SSS pensioners embrace modern technology

American feminist and writer Betty Friedan once said: “Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”

Her quote is very timely as the focus of today’s column is the 2.8 million SSS pensioners. Gone are the days when we had to travel and physically visit an office just to talk to a customer or sales representative.

These days, almost all transactions can be conducted online. A simple click here and another there allow us to transact right in the comfort of our homes. But this poses a problem for our elderly, especially our pensioners who are not technologically inclined.

I truly believe that senior citizens should not be stuck to the old ways. As we age, we should embrace the new norm and eventually retool ourselves to keep up with technology. I know some colleagues and acquaintances who just recently created their social-media accounts so they can be updated with the current news and touch base with friends, even those who are based overseas. A close friend of mine even told me that having a social-media account is quite entertaining, especially now that senior citizens are not allowed to go out.

SSS is one of the government agencies that first welcomed the idea of digitalization back in the 1980s when computers were initially introduced in the workplace environment. Our official SSS web site, www. sss.gov.ph, was launched in 1998 and was initially used for viewing general information and accessing personal data. In 2011, updates were implemented so members can also conduct transactions online. Several upgrades have been made since then to make SSS processes faster, simpler, and more convenient to our members and pensioners.

While there are about 10.8 million registered online users of the MY.SSS portal—mostly paying members, who are saving up for future contingencies—we want our pensioners to be a major part of our digital network. At present, there are only 20 percent senior citizens who are registered online.

We would also want them to create their own social-media accounts, as we are maximizing the usage of our official pages in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Viber and even Youtube where they can find the latest information about SSS.

For our pensioners to receive important updates and advisories about SSS programs and services, especially if it concerns their monthly pension, it is advisable to update their mobile numbers as well as their e-mail address. All these may be done through the MY.SSS account on the SSS web site. Just log in and click “Update Contact Info” under the Member Info tab and choose the information you wish to update and supply the correct details, then click the “Next” button. Make sure that all information provided are correct and valid before you click the “Submit” button. The screen will show your Transaction Number, date and time of the transaction, and the PDF copy of the “Online Data Change Request.” You will receive an e-mail notification in your registered e-mail address.

Their online accounts may also be accessed using the SSS Mobile App. Just log in using the User ID and password of your MY.SSS account. Tap the “My Information,” “Update Information” and “Contact Details.”

For pensioners who have yet to set up their own MY.SSS account, simply visit our web site (www.sss. gov.ph), click “I am not a robot,” and click on the images required on the screen. Select Member Login tab on the homepage and click the “Not yet registered in MY.SSS?” Carefully read the web registration reminders and check the certification, if understood. Then click “Proceed.” Supply the information needed on the “Online Member ID Registration,” and accept the Terms of Services. Click “Submit.” You will receive an e-mail containing the activation link. Just click the activation link and supply the last 6 digits of your CRN or SS Number to assign your password and access the MY.SSS account. Better write these details in a notebook for easy recall.

For survivor pensioners, contact information may be updated by submitting a Pensioner’s Data Change Request Form to the corporate e-mail address of the nearest SSS branch. The form can be downloaded from the official web site.

I understand that for some pensioners, accessing information online can be quite challenging. They can, however, ask assistance from their grandson or granddaughter or trusted relative to help them navigate online. We have made our web site and mobile app interface userfriendly, so familiarizing yourself won’t take that long. Do remember that accessing your account and updating information online not only saves you the effort of having to go to the nearest branch and queuing time. It also empowers you to monitor your records and make changes at the comfort of your own homes.

Pretty soon, you can create a Facebook account on your own. This only means you’re now connected to the exciting and stimulating digital universe.

Welcome aboard and keep safe everyone!