THE Social Security System (SSS) has opened payment facilities in 26 SM malls nationwide to allow its self-employed and voluntary members to pay contributions and loans at SM Business Centers, a top official said.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Corazon dela Paz-Bernardo said payments through the SM malls would be reported electronically to the pension fund, resulting in quick posting of contributions and loan amortizations.

“Our new mall-based facilities make payments fast, easy and convenient for the SSS’ self-employed and voluntary members, who can now take advantage of long mall hours and the wide network of SM branches,” she said.

The pension fund has launched pilot payment facilities in SM North EDSA, SM Southmall, SM Fairview and SM Megamall on May 15. Twenty-two other SM malls started accepting SSS payments in June.

Participating SM branches include the Mall of Asia, Sucat, Bicutan, Taytay, Dasmariñas, Clark, Batangas, Baguio, Sta. Rosa, Marilao, Pampanga, San Lazaro, Bacoor, Lucena, Lipa, Cebu, Bacolod, Ilo-ilo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Sta. Mesa and Manila.

Dela Paz-Bernardo also announced the revised deadline for contribution payments of self-employed and voluntarily members. Under the new policy, contributions for July onwards could now be paid until the 20th day after the applicable month or quarter.

“The SSS moves deadlines to the next working day if they fall on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday,” she said.

Under the law, self-employed person earning at least P1,000 monthly such as professional, farmers, fishermen and workers in the informal sector are under mandatory SSS coverage.

Those who ceased to be employed, land-based overseas Filipino workers and non-working spouses of SSS members could also avail of voluntarily membership.