The Social Security System (SSS) announced the relaunch of its MySSS Pension Booster program, aiming to help Filipinos save more for their retirement. The program offers a projected 7.2 percent annual return rate.
Previously known as the Worker's Investment and Savings Program (WISP) and WISP Plus, the MySSS Pension Booster was rebranded to better reflect its goal of increasing retirement funds.
SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet expressed gratitude to Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto for his role in conceptualizing the program and pushing for its inclusion in the Social Security Act of 2018. Recto also serves as the Chairperson of the Social Security Commission, the governing body of SSS.
Macasaet emphasized the importance of early retirement planning during the relaunch, which targeted professionals, overseas workers, and young individuals. He highlighted the program's benefit for those who "want to invest more and can invest more."
Key features of MySSS Pension Booster:
- Two schemes: Mandatory and Voluntary.
- Mandatory scheme: Automatically enrolls all SSS members contributing to the Regular SSS Program, allowing them to save beyond the threshold.
- Voluntary scheme: Allows members to set their own contribution amount (minimum P500) through their My.SSS account.
- Flexible contributions: Members can adjust their contributions within set limits.
- Tax-free: Contributions and earnings are tax-free.
- Withdrawal options: Partial or full withdrawal is allowed, but SSS encourages staying in the program for at least five years to maximize returns.
- Retirement benefits: Members can choose to receive their total contributions plus interest upon retirement, total disability, or death, alongside their Regular SSS Program benefits.
Macasaet urged SSS members to take control of their retirement planning by utilizing the MySSS Pension Booster program. He said, "Now is the best time to start building your retirement fund with the help of SSS."