The Department of Migrant Workers or DMW, formerly known as the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), created various programs and services to cater to the needs and gives convenience to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). From processing the applications to coming back to the Philippines as OFWs, the DMW wants to give smooth transactions to save everyone’s time. And because of this, they are now transitioning the procedures online so that Filipino workers can access them anywhere and anytime.
The POEA is now deactivated and has been replaced since the DMW was established. You can visit the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) website at this: https://www.dmw.gov.ph/onlineservices.
Here’s detailed information to give you a better understanding of what programs and services you can avail of.
Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS)
The Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) is a mandatory seminar provided by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to all Filipinos who want to become OFW. This seminar gives them information about the labor standard in their chosen host country, the rights of migrant workers, workplace safety, cultural communication, and so on. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) created this seminar to help Filipino workers decide if they really want to work overseas. It also helps them prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically to prevent any problems that may occur during their stay abroad.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) created the e-Registration system to make easier and faster transactions when applying for a job. This is where applicants need to create their profiles and upload their documents. In this way, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) can access and check your documents and protect you from illegal recruiters.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) created a database of information that contains personal information, documents, and employment history of all registered Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This system helps employers find suitable employees for their company and helps Filipino workers track the history of their employment.
The BM Processing was created to help OFWs apply for Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) online. The OEC is a mandatory certificate needed before leaving the country to work overseas. The BM Processing System is also used to apply for a job online by sending applications and resumes online for employers to see.
Some Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) didn’t want to go through a recruitment agency and/or were hired directly by employers overseas. If this is the case, the Filipino worker can create a profile account in Direct-Hire Processing System to set up a job application for direct hire.
The Online Recruitment Authority Application (ORAA) was created for employers to apply for a license to recruit migrant workers. This system will also ensure that the employers will follow the labor laws and that they are legitimate employers and not fraud. It also handles applications for Special Recruitment Authority (SRA), Letter of Acknowledgement (LOA) for recruitment authorities.
Video: Dept. of Migrant Workers to be first digitally empowered government agency
Watch this interview with the Department of Information and Communication chief Atty. Ivan John Uy and Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople about the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) being the first digitally empowered government agency in the Philippines.
Summary
Applying for a job overseas is difficult. You need to spend time and money just to apply for work that will make you move far from your families and friends. But this was before the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) made it easier and faster. The Philippine government wanted to create a digital system that will work for the government, Filipino workers, and employers.
This system makes it easier for the DMW and other government agencies to verify the documents and to create a database that will employers can also check to hire people they need.
Whether self-employed or a non-government employee, the Social Security System (SSS) is essential as it offers its member a wide range of benefits. Founded in 1957, SSS provides Filipinos with social insurance program packed with benefits, such as loans, maternity leave, death, disability, and pensions. But what is SSS, and how do you become a member? Read on as we answer what it is, how to become a member, and the benefits you can enjoy from this membership program.
Like other membership programs, Filipinos should pay monthly contributions deducted from their salary to become SSS members and access their benefits. If employed, their employer will deduct monthly contributions from the member’s salary. Their employer will also give their share and remit the contributions to SSS. Meanwhile, self-employed Filipinos can voluntarily pay contributions to SSS to access its programs, from loans and retirement to health care benefits.
A government-operated social insurance program, the Social Security System (SSS) protects workers in the private, professional, and informal sectors, including their beneficiaries, against varying contingencies, such as unemployment, disability, old age, and death. Previously known as the Social Security Act of 1954, SSS was founded under the Republic Act No 1161.
They amended the law in 1997 and enacted the Republic Act No 8282, or Social Security Law. Under this policy, the state should promote, develop, and establish a feasible tax-exempt social security system appropriate to the needs of the people in the Philippines. SSS promote social fairness and offers its members and their beneficiaries significant protection.
Its members can access varying benefits, such as maternity, sickness, disability, retirement, death, and other contingencies causing financial burden and income loss. Finally, the state should extend protection to workers and their qualified beneficiaries. In short, the SSS mandate is to provide comprehensive benefits, ensuring all the workers in the private and informal sectors can access suitable, reliable, and convenient social protection today and in the future.
