SSS resolves pensioner’s plaint

This is in reply to the letter sent by Lauro G. Novenario regarding the delay in the posting of his contribution (“‘Samahang Sosyal ng mga Sadista’ or SSS,” Opinion, 3/7/15).

Per verification of the facts of his case, he paid nine months worth of premium contributions in June 2013 at P104 per month to cover the months of May 2013 to January 2014. For contributions paid in advance, the SSS’ policy on posting is for these contributions to be posted each on the month they become due. As such, Novenario’s contributions from May to December 2013 were posted accordingly, except for the January 2014 contribution.

A closer look into the case revealed that there was an underpayment of P6 for his January 2014 contribution due to the increase in the contribution rate starting that month. We advised Novenario about the underpayment but he did not respond.

We are happy to report that Novenario’s January 2014 contribution has been posted and he now has a total of 120 monthly contributions which will entitle him to receive a lifetime retirement pension. He is entitled to receive pension from July 2014, so that by the time that his retirement claim is processed, he will receive an accrued pension.

As of today, we have already opened lines of communication with Novenario and have advised him to go to the nearest SSS office to file his retirement claim.

—MARISSU G. BUGANTE, vice president, public affairs and special events division, Social Security System

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I can see my SSS problem is now “solved” just like that one in late 2014 with the Insurance Commission/Prudential Life Plan because of the publication of the issues in the Inquirer.

I truly appreciate the big help from the Inquirer.

(According to Novenario, the SSS Las Piñas branch manager scheduled a meeting with him on March 12 at 1 p.m., regarding his letter published in the Inquirer last March 7.—Ed.)

—LAURO G. NOVENARIO, [email protected]