This post discusses how to Change Civil Status in SSS and Update Beneficiary in SSS, particularly tailored for Filipinos residing abroad, specifically in Los Angeles. I couldn't find any blogs addressing this topic, so I hope this information benefits those seeking updates on SSS in California. Let’s go!
"This site contains Affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases of a product/service at no added cost to you." ^_^
Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
How to Update Your SSS Member Data
To update your status, you need to visit in person for an over-the-counter transaction. Unfortunately, online updates are not available yet. Most updates are still done in person, following a traditional Filipino approach or, to put it positively, the old-fashioned way.
Contact via Email
I usually avoid calling because of the long waiting times. Instead, I reached out via email to the SSS department of the Philippine Embassy regarding updating my marital status and beneficiary details. It might take approximately 2-5 days to receive a response. Just the day before my appointment, I received an email containing the "Member Data Change Request Form" as an attachment. Remember to check your email regularly to stay updated.
On the bright side, getting an email response is better than being ignored, especially when your questions are answered. Kudos to the SSS representative!
How to Change Civil Status in SSS
Requirements for SSS Change Status from Single to Married
- 2 copies SSS Form “Member Data Change Request”
- 2 Valid ID (US Driver's License and Old SSS ID)
- PSA Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate
Requirements for Updating Beneficiary with a New Family Member
- Baby's Birth Certificate
- Good news! Updating your SSS member information is free of charge.
Photocopy All Original Documents
Remember to photocopy all original documents ensuring nothing is cut off from the bottom. PSA Certificates are longer than standard paper for reasons known only to the Philippines. Typically, personal home printers may not be able to copy the entire document unless a resizer is available. Our solution was to scan the entire page and print it using the "fit to page" option, which prevented cutting off the bottom. It would be more convenient if our certificates were of a standard paper size.
Cash is King
No need to worry if you don't have a printer. Right across from the Philippines Embassy office, there is another office that offers notary services, photocopies, and more. Just remember to bring cash because all transactions are done in cash at the embassy. It's a bit inconvenient as people nowadays tend to carry less cash. Using a credit card for cashback might be more convenient. As I mentioned, it feels like a piece of the Philippines in a foreign land.
Book your SSS Appointment Online
I tried to book an appointment for around February 20, but there were no available slots for the rest of the remaining days of February and the entire month of March. On February 24, I received an email stating that all slots were fully booked until March 8. The soonest available appointment is on March 11, with booking availability starting on February 25 early in the morning, Los Angeles time. Book your slot: SSS Los Angeles Appointment System
The Waiting Game
The embassy does not release appointment slots for the whole month or even the following month; it's a waiting game, and the reason is unclear. However, these are their rules, and there is little we can do about it. The same situation applies to Dual Citizenship Appointments. It's no surprise that many people I know choose not to process any documents with the embassy. It feels like we are going through a similar process as in the Philippines, just in a different country with little change.
Other SSS Services
The SSS appointment system is designed for members applying for Benefits Claim Applications like Disability, Retirement, Death, Funeral, Member Data Change, ACOP Application, and reactivating membership. Check out: SSS Downloadable Forms
For Payment Reference Number
How to get there: SSS - Philippines Embassy in Los Angeles, California
Address: 3435 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 550
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Contact Number: +1 213 432 7402
Email: losangeles@sss.gov.ph
For Parking
Address: 3435 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 550
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Contact Number: +1 213 432 7402
Email: losangeles@sss.gov.ph
For Parking
Equitable Plaza Public Parking
630 S Mariposa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
18 USD for the entire day or 7 USD with a Validation Ticket
Before you depart the embassy office, remember to request a validation ticket from the security officer to save some money on your parking fee. This tip is not widely known and was not communicated to us in the office. We are unsure how many people have left and paid the full parking fee. With the validation ticket, you can enjoy an 11 USD discount on the 18 USD parking fee, leaving you with only a 7 USD payment.
Once you leave the embassy office, make sure to pay for your parking in the building lobby since there are no kiosks or parking machines at the exit.
SSS Payment Method
Pay your SSS contributions through Billeroo, as recommended by the SSS representative at the embassy. Remember to take screenshots of your transactions and check your email for a receipt. Afterwards, verify in your SSS online account if the paid contribution reflects correctly.
SSS Pension Eligibility
630 S Mariposa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
18 USD for the entire day or 7 USD with a Validation Ticket
On the Day of the Appointment
Arrive early to check in and receive a priority number from the front desk. Once your number appears on the TV screen, head to Window 6 marked with the “SSS” label on the transparent window. My appointment is scheduled for 10:30 am and finished at 10:48 am, lasting 15 minutes.
You also get a confirmation from SSS about the changes made to your account. However, I only received a confirmation that my marital status was updated on the day after my appointment. I hope and pray that they also update the beneficiary information.
After updating, if you do not have an online account with SSS, try registering online to access your account. Register an SSS Account Online
After the Appointment
- Check-in Early
Arrive early to check in and receive a priority number from the front desk. Once your number appears on the TV screen, head to Window 6 marked with the “SSS” label on the transparent window. My appointment is scheduled for 10:30 am and finished at 10:48 am, lasting 15 minutes.
- Email Confirmation for Data Change
You also get a confirmation from SSS about the changes made to your account. However, I only received a confirmation that my marital status was updated on the day after my appointment. I hope and pray that they also update the beneficiary information.
- Register Online for an SSS Account
After updating, if you do not have an online account with SSS, try registering online to access your account. Register an SSS Account Online
- For the registration preferences, mine was the “mobile number registered with SSS account”.
After the Appointment
- Get a Validation Ticket
Before you depart the embassy office, remember to request a validation ticket from the security officer to save some money on your parking fee. This tip is not widely known and was not communicated to us in the office. We are unsure how many people have left and paid the full parking fee. With the validation ticket, you can enjoy an 11 USD discount on the 18 USD parking fee, leaving you with only a 7 USD payment.
Once you leave the embassy office, make sure to pay for your parking in the building lobby since there are no kiosks or parking machines at the exit.
SSS Payment Method
Pay your SSS contributions through Billeroo, as recommended by the SSS representative at the embassy. Remember to take screenshots of your transactions and check your email for a receipt. Afterwards, verify in your SSS online account if the paid contribution reflects correctly.
SSS Pension Eligibility
To qualify for a pension, you must have made 120 monthly contributions and can begin receiving pension benefits at the age of 60. Members with a minimum of 120 monthly contributions will receive a lifelong monthly pension, while those with fewer than 120 monthly contributions will receive a one-time lump sum payment.
This is based on my personal experience, I am not an agent or representative. Kindly conduct your own research and visit the SSS website.
Do you want more adventure?
For our recent trip, we're thrilled to finally visit one of California's most breathtaking mountains – Mammoth Lake!
Where am I going next?
For my next adventure, we're heading to the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan! I have always dreamt of seeing Mt. Fuji, and now, the day has finally arrived.
Related articles you may find interesting:
No comments
Post a Comment