Purpose
Since SSS was mandated to protect workers from the private, professional, and informal sectors against various contingencies, SSS aims to give all Filipinos, whether self-employed or unemployed, an opportunity to safeguard their future once they retire or resign from their jobs due to valid situations. It provides its members and beneficiaries monetary benefits, including sickness, disability, maternity, unemployment, old, age, death, and funeral.
Types of Coverage
If you meet any of the conditions below, you can become an SSS member:
Compulsory Coverage (Required by law)
Employers (Business or Household Employer)
Employees from the private, professional, and informal sectors
Househelper/Kasambahay
OFWs, both land-based and sea-based (excluding Filipinos who are permanent immigrants, such as Filipino immigrants, permanent residents, and naturalized citizens of their host country
Self-employed individuals who meet the following:
An individual not over 60 years old and not working as a regular employee of a company
If you’re a previous SSS member, you should have a P1,000 monthly income to change your membership status to self-employed.
An individual who owns a business
An individual may also be considered a self-employed member, but not limited to, including single proprietors or partners of the business, actors, actresses, coaches, content writers, directors, professional athletes, etc.
Voluntary Coverage
A non-working spouse of an SSS member
A previously employed SSS member who has separated from their work/employer
A previous SSS member who choose to resign from work and become self-employed
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SSS Benefits
Sickness Benefit
This benefit provides a daily cash allowance to members who can’t work due to sickness or injury caused by an accident. The sickness benefit allowance is 90% of the member’s daily salary and only covers 120 days maximum per year.
Maternity Benefit
Exclusively made for female SSS members, the Maternity Benefit is a cash allowance granted to members who cannot work due to childbirth or miscarriage. SSS will provide a cash allowance equivalent to the member’s daily salary multiplied by 60 days if the member goes through normal delivery or miscarriage. Meanwhile, members who went through the caesarian section will get a cash allowance equivalent to the member’s daily salary multiplied by 78 days.
Paternity Leave Benefit
Aside from that, a Paternity Benefit is granted to the kid’s father once the child is born, whether married or not. The kid’s father is entitled to seven (7) days of paid leave (only for the first four deliveries).
Disability Benefit
Under this benefit, partially or completely disabled members due to mental or physical damage will receive a monetary (lump sum or monthly pension) payment.
Retirement Benefit
The Retirement Benefit is a monetary payment (lump sum or monthly pension) granted to SSS members who can’t work due to old age.
Death Benefit
The legitimate beneficiaries/dependents of deceased SSS members will receive a monetary payment (lump sum or monthly pension). However, SSS will suspend the monthly pension once the dependent remarry.
Funeral Benefit
The family member who paid for the deceased member’s burial expenses will receive a funeral benefit worth P20,000 to P40,000.
Unemployment Benefit
SSS members terminated from their work involuntarily will receive unemployment compensation up to P10,000.
SSS Programs
Employee’s Compensation (EC) Progam
Through the EC Program, registered SSS employee members who encounter an illness or accident while performing their work, whether within or outside their workplace, causing death or incapacity, will be granted assistance, such as rehabilitation and medical services or income cash benefit.
Business Development Loan
The Business Development Loan is a program for members granting credit intended for developing and expanding business or industry operations.
Educational Assistance Loan Program
Under this program, SSS will provide loans to assist its members or their dependents in education. The granted educational assistance can help cover the cost of attending college or vocational and technical courses.
Flexi Fund
Another program from SSS, Flexi Fund, is an alternative saving designed for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) below 60 years old. Founded in 2001, Flexi Fund is a fixed-income provident fund where the earnings are decided based on the 91-day Treasury bills or SSS short-term placements.
Housing Loan
Apart from the educational assistance, SSS members may qualify for a housing loan. With this program, members can access a housing loan thru SSS-accredited participating financial institutions (PFI), providing funds for purchasing, improving, or refurbishing the member’s home and constructing housing units.
Salary Loan
Aside from monthly pension and lump sum benefits, eligible SSS members can avail of Salary Loan. It grants members a one (1) month Salary Loan if they have at least 36 months of total contributions and six (6) months of contributions in the past 12 months before applying for the program. If borrowing two (2) months of salary, the member should have at least 72 months of total contributions before applying for the loan. Also, the member should not have outstanding SSS loan payments.
