The Social Security System (SSS) is planning a condonation program for delinquent employers and members once its amended charter is signed into law.

Once the law gets ratified, within six months from its effective date, delinquent employers or members can apply for condonation

According to SSS president and CEO Emmanuel Dooc, delinquent employers and members enrolled in the pension fund can apply for a condonation as early as 5 March 2019.

“Once the law gets ratified, within six months from its effective date, delinquent employers or members can apply for condonation. It’s in the provision. We are now ready for that once it gets effective,” Dooc told reporters.

The proposed amendments to Republic Act 8282, or the SSS Charter, includes, among others, additional unemployment benefits equal to 50 percent of one’s salary for a maximum two months and the mandatory inclusion of overseas Filipino workers in the roster of SSS members.

“We will be making public announcements because this will be a one big time opportunity for them to avail,” Dooc said.

The program, which will be implemented for six months beginning with the law’s implementation, will help SSS members settle their accounts without the corresponding penalties.

The SSS chief highlighted other provisions in the new charter that will benefit members such as the lower interest rate on penalties outside the six-month period.

“So instead of the penalty, which used to be three percent per month, under the new law, it was reduced to two percent,” he said.

SSS vice president Antonio Argabioso said while there are other other payment options for delinquent employers and members such as by installment, such depend on the outcome of the approved implementing rules and regulations.

“We don’t want to preempt the board. But I believe they will allow installment. You either pay in cash or apply for an installment. Although there is still no final decision on the number of months to pay installment,” Argabioso said.