SSS and PAG-IBIG for foreign workers in the Philippines
The Philippine Social Security System and PAG-IBIG fund for foreigners working locally — who must contribute, what you get back, and how to claim your contributions when you leave.
Community-written and moderated by volunteers. Based on real experiences and official sources — offices may interpret rules differently.
Processes may vary by office, city or province. Always confirm with your local agency before traveling.
Summary
The Philippine Social Security System and PAG-IBIG fund for foreigners working locally — who must contribute, what you get back, and how to claim your contributions when you leave.
Key facts
What you'll need
Steps
Costs
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Timing
Local variations
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This section reflects real experiences. Always confirm with your local office before traveling.
Common issues
Two mandatory funds
Foreign nationals working in the Philippines under a local employment contract are generally required to contribute to the Social Security System (SSS) and, in most cases, to PAG-IBIG (the Home Development Mutual Fund). Contributions are shared between employer and employee, deducted from your salary.
Who is covered
SSS covers employees of Philippine-based employers, including foreigners with a 9G work visa and AEP (Alien Employment Permit). The obligation follows local employment — remote work for a foreign company is usually outside SSS. Confirm your exact situation with your employer and SSS.
What SSS gives you
- Retirement pension after qualifying contributions
- Sickness, maternity and disability benefits
- Death and funeral benefits for dependants
- A final benefit when you cease contributions
What PAG-IBIG gives you
- A housing loan program (after qualifying months of contributions)
- A savings component you can withdraw
- Multipurpose and calamity loans
When you leave the Philippines
If you end local employment and leave the country, you can apply for a final benefit or refund of your personal contributions — not the employer's share. The process involves completing the SSS claim application, submitting your passport, proof of exit and bank details, and PAG-IBIG has a similar withdrawal route. Requirements change — confirm with SSS and PAG-IBIG before relying on amounts.
Practical notes
- Your employer handles registration and monthly remittance — verify your contributions appear in your SSS online account.
- Keep your SSS and PAG-IBIG numbers — you will need them for claims.
- Pension eligibility rules and benefit formulas change; check the current tables.
- If you also pay social security in your home country, ask whether a totalisation agreement applies (the Philippines has agreements with some countries).
¿Algo incorrecto o desactualizado? Reporta un error · Revisado por última vez: 11 agosto 2026. ¿Algo incorrecto o desactualizado? Report an error · Last reviewed: 11 August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this process.
Generally yes, if you are employed by a Philippine-based employer. Remote work for a foreign company is usually outside SSS coverage — confirm your situation with your employer.
You can apply for a final benefit or refund of your personal contributions when you end local employment and leave. The employer's share is not refundable to you.
Foreign employees covered by local employment are generally required to contribute to PAG-IBIG and can access its loans and savings after qualifying.
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- v1Published25d ago
Gap guide from official sources.
ATby Archipelago TeamEN: Original onlyES: Reviewed translation