Social Development Loan
The Social Development Loan is a program granting money intended for establishing institutions and constructing facilities that will provide excellent education and academic training to its members and their dependents. Moreover, it should offer affordable healthcare and medical services to the general public, especially SSS members and their dependents.
PESO Fund (Personal Equity Savings Option)
The Personal Equity Savings Option or PESO Fund is an alternative savings program for SSS members, which they can use to boost benefits from their standard membership retirement. Founded in 2014, it’s a tax-free provident fund available to SSS members once they meet certain conditions, such as retirement or permanent disability.
Furthermore, SSS members can designate the fund to their beneficiaries. The fund is accessible in three options: medical bills, disability, and retirement.
How to become an SSS Member
With all the benefits and programs this membership program offers, it’s no surprise why many Filipinos want to become SSS members. But before you become an SSS member, you should meet the qualifications and comply with the requirements below unless you’re a company employee where membership is mandatory.
Qualifications
To become an SSS member, the applicant should meet the following qualifications
All Filipino workers from the private, professional, and informal sectors (Government employees can’t become an SSS member since they have the Government Service Insurance System or GSIS)
Self-employed Filipinos
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Non-working spouse of an SSS member
Unemployed Voluntary member
Requirements
If qualified, secure the following requirements for SSS membership:
SS Form E-1 (Personal Record) (duly accomplished)
Primary documents (at least one of the following):
Birth Certificate
Baptismal
Driver’s License
Passport
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Card
Seaman’s Book
Secondary documents (submit two of the following if the primary document isn’t available):
Alien Certificate of Registration
ATM card with the cardholder’s name
ATM card and certification from the issuing bank, stating the account number belongs to the cardholder if it doesn’t bear the cardholder’s name
Bank Account Passbook
Birth/Baptismal Certificate
Certificate from:
Office of the Southern/Northern Cultural Communities
Office of Muslim Affairs
Certificate of Licensure/Qualification Document or Seafarer’s ID and Record Book from the Maritime Industry Authority
Company ID
Company Representative Authorization Card (from SSS)
Credit Card
Fisherman’s Card (from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources)
GSIS Card or Certificate of Membership
Health/Medical Card
ID card issued by Local Government Units (such as Barangay, Municipality/City)
ID card issued by professional organizations acknowledged by PRC
Permit to carry firearms (from the Firearms and Explosive Unit of the Philippine National Police)
PhilHealth Member’s Data Record
Police Clearance
Postal ID
School ID
Seafarer’s Registration Certificate (from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration)
Senior Citizen Card
Tax Identification Number (TIN) Card
Temporary License and Student Permit (from the Land Transportation Office)
Transcript of School Records
Voter’s Identification Card/Affidavit
Important Reminders:
If married, submit your Marriage Contract when applying as an SSS member.
If applying for SSS membership as a surviving spouse or guardian (60 years of age and above) for the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners program, submit any secondary documents stated earlier with the latest photo and age.
If reporting legitimate children, provide their birth or baptismal certificates (birth certificate should have the annotation “legitimate”)
If your beneficiary is a legally adopted child, present the adoption decree. Also, provide the additional requirement below if your beneficiary is an illegitimate child:
Birth Certificate
Baptismal Certificate
School Record
Insurance Policy
Statement before a court
All presented documents should be original or certified copies for authentication purposes.
How to apply for an SSS Membership
Workers from the private, professional, and informal sectors can choose from the two options to apply for an SSS membership: via on-site and online application. To do so, follow the steps below:
Via On-site Application
If you’re not tech-savvy and wish to do everything in person, you can apply for an SSS membership at the nearest SSS branch. Fill out the SS Form E-1 (Personal Record) and submit the original and photocopy of one (1) primary or two (2) secondary documents. Also, one of the documents should have your birthdate and photo.
Hover your mouse over the “Apply for an SS Number Online” option and click: “No SS Number yet? Get it here!”
Read the “Step by Step Guide” and click the Start button.
Fill out the required fields and click the Submit button. You’ll receive a confirmation link to the email you provided on the online registration form.
Click the link, and provide all the required details, including Basic and Beneficiaries Information.
Review the details you’ve provided and click the “Generate SS Number” button.
