Beginning in January 2025, the Social Security System (SSS) increased its contribution rate from 14% to 15%. This change means higher sss contributions for many Filipino workers. The increase follows the schedule set under Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018. The SSS also increased the minimum and maximum Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) for 2025.
The SSS described the 2025 increase as the final tranche of contribution and MSC increases required under the law. According to the SSS, the changes aim to support the long-term financial viability of the pension fund.
Other Prominent Figures Call for a Suspension
Some lawmakers, former SSS officials, and civil society groups called for a suspension of the rate increase. Former SSS President Rolando Macasaet asked Malacañang to postpone the premium increase on January 4. He argued that delaying the increase would not have a major effect on the SSS fund life.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also supported calls for an immediate suspension on January 6. He questioned whether higher premium contributions would directly result in higher member benefits.
Pimentel also called for greater transparency regarding SSS executive bonuses and the performance of the board and pension fund.
Former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares also criticised the increase. He described the higher charges as an additional burden for Filipino workers who already face rising prices for basic goods.
Colmenares also questioned the current SSS collection rate. He argued that increasing contributions could place additional pressure on workers.
Labor union group SENTRO called the increase to 15% “unjust” and “ill-timed.” The group argued that workers already face financial pressure because of stagnant wages and higher living costs.
These statements represent the positions of the individuals and groups that opposed or questioned the increase. The SSS, however, said the scheduled increase forms part of the reforms under RA 11199 and supports the long-term viability of the system.
What Can the President Do?
Under Republic Act No. 11548, the president may defer scheduled increases in SSS contributions under certain circumstances during a state of calamity. Any such action would depend on the legal conditions and the government’s decision at the time.
The 2025 increase, however, took effect as scheduled. The SSS confirmed that the contribution rate reached 15% beginning January 2025.
How Much Will SSS Contributions Cost?
The 15% contribution rate applies to the member’s Monthly Salary Credit. For employed members, the employer pays 10% while the employee pays 5%. The maximum MSC increased to ₱35,000 in 2025.
For example, an employee with an MSC of ₱20,000 would have a regular SSS contribution of ₱3,000 at the 15% rate. The employer would pay ₱2,000, while the employee would pay ₱1,000.
The actual contribution depends on the applicable salary bracket and membership type. Self-employed, voluntary, non-working spouse, and land-based OFW members follow their respective SSS contribution schedules.
You can check the latest contribution table on the official SSS Contribution Table.
What Do the New SSS Contributions Mean for Members?
The SSS says the 2025 increase is intended to strengthen the pension system and support its long-term financial sustainability. The agency projected that the final contribution and MSC increases would extend the SSS fund life to 2053.
For members, the change means that monthly payments may increase depending on their salary credit and membership category. At the same time, the higher contribution rate forms part of the funding structure for SSS programs and benefits.
Therefore, Filipino workers should check their updated sss contributions and understand how the 2025 schedule affects their monthly payments.
The official SSS schedule provides separate tables for employees, household employees, self-employed members, voluntary members, and land-based OFWs.
