Guide on When To File SSS Sickness Benefit Claim To Avoid Reduction, Disapproval
A member who wants to file a claim under the SSS Sickness Benefit must do the filing within the prescriptive period set by the state institution.
Members of the Social Security System may turn to the state-run social insurance institution in times of sickness that may result to the inability to report to work. It has the SSS Sickness Benefit claim offer.
The Sickness Benefit is actually just one of the many benefits extended by the state-run social insurance giant to its members. It also has offers in times of unemployment, disability, death, etc.
With regards to the SSS Sickness Benefit, it is open for members is unable to work due to sickness or injury for at least four (4) days. It covers both hospital and home confinements and each member may avail up to 120 days of sickness benefit in a year.
It is best to know when to file the SSS Sickness Benefit claim as the Social Security System observes strict ruling. It will prevent reduction from your benefit claim amount or the rejection of your claim application.
For home confinements, the Sickness Benefit Application (SBA) Form must be submitted to SSS within five (5) calendar days after the start date of confinement.
For hospital confinements, the SBA must be submitted to SSS within one (1) year from the date of the hospital discharge.
With regards to the OFW members of the Social Security System, since 2015, they are given a 30-day grace period after the existing 5-day prescriptive period considering certain concerns like the distance of their workplace or residence to the nearest SSS foreign branch.
The SSS made it clear on its website that failure to comply to the prescriptive period on when to file SSS Sickness Benefit claim may be a ground for the rejection of the sickness claim application or the reduction of the amount.
