If your employer deducted SSS contributions from your salary but your My.SSS account shows no remittance, treat it as urgent. Those missing payments can affect your sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, unemployment, and loan benefits. This article explains what the law requires, how to check your records, what documents to gather, where to complain, and what usually happens after you report the employer.
What “Deducted but Not Remitted” Means
This happens when your payslip shows an SSS deduction, but the employer did not actually pay it to the Social Security System.
Common signs include:
- Your payslip shows “SSS,” “SSS EE,” or “SSS contribution,” but your My.SSS contribution history is blank.
- Your employer reports only some months, not all.
- Your salary loan or benefit claim is denied because your posted contributions are incomplete.
- You resigned years ago but later discovered that deductions were never posted.
- Your employer says “processing pa,” but several months have already passed.
For employees, SSS contributions are not optional. Once you are covered by SSS, your employer must deduct the employee share, add the employer share, and remit the full amount on time.
Legal Basis: Your Employer’s Duties Under Philippine Law
The main law is Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018.
Under RA 11199:
- Employers must report covered employees to SSS.
- Employers must deduct only the lawful employee share.
- Employers must pay both the employer share and employee share.
- Employers cannot pass the employer’s share to the employee.
- Employers who fail or refuse to remit contributions may face penalties, collection action, and criminal liability.
As of the 2025 SSS contribution schedule, the regular SSS rate is 15% of the Monthly Salary Credit, generally shared as 10% employer share and 5% employee share, with the applicable MSC limits under SSS rules. You can check the current table on the official SSS Contribution Table page.
The law also allows SSS to collect unpaid contributions in a manner similar to tax collection, including legal collection remedies. The official text of RA 11199 is available through the SSS copy of the Social Security Act of 2018, and the Implementing Rules and Regulations are available on Lawphil.
Why Non-Remittance Is Serious
Missing SSS contributions are not just an accounting issue. They can directly affect your legal and financial protection.
Your SSS record may be used to determine:
- Eligibility for sickness benefit
- Maternity benefit
- Disability benefit
- Retirement pension
- Death and funeral benefits for beneficiaries
- Unemployment benefit
- Salary loan eligibility
- Calamity loan eligibility
- Total credited years of service
For example, an employee may have worked continuously for two years, but if the employer failed to remit several months, SSS may initially see the employee as having fewer posted contributions. This can delay or reduce benefits until the issue is corrected.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do First
1. Check Your My.SSS Contribution History
Log in to your My.SSS account through the official SSS website or the MySSS mobile app.
Look for:
- Posted contributions
- Months with no posting
- Wrong employer name
- Wrong amount
- Months marked as unpaid
- Gaps during months when you were employed
Take screenshots or download copies if available. Save them with dates.
2. Compare Your SSS Record With Your Payslips
Prepare a simple month-by-month comparison.
| Month | SSS deduction on payslip | Amount posted in My.SSS | Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | ₱___ | ₱___ | Not posted / underposted |
| February 2026 | ₱___ | ₱___ | Not posted / underposted |
| March 2026 | ₱___ | ₱___ | Not posted / underposted |
This helps SSS quickly see the problem.
3. Gather Proof
Useful documents include:
- Payslips showing SSS deductions
- Certificate of employment
- Employment contract
- Company ID
- Payroll records
- Bank payroll credit history
- BIR Form 2316
- Emails or messages from HR or payroll
- Screenshots of your My.SSS contribution history
- Resignation or termination documents, if applicable
If you no longer have payslips, bank statements and BIR Form 2316 can still help prove employment and salary.
4. Ask HR or Payroll in Writing
Before filing a complaint, send a polite written request to HR or payroll.
Ask for:
- Proof of SSS remittance
- The SSS payment reference number or transaction details
- Correction of missing posted contributions
- A written explanation for the missing months
Keep the message professional. Do not rely only on verbal promises.
