Your kasambahay is an essential part of your household. It’s hard to imagine how you and your family can survive without them helping around your home!
Kasambahays are so important that their rights are protected by the Kasambahay Law, which came about to protect and take care of them. Under this law, “a domestic worker who has rendered at least one (1) month of service shall be covered by the Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG, and shall be entitled to all the benefits in accordance with the pertinent provisions provided by law.”
As the employer, it is your duty to register your helpers to avail of these government benefits, as well as shoulder premium payments or contributions. If your kasambahay, however, is receiving a salary of ₱5,000 and above per month, he or she shall pay the proportionate share in the payments, as provided by law.
Luckily, SM’s Government Service Express allows you to transact with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG easily—and while you’re enjoying the comforts of your fave mall. Moreover, the government now offers the Kasambahay Unified Registration System, which allows you to register with all three agencies via just one form. To make your life even easier, you can also help your employees secure their IDs and other documentary requirements, such as birth certificates, at SM, too! (More info here!)
Below, we break down the basics that you need to know:
PhilHealth
PhilHealth is your health insurance, covered by the government, and serves to help its members in times of sickness or disability. Employees, like your helpers, can rely on PhilHealth for selected health services, emergencies, consultations, and other medical services. A comprehensive list of its health coverage can be found here.
New members are required submit two (2) copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF). Your kasambahay will then be issued a PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN), which is required in all PhilHealth transactions.
The monthly payable is 4% of the kasambahay’s monthly wage (as of 2022), with a fixed starting premium of ₱400 per month for employees earning ₱10,000 and below. This is shared equally between the employee and employer, although you may also opt to shoulder for the full amount.
You can find PhilHealth offices and payment centers at SM Supermalls here. Here’s a list of services offered:
SSS
When you contribute to SSS, those payments serve as income in case of sickness or disability, maternity benefits, retirement fund, get a salary loan or money in case of the employee’s death. In case of involuntary separation, SSS contributions can also serve as income.
To qualify for these benefits, your kasambahay needs an SS number, which can be applied for online (check out the complete details here). The process must then be completed at an SSS branch, along with the submission of requirements. You can find SSS offices at SM Supermalls here.
Monthly contributions will depend on your kasambahay’s monthly wage. If the monthly wage is below ₱5,000, contributions may range from ₱130 to ₱610 a month, and should be fully shouldered by the employer. If the salary exceeds ₱5,000, the kasambahay provides a share in the payment.
Here’s a list of services offered at SSS offices at SM:
Pag-IBIG Fund
Everyone dreams of having a home of their own, and the Pag-IBIG Fund is the government’s response to help Filipinos save up for their chosen home. You may register onsite at the Pag-IBIG office or online via the Pag-IBIG website.
Monthly contributions range from 3% to 4% of the kasambahay’s monthly income, and if the monthly income is below ₱5,000, the employer pays for the contribution in full.
Find Pag-IBIG offices and payment centers at SM Supermalls here.
Here’s a list of services offered:
Here’s a sample computation of contributions for a kasambahay earning ₱6,000 per month:
Do it all at SM
Need to visit all three agencies in one go? You can head on over to either SM Aura Premier, SM City North EDSA, or SM City Pampanga. Meanwhile, most SM Supermalls accept payments for all three contributions. Access the complete list of SM’s Government Service Express here. Remember to go through the list of requirements, such as proof of identification and other government documents, before heading out. Alternatively, you may also visit the respective agencies’ official websites for online registration options.
When you’re done with your adulting errands, don’t forget to treat yourself to a nice lunch, enjoy some shopping, and simply have fun. You’ll find that there’s plenty to do and see this Super Month, too—happening until October 31!
To stay in the know with sales, activities, and all things SM, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Check out updated mall hours and mall entry guidelines here. Looking for a particular store or establishment? Find what you’re looking for through the SM Mall Directory.
