SSS contribution for OFW in 2026
Quick answer
Land-based OFWs are compulsory SSS members and pay the full contribution themselves, because there is no Philippine employer to share it. In 2026 the rate is 15% of your monthly salary credit (MSC). The lowest MSC for OFWs is PHP 8,000, so the minimum is about PHP 1,200 a month. You pay from abroad using a Payment Reference Number (PRN) from My.SSS.
Use our SSS contribution calculator to see the amount for your salary.
Requirements
- Your SSS number. If you do not have one, register first (see Steps).
- A My.SSS account to generate a PRN and check your records. See how to register on My.SSS.
- Your email address and mobile number that you can access abroad.
- Your monthly income abroad, converted to pesos, to choose your MSC.
- For new members: a valid ID or birth certificate.
Steps
1. Get an SSS number
Register online on My.SSS. If you already had an SSS number from a job in the Philippines, keep using it. Never make a second number.
2. Change your membership type to OFW
If you were an employee before, update your status to OFW. You can do this online or at an SSS office or foreign representative office.
3. Choose your monthly salary credit
Pick an MSC close to your real monthly income. It cannot be lower than PHP 8,000. A higher MSC means higher benefits later, like pension and sickness benefit.
4. Generate a PRN
Log in to My.SSS and create a PRN for the months you want to pay. See how to generate a PRN.
5. Pay
Use a payment channel listed on the SSS website. Some channels work from abroad. Keep the receipt.
6. Check that it is posted
After a few days, log in and view your contributions. See how to check contributions.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| PHP 8,000 (OFW minimum) | PHP 1,200 |
| PHP 10,000 | PHP 1,500 |
| PHP 15,000 | PHP 2,250 |
| PHP 20,000 | PHP 3,000 |
| PHP 35,000 (maximum) | PHP 5,250 |
Processing time
- Online registration: SSS number right away or within a few days.
- Posting of payments: usually a few working days after you pay.
Where to go
- Online: My.SSS and sss.gov.ph.
- Abroad: SSS foreign representative offices in some countries. Your embassy or country page can point you to them.
- In the Philippines: any SSS branch.
Frequently asked questions
Is SSS mandatory for OFWs?
Yes. Land-based OFWs are compulsory members under the Social Security Act of 2018 (RA 11199). Sea-based workers are usually covered as employees of their manning agency.
What is the minimum SSS contribution for OFWs in 2026?
It is about PHP 1,200 a month, based on the lowest OFW MSC of PHP 8,000 at 15%.
Can I pay SSS for past months?
There are deadlines. OFWs can usually pay months within the same year up to a set date. Missed months outside the deadline cannot be paid late.
How do I pay SSS from abroad?
Generate a PRN on My.SSS, then pay through a channel listed on the SSS website that works in your country. Keep the receipt.
Can I change my MSC later?
Yes, you can choose a different MSC when you generate a new PRN.
What happens if I stop paying?
You keep your SSS number and past credits. But you may not qualify for some benefits, like loans or sickness benefit, until you meet the required months again.
Do I need a separate SSS number as an OFW?
No. One person has only one SSS number for life. Just update your membership type to OFW.
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