5. File a Complaint With SSS
If the employer does not fix the issue, file a complaint with SSS. You may go to the nearest SSS branch or use official SSS contact channels listed on the SSS website.
Bring or attach:
- Valid ID
- SSS number
- Employer name and address
- Employer SSS number, if known
- Dates of employment
- Payslips or payroll proof
- My.SSS screenshots
- Written messages to HR/payroll
- List of missing months
SSS may verify the employer’s records, issue notices, assess delinquency, impose penalties, and require payment.
What SSS Can Do Against the Employer
SSS has authority to pursue delinquent employers. Depending on the facts, SSS may:
- Send a demand letter
- Assess unpaid contributions and penalties
- Require the employer to submit reports
- Collect delinquency through legal remedies
- File civil, administrative, or criminal action
- Pursue penalties under RA 11199
Under RA 11199, violations may carry a fine and imprisonment, depending on the offense and court action. The key point for employees is this: SSS contributions deducted from wages are not the employer’s money.
Should You Also File a Labor Complaint?
Sometimes, yes.
File with SSS for the non-remittance issue. But if your case also involves unpaid wages, illegal deductions, final pay, illegal dismissal, or other employment claims, you may also need to go to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).
| Issue | Where to Start |
|---|---|
| SSS deducted but not remitted | SSS |
| Missing employer SSS reporting | SSS |
| Unpaid salary, 13th month pay, final pay | DOLE or NLRC, depending on the claim |
| Illegal dismissal | NLRC |
| Underpayment of minimum wage | DOLE or NLRC |
| Employer refuses to issue payslips or COE | DOLE may be relevant |
| Criminal liability for SSS violation | Usually pursued through SSS/legal process |
A practical approach is to file with SSS for the contribution issue, then separately assess whether there are labor claims.
What If You Already Resigned?
You can still report the employer.
Non-remittance discovered after resignation is common. Many employees only find out when applying for a loan, maternity benefit, retirement, or employment abroad.
Prepare:
- Certificate of employment
- Old payslips
- BIR Form 2316
- Clearance documents
- Final pay computation
- Bank payroll history
- My.SSS screenshots
Even if the employer has closed, changed names, or stopped operating, give SSS all known details: registered business name, trade name, address, owner names, HR contact, SEC/DTI registration if known, and old payslips.
What If You Are an OFW, Remote Worker, or Foreigner?
OFWs
If you were employed by a Philippine employer before leaving the country, missing contributions during that employment can still be reported. If you are already abroad, check your records online and coordinate with SSS through official online channels, overseas offices, or a trusted representative with proper authorization.
Remote workers
If you are working as an independent contractor for a foreign company, the situation may be different because there may be no Philippine employer required to remit as your employer. But if you are treated as an employee of a Philippine entity, the employer should comply with SSS obligations.
Foreigners working in the Philippines
Foreign nationals employed in the Philippines may be covered by SSS depending on the employment arrangement and applicable rules. If SSS contributions were deducted from your Philippine payroll, you should verify whether they were properly posted. Keep your work visa, employment contract, payslips, and tax documents.
Common Employer Excuses and What They Mean
| Employer excuse | What you should do |
|---|---|
| “Late lang ang posting.” | Ask for proof of payment and check again after a reasonable posting period. |
| “We paid through our accountant.” | Ask for the SSS payment reference or official proof. |
| “You were probationary, so we did not remit.” | Probationary employees are still employees. Report to SSS. |
| “We deducted but will remit later.” | Deductions should not be held indefinitely. Document everything. |
| “You resigned already, so we cannot fix it.” | Resignation does not erase the employer’s obligation. |
| “The company closed.” | Report the employer and give SSS all details you have. |
| “You were a contractor.” | Check the real working arrangement. Misclassification may be an issue. |
Practical Timelines
Timelines vary depending on the branch, employer response, completeness of records, and whether legal action is needed.
| Step | Usual practical timeline |
|---|---|
| Checking My.SSS records | Same day |
| Requesting HR/payroll explanation | 3–10 working days |
| Preparing documents | 1–7 days |
| SSS complaint filing | Same day if documents are ready |
| SSS verification and notices | Several weeks or longer |
| Employer settlement or correction | Weeks to months |
| Contested or legal enforcement cases | Several months or more |
The biggest bottlenecks are incomplete payslips, employers that ignore notices, closed businesses, incorrect employer names, and old employment records.
