The Philippine government has long recognized the importance of protecting its workforce. Through the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP), administered by the Social Security System (SSS), both private and public sector workers are provided with financial assistance in times of sickness, disability, maternity, retirement, or even death.
For 2025, the SSS EC Compensation Benefit remains a reliable safety net, ensuring that employees and their families have financial support during life’s most difficult situations.
If you are a worker, a self-employed member, or even an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), it’s essential to know how the program works, the benefits you can claim, and the process of filing claims. Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Overview
The Employee Compensation Program (ECP) is a government-initiated scheme that provides cash and service benefits to workers who suffer from work-related illnesses or accidents. Coverage applies not only to formal employees but also to self-employed individuals, sea-based OFWs, and house helpers (kasambahays).
For employees, coverage begins on the very first day of employment. Meanwhile, for self-employed members, protection starts once they make their first contribution payment to SSS. This ensures that from day one, workers and their families can rely on some form of assistance if unexpected situations arise.
Benefits
The ECP offers several types of benefits, each designed to meet specific needs of members. These include:
- Sickness Benefit – Daily cash allowance provided when a worker becomes ill due to work.
- Maternity Benefit – Assistance given to women members during pregnancy.
- Disability Benefit – Compensation for members who become partially, totally, or temporarily disabled.
- Retirement Benefit – Financial aid for workers once they leave the workforce.
- Death Benefit – Given to dependents when a member dies due to work-related causes.
- Funeral Benefit – A fixed ₱30,000 allowance to cover burial expenses.
- Carer’s Allowance – Support for members with permanent disability who need full-time care.
Quick Look at Benefits
| Benefit Type | Coverage/Amount | Who Receives It |
|---|---|---|
| Sickness Benefit | Daily cash allowance during illness | Employees/Self-employed |
| Disability Benefit | Temporary, partial, or total disability | Affected member |
| Carer’s Allowance | Extra support for disability care | Carers of disabled members |
| Death Benefit | Monthly pension or lump sum | Dependents |
| Funeral Benefit | ₱30,000 | Surviving family |
| Retirement Benefit | Pension support for retirees | Retiring members |
These benefits ensure that the ECP does not only protect employees but also their families, creating a strong social safety net.
Contribution
One important detail about the ECP is that contributions are shouldered entirely by the employer. This means employees don’t have to pay additional premiums to enjoy coverage. The amount contributed depends on the worker’s salary credit.
| Compensation Rate | Salary Credit Range | Employer Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Under ₱14,750 | ₱4,000 – ₱14,500 | ₱10 |
| Above ₱14,750 | ₱15,000 and above | ₱30 |
For self-employed members, they shoulder their own contributions as part of their regular SSS payments. This system ensures inclusivity and fairness, especially for workers without a traditional employer.
Beneficiaries
The benefits under the ECP extend to family members as well. Beneficiaries are divided into two categories:
- Primary Beneficiaries: Legal spouse (living with the member) and legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted children.
- Secondary Beneficiaries: Dependent parents, but only if there are no primary beneficiaries.
This setup guarantees that financial support reaches those most dependent on the worker’s income.
Disability
If a worker suffers from a disability due to work-related causes, they can apply for EC Disability Benefits. Requirements differ depending on employment type.
For employed members:
- Employer’s and police report (in case of accidents)
- Employer’s logbook record
- Relevant medical documents
For self-employed members:
- Certificate of separation from work (if applicable)
- Required medical documents
Additional general requirements include:
- Disability application certificate
- SSS medical certificate
- Physical examination report
- Member’s photo and signature card
- Valid SSS ID and bank account documents
By preparing these documents, members can speed up their claims process.
Claims
To claim EC benefits, members or their beneficiaries must visit the nearest SSS branch. Filing should be done promptly after the incident to prevent unnecessary delays. Submitting complete documentation is key to smooth processing.
The program remains a vital part of the Philippines’ social protection system. The SSS EC Compensation Benefit 2025 helps ensure that Filipino workers, regardless of their sector or employment type, have access to financial security during life’s uncertainties.
By knowing the details of the program, you can maximize its benefits and provide peace of mind to your loved ones.
FAQs
Who can avail EC benefits?
All public, private, and self-employed SSS members.
How much is the funeral benefit?
The funeral benefit under ECP is ₱30,000.
When does ECP coverage start?
Coverage starts on first day of employment or first payment.
Who are primary beneficiaries?
Legal spouse and legitimate or adopted children.
Where to file EC claims?
Claims are filed at the nearest SSS branch.
