TNVS riders, drivers may claim benefits from SSS-linked program
MANILA, Philippines — Delivery riders, ride-hailing drivers and other platform workers may claim income and medical benefits for work-related sickness, injury, disability or death if they meet the requirements of the Employees' Compensation Program, the Department of Labor and Employment said Monday, August 3.
DOLE reiterated that the government program covers registered Social Security System members, including self-employed workers covered by the SSS since September 2020.
"The ECC (Employees' Compensation Commission) strongly encourages all self-employed platform workers, including gig workers, app-based contractors, delivery riders, and TNVS drivers registered under the SSS, to review their eligibility and actively claim the financial and medical benefits available to them through the EC Program," DOLE said.
The program provides benefits to workers or their dependents in cases of work-related sickness, injury, disability or death.
Benefits available
According to information posted on the SSS website, the program provides six types of benefits:
Income benefits. Cash compensation is available to workers who lose income because of temporary total disability, permanent total disability or permanent partial disability arising from work.
The daily sickness allowance for temporary total disability ranges from P110 to P480, while an additional P1,150 benefit is provided for permanent disabilities.
Medical services, appliances and supplies. The program reimburses expenses for medicines, medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery and necessary appliances or supplies. Medical services during confinement are limited to ward services.
Rehabilitation services. Workers may receive remedial treatment, vocational assessment and preparation intended to help them return to suitable employment.
Carer's allowance. Workers whose job-related permanent disabilities limit their ability to attend to basic daily needs may receive a P1,000 monthly allowance.
Funeral benefit. A P30,000 benefit may be paid to the surviving spouse, children or any person who can prove that they paid the funeral expenses of a worker who died from a work-related cause.
Death benefit. Qualified beneficiaries may receive a pension when a worker dies because of a compensable sickness or injury.
Who may qualify
DOLE said a worker must be registered with the SSS and must have paid at least one monthly contribution before the sickness, accident or disability occurred.
Monthly contributions are P10 for employees or self-employed workers earning from P4,250 to P14,749.99 and P30 for those earning at least P14,750, according to the agency.
The sickness, injury or death must also be work-connected, and the SSS must be notified of the incident.
"An EC claim can be filed with the SSS by either the self-employed individual or a family member, and it must be submitted within three years," DOLE said.
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