Resuming SSS Contributions: A Guide to Shifting to Voluntary Membership

In the Philippines, the Social Security System (SS) serves as a vital safety net for private-sector workers. However, employment gaps are common due to career shifts, resignation, or transitioning into the informal economy. If you have stopped paying SSS contributions because you are no longer employed, you can—and should—continue your coverage by shifting to Voluntary Membership.

1. Eligibility for Resumption

To continue paying as a voluntary member, you must meet the following criteria:

Previous Coverage: You must have at least one (1) month of posted contribution as an employee, self-employed, or Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
Current Status: You are currently unemployed, a "non-working spouse," or have transitioned to a line of work not covered by mandatory employer deductions.
Age Limit: You must be below 60 years old to resume voluntary contributions. If you are 60 and above, you may only continue paying if you need to complete the 120 monthly contributions required to qualify for a retirement pension.

2. The Process of Re-activation

Unlike starting a new membership, "continuing" your contributions does not require a new SS number. Your existing SS number is permanent for life.

Change of Status: There is no longer a strict requirement to file an SS Form E-4 (Member Data Change Request) just to switch to "Voluntary" status. In the current digital system, simply paying a contribution using the "Voluntary" membership type automatically updates your status in the SSS database.
Generate a PRN: The most critical step is the Payment Reference Number (PRN). You cannot pay without this. You can generate one via:

The SSS Mobile App.
The My.SSS Member Portal on the SSS website.
Over-the-counter SSS branches.

3. Contribution Amounts and Schedule

As a voluntary member, you have the flexibility to choose your Monthly Salary Credit (MSC), which determines how much you pay.

The 14% Rule: As of 2025/2026, the contribution rate is 14% of your chosen MSC.
Minimum and Maximum: You can pay based on the minimum MSC (usually for those in the informal sector) up to the maximum MSC. Note that a higher MSC results in higher benefits (Sickness, Maternity, Disability, and Pension).
Frequency: You can pay monthly or quarterly. However, you cannot pay for months that have already passed (retroactive payments) if the deadline for that quarter has lapsed.

4. Mandatory Savings: The WISP Program

If you choose an MSC higher than ₱20,000, a portion of your contribution automatically goes to the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP). This is a safe, government-guaranteed investment scale-up that adds to your retirement fund on top of the regular pension.

5. Important Legal Constraints

No Retroactive Payments: One of the most common misconceptions is that you can "pay for the gaps" from years ago to catch up. Under SSS rules, you can only pay for the current month or quarter, or in advance.
Pension Qualification: To qualify for a lifetime monthly pension, you must have at least 120 monthly contributions. If you stop at 119, you only receive a lump-sum refund of your contributions plus interest, rather than a monthly pension.
Non-Working Spouses: If you are a non-working spouse, your contribution is based on 50% of the MSC of your working spouse. Both spouses must sign the initial application for this category.

6. Why Continue Paying?

Stopping contributions doesn't just affect your retirement. It impacts your eligibility for short-term benefits:

Sickness and Maternity: Requires at least 3 contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of contingency.
Salary Loans: Requires at least 36 posted monthly contributions, 6 of which must be within the last 12 months.
Death and Funeral Benefits: Ensures your beneficiaries receive financial assistance.

To maintain these protections, members are encouraged to generate a PRN as soon as they leave a job to ensure there is no significant gap in their "qualifying months."