Wait for the system to display the generated SS Slip. Also, you’ll receive a confirmation via email containing the generated SS Number, a copy of the SS Number Slip, and more instructions to proceed with the application.
Next, print the following sent to your email by the SS Number Issuance System:
ePersonal Record Form
SS Number Slip
SS Number Application Confirmation email
Head to the nearest SSS Branch and submit the printed records with the complete documentary requirements. (Note: Your SSS membership status is set to “Temporary” until you have submitted the necessary documents to the nearest SSS Branch.)
After submitting the supporting documents, your SSS membership status will become “Permanent.”
Summary
In summary, the benefits and programs provided by the Social Security System (SSS) are helpful to all Filipinos, from private company employees and OFWs to self-employed individuals, non-working spouses, and the member’s beneficiaries. No matter how big or small your salary is, becoming an SSS member will benefit you and your family’s future, especially in times of need. Therefore, we encouraged qualified individuals to apply for SSS membership.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines was established in 1908 as a bureau agency called the Bureau of Labor. It became the Department of Labor (DoL) under Republic Act 4121 and became the Ministry of Labor and Employment in 1980 before it reached its current name as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
DOLE has been established for over 100 years but its advocacy remains: to promote industry, ensure no work shall be done in vain, prevent industrial injuries/illness/deaths, guarantee the security of tenure of workers, obtain better terms and conditions of work, and to pursue full employment and human development.
Every Filipino worker attains full, decent, and productive employment.
Mission
To promote gainful employment opportunities, to develop human resources, to protect workers and promote their welfare, and to maintain industrial peace.
Agenda
Continuously enhance and transform DOLE into an efficient, responsive, purposeful, and accountable institution.
Address the persistent problems of unemployment and underemployment.
Ensure full respect of labor standards and the fundamental principle and rights at work.
Bring more focus and accessibility to workers’ protection and welfare programs.
Achieve a sound, dynamic, and stable industrial peace with free and demographic participation of workers and employers in policy and decision-making processes affecting them.
Have a labor dispute resolution system that ensures just, simplified, and expeditious resolution of all labor disputes.
Have responsive, enabling, and equitable labor policies, laws, and regulations.
Functions and Responsibilities
Promoting the welfare of workers by enforcing the laws.
Coordinating the implementation of programs and services that promote the welfare of workers
Leading the formulation and enforcement of policies and labor creation, occupational safety, and health.
DOLE logo
Programs and Services
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provides carious of programs and services to ensure that every Filipino will have decent employment opportunities, a safe work environment, and improved quality of life.
DOLE offers programs to local workers, Oversea Filipino Workers, employers, job seekers, and their families, such as employment opportunities, placement aid, skill training, and financial assistance. The programs and services offered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are the following:
DOLE Employment Facilitation Program. This program provides assistance to Filipinos who are looking for a job. It gives access to information about the labor market and assists with job placements and training.
Youth Employability. This program assists in finding suitable jobs for out-of-school children and newly graduated students. One of the programs that directly help young Filipinos is the Department of Labor and Employment’s Youth Employability Program.
Job Search Assistance. This program helps job seekers create their resumes, search for job workshops, and connect to a vacant position.
Employment Preservation and Regulation Program. This program collected laws and programs designed to protect the rights of Filipino workers and expand employment opportunities in the country. It encourages employers to comply with the rules and regulations.
Employment Practices Reform Program (EPRP)
The creation and advocacy of policies;
Labor inspection and enforcement;
Voluntary compliance and self-regulation; and
The resolution dispute.
Labor Laws Compliance. This program enforces labor laws and ensures that employees and employers to comply with them. Failure to comply will cause them serious consequences with the law.
Tripartism and Social Dialogue. This program allows all the stakeholders to conduct discussions and negotiations to create public policies and in settling public disagreements and conflicts.
Workers Organizations Development and Empowerment. This program supports all worker groups in the Philippines that advocate the worker’s rights, interests, growth, and empowerment.
Case Management. This program gives assistance to all workers who have sustained injuries while on the job. They give financial support and other services to their injuries and returning to work.
Workers Protection and Welfare Program. This program ensures the safety and well-being of all workers. This program gives financial assistance and other services to workers who become ill while they are on the job.
