SSS and DICT sign agreement to widen social security coverage for freelancers and VAs
Industry News · Cross-Industry · November 3, 2026
An agreement, not a new law. Freelancers and VAs are encouraged to register as self-employed SSS members.
Week of October 28 to November 3, 2026 · Orbytt Editorial
The Social Security System (SSS) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed an agreement on freelancer and VA coverage. The SSS puts the group at about 1.5 million people.
The SSS announced the agreement on October 30, 2026. The two agencies signed it on October 21.
The agreement covers skills building, competency development, and wider SSS coverage. The agencies also say they will explore work on freelancer education, partnerships, job matching, and tracking of results. The release gives no details on those items yet.
The SSS encourages freelancers and VAs to register as self-employed members. These members can get sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral, and death benefits. They can also apply for salary loans, the Emergency Loan Program, and the SSS Micro Loan Program. Employees’ Compensation coverage adds protection for work-related sickness, disability, or death.
The SSS lists a 15 percent contribution rate. Monthly salary credits run from ₱5,000 to ₱35,000. The lowest monthly contribution is ₱760. The highest is ₱5,280, and that amount includes a Mandatory Provident Fund part.
This is a news summary, not legal or tax advice. Ask the SSS about your own case. The SSS hotline is 1455.
The takeawayThis is a signed agreement with plans still to come. Registration as a self-employed SSS member is the step you can look at today.
Why it matters
- For talent: read the SSS rules for self-employed members. Compare the contribution range with your own income.
- For agencies: share the SSS information with your VAs. Ask the SSS what applies to your setup.
Sources
- Social Security System, October 30, 2026. SSS, DICT sign partnership to expand social security coverage for freelancers. sss.gov.ph
