I've been working as a home based writer and VA for almost 4 months now and I've been planning to continue my SSS contributions. I finally have to change my membership status from a covered
employee to a voluntary member so I didn't had a choice any more but to make
time for it.
I
boarded the jeepney bound for Colon-Jones area and was disoriented on the
location of the new building. Well, it was new for me because it was my first
time to go there since SSS Cebu transferred to the Osmena Blvd. address from
Gorordo. When I got down, I asked the nearest lady where is the SSS building
and directly pointed right in front of me. Oh, silly me- it's the biggest
building on that side of the street and I didn't notice.
Along
I went with the throngs of people coming in. There are already long ques in
almost all windows typical of any government Phil. office. I asked the guy from
information if a mere inquiry about change of status would need a priority
number. He replied no and said that I should just go directly to their Customer
Service or Information Desk. I was a bit glad because I thought it would spare
me from long lines. The CS desk however, is also full of people waiting for
their turn. This means, I just have fall in line without any need for a priority
number. The procedure was quick though and after about 10-20 minutes, I'm
already facing the info officer.
I
asked him what are the requirements to change my membership status from a
covered employee to a voluntary member. He explained that it's fairly easy
because I only need to tick the right category in the RS-5 payment form on my
next contribution and I don't need to file any document any more. This means,
SSS will automatically change my membership status once they see that the VM
box was ticked on my RS-5 form. Well, this is quite a relief so I just asked
for one form from the officer and I went to my next agenda of the day...
(continued on the next post about SSS e-membership)