Livelihood and Emergency Employment. This program helps unemployed, underemployed, workers who lost their job to find employment. This program aims to assist Filipino workers to get back on their feet and start over again.
Welfare Services. This program aims to provide welfare services to unemployed, underemployed, and marginalized workers to become productive members of society.
Self-Employment Assitance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program
Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES)
JobStart Philippines Program
Abot Kamay and Pagtuturo sa Industriya (AKAP) Program.
Reintegration Services for Overseas Filipino Workers. This program gives financial assistance, placement in a suitable job, and counseling to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to become productive members of society.
Verification of Overseas Employment Documents. This program’s job is to check all employment documents of Filipino who are intending to find a job outside the Philippines.
Emergency Repatriation Program. This program provides financial assistance to Filipino workers who got laid off or whose employment has been affected by the pandemic. This program will cover the cost of their travel going back to the Philippines.
Other Programs.
DOLE-OJT (OJT) Program
DOLE-PESO (PESO) Program
DOLE-Vetro Program
DOLE e-Services
COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP)
DOLE-AKAP Applicatoin
DOLE-AKAP Status Inquiry
Project EASE Registration and Status Inquiry
Tabang-OFW Status Inquiry
OASIS (OFW Assistance Information System)
DOLE e-Services
Safety Seal Certification
Establishment Reporting System (ERS)
Online Union Registration System (OURS)
Single Entry Approach (SEnA)
PhilJobNet Job Portal
Attached Agencies e-Services
Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC)
Case Docket Checker System
National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB)
Request for Certificate of No Pending Case
Case Docket Monitoring System
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
Application for Examinitaion
Initial Registration
Renewal of Identification Card
Certifications of Board Rating and Passing
Verification of Rating
Verification of Licenses
Certification of Passing and Board Rating
Continuing Professional Development Accreditation System (CPDAS)
Queue Management System for Key Frontline Services
National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP)
Online Verification of Certification
NMP E-Research Portal
Online Registration
Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC)
Training Programs
Technical Services
National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC)
E-Apply for Productivity Toolbox
Learning Session
NWPC e-learning Portal
National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC)
SENA – e-Request for Assistance
Video: DOLE AKAP ₱10,OOO CASH ASSISTANCE FOR OFW MAKUKUHA NA
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who need financial assistance, watch this video by RICROD-PH to check if you are eligible to apply and receive cash assistance from DOLE-AKAP Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DOLE?
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is one of the Philippine agencies that focuses on Filipino workers inside and outside the Philippines.
What kind of training can OFWs get from DOLE?
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gives Pre-Departure Programs and Orientation Seminars via the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). This program talks about health and safety, security, culture, and labor laws in destination countries.
What kind of help can DOLE offer to OFWs?
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offers a wide range of programs such as workers’ training, case management, custodial services, repatriation, and reintegration support, and other welfare and livelihood assistance via the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
Can I apply for multiple programs and services of DOLE?
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) doesn’t give a limit to the number of programs you can attend. DOLE wants everyone to take advantage of the programs and services that they offer.
What are the benefits that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offers?
If you are employed through a DOLE-accredited office or a DOLE program beneficiary, you can avail of these benefits:
Medical benefits for sickness or injury
Disability and rehabilitation benefits
Death and Funeral benefits
Pension
What are the requirements when applying for DOLE jobs?
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) requires applicants to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or its equivalent and can communicate in English, Filipino, and any other dialect. All Filipinos and foreigners who live in the Philippines can apply for DOLE jobs.
Summary
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aims to provide a safe and healthy workplace and to make all legal-aged Filipino workers become productive members of society. DOLE has various programs starting from Filipinos who are looking for a job or on-the-job training (OJT) to Filipinos who already have work. DOLE gives support to all organizations that advocate the safety and welfare of the workers. It provides financial support to Filipino workers and their families who got ill or injured while they are doing their job.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ensures that all Filipino workers, whether they are inside or outside the Philippines, have fair wages, a safe and healthy work environment and that they are free from exploitation from greedy employers. If you need advice or assistance, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is here for you.
Contact Information
DOLE Labor Office Philippines Address: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Landline: (02) 85273559 Call Center Hotline Number: 1349 Website: https://www.dole.gov.ph/