Important Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not rely only on verbal promises from HR.
- Do not wait until you need a benefit before checking your contributions.
- Do not throw away payslips.
- Do not assume that a deduction on your payslip means SSS received the money.
- Do not file vague complaints; list the exact missing months.
- Do not confuse SSS with PhilHealth or Pag-IBIG. Each agency has separate records.
- Do not pay the missing employee contributions again as a voluntary member without first clarifying the employment-period issue with SSS.
Sample Written Request to HR or Payroll
You may send something like this:
Good day. I checked my My.SSS contribution history and noticed that my SSS contributions for the months of [list months] are not posted, although SSS deductions appear on my payslips.
May I request proof of remittance and assistance in correcting the missing contributions? Attached are copies of my payslips and screenshots of my My.SSS record for reference.
Thank you.
Keep a copy of the email or message. If HR replies by phone, send a follow-up message summarizing what was discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer deduct SSS from my salary and remit it later?
Employers must remit contributions within the deadlines set by SSS. A short posting delay may happen, but repeated or long delays are a warning sign. Ask for proof of payment and report unresolved gaps to SSS.
Is non-remittance of SSS contributions illegal in the Philippines?
Yes. Employers are legally required to report employees and remit the correct contributions under RA 11199. Failure or refusal to comply can result in penalties, collection action, and possible criminal liability.
What if my payslip shows SSS deduction but My.SSS shows zero contribution?
Save the payslip and My.SSS screenshot, compare the missing months, ask HR for proof of remittance, and file a complaint with SSS if the employer does not correct it.
Can I file a complaint even if I no longer work for the company?
Yes. Former employees can still report missing SSS contributions. Bring proof of employment, payslips, bank payroll records, BIR Form 2316, and screenshots of your SSS record.
Will SSS credit my missing contributions immediately?
Usually, SSS must verify the records and require the employer to pay or correct the delinquency. Posting may take time, especially if the employer disputes the complaint or records are incomplete.
Can I sue my employer directly?
For SSS contribution non-remittance, the usual first step is to report the matter to SSS because SSS has specific authority to assess and collect contributions. If there are related labor claims, such as unpaid wages or illegal dismissal, DOLE or NLRC may also be involved.
What if my employer closed the business?
Still report it. Give SSS the business name, address, owner or officer names, payslips, employment dates, and any available registration details. Closed or inactive businesses can make collection harder, but the complaint is still important for your record.
Can probationary employees receive SSS coverage?
Yes. Probationary status does not remove SSS coverage. If you were an employee and your employer deducted SSS, the contributions should be properly remitted.
Can the employer make me shoulder the employer share?
No. The employer share is the employer’s obligation. The employer may deduct only the lawful employee share.
Should I keep paying as a voluntary member while my employer’s missing payments are unresolved?
You may continue protecting future coverage if you are no longer employed, but do not ignore the missing employee-period contributions. Report the employer’s delinquency so the correct employment months can be addressed.
Key Takeaways
- If SSS was deducted from your salary but not posted, gather proof immediately.
- Check your My.SSS contribution history regularly.
- Ask HR or payroll for proof of remittance in writing.
- File a complaint with SSS if the employer does not correct the missing contributions.
- RA 11199 requires employers to remit SSS contributions and allows penalties for non-compliance.
- Missing SSS contributions can affect benefits, loans, and retirement records.
- Former employees, probationary employees, kasambahays, and covered foreign workers may still report non-remittance.