MANILA — The Social Security System has called on household employers to register their domestic helpers, or kasambahay, to ensure they are covered under the government’s social security protection program.

SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro issued the reminder following the launch of the Kasambahay Caravan on March 22, which covered 43 sites across Metro Manila and Rizal.

“Household helpers keep our homes running smoothly but often lack emergency protection. This initiative ensures every kasambahay can access SSS benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, funeral, and death,” de Claro said.

Registered helpers can also access SSS loan programs, including salary and calamity loans, and receive additional protection from the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program for work-related sickness, disability, or death.

SSS NCR Operations Group Acting Senior VP Benjamin Dolindo Jr. emphasized that the caravan aims to broaden social security coverage for domestic workers.

“Social security coverage for the sector that is truly important in our homes is a shared responsibility. May we continue fulfilling our responsibility to ensure that every house helper is registered and protected,” he said.

The Kasambahay Caravan is part of a broader campaign to bring SSS registration and membership services closer to household workers and employers who are not yet formally enrolled.

Under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, employers must register household helpers within 30 days of hiring and remit contributions. For helpers earning ₱5,000 or more per month, employers deduct the employee’s share, add their own contribution, and pay through accredited channels. For those earning ₱5,000 or less, employers shoulder the full contribution.

Social Security Commissioner Eva Arcos stressed that social security should be viewed as a long-term investment in workers’ welfare.

“We should look at social security as an investment rather than an expense. For every employer who registers their kasambahay, they are not only paying a contribution but also securing a safety net for a worker who helps run their household,” she said.