INFORMAL SECTOR PROBLEMS IN SSS MEMBERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Social Security System is a state-run social insurance program in the Philippines covering all income earners including the informal sector group which aims to provide social protection to its members. The informal sector refers to those whose income is irregular or seasonal. Examples are farmers, vendors, prison detainees and other nature of work with unstable income. There is a low percentage of membership in this category. This paper tried to identify its factors and formulated recommendations beneficial for the sustainability of coverage that may help the SSS achieve its goal of reaching out to the minority. Statistical tools such as Descriptive Statistics, Frequency and Percentage Distribution, Weighted Mean and Chi-Square Test were used to analyze data gathered. The research showed that most of the informal sector are from the transport and famer group which are single and aged between 26 and 45. The study revealed that almost all the respondents believe that the SSS benefits are beneficial for them. They also believe that the amount of these benefits is based on their contributions. The problem factors that greatly contribute to the decision-making in applying membership and sustainability to SSS are time and monthly earnings. However, process and transaction as well as knowledge were not a factor of influence. It is concluded that there is a significant relationship between the profile variables and problem factors of time, income, and knowledge. While most of the variables that were correlated to the problem, factor process and transaction showed no significant relationship.