SSS Special Legal Department: In cases of non-remittance, the SSS can initiate legal action against the company officers to recover the unpaid premiums plus a 2% monthly penalty.

VI. The Importance of "Total Number of Contributions"

Online verification is vital for determining eligibility for the following:

Sickness/Maternity Benefit: Requires at least 3 monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of contingency.
Retirement Pension: Requires a minimum of 120 monthly contributions to qualify for a lifetime monthly pension. If the count is below 120, the member is only entitled to a lump-sum refund of contributions.

Regularly monitoring the SSS portal ensures that the worker’s "safety net" remains intact and legally compliant.