Frequently asked questions
Important links
What are details of the program? Who are eligible?
What are the steps that I have to take to apply for the program?
1. To check if your business is pre-qualified, visit: https://www.bir.gov.ph/images/sbws/index.php
For instructions, please see: https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy#h.irdrrikgfhzo
2. To apply for the SBWS program, employers may use one of three methods:
METHOD 1: My.SSS account (via www.sss.gov.ph)
For instructions, visit: https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy#h.o57jq8safmiv
METHOD 2: E-form submission through secure site (via secure link sent through email). This is only for pre-qualified employers with emails on file with SSS. The instructions have been sent to them.
METHOD 3: File upload through secure site (Microsoft Excel file upload to sbws.sss.gov.ph)
For instructions, visit: bit.ly/SBWSMethod3pdf
What are the different payout options for employees?
How may I apply for Taxpayer Identification Numbers for my employees?
To apply for a TIN on behalf of your employee, click here: https://ereg.bir.gov.ph/init.do?app=ereg
For the instructions, please visit: https://bit.ly/2yJmsbS
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
SBWS applications, payouts and returns FAQs as of June 10, 2020
APPLICATIONS
My employer applied through Method 3, and we haven't received confirmation on the status of our application. Where can we check or who should we contact?
Please email SBWSQueries@sss.gov.ph with your concern and include your application reference number. Please note that all applications submitted through Method 3 still undergo validation, subject to the program criteria: https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy/?authuser=0#h.1jrpxzynzjwr.
What if employers encoded the wrong TIN for their employees?
Employers who inputted 000-000-000 as their employees’ TIN may correct their employees’ TIN through the my.SSS’s Post Payout Correction Module until June 26, 2020 5:00 PM. If the employer is unable to edit the TIN information in the Post Payout Correction Module, they may be asked to do so during the post-audit of the Program.
Will the SBWS Program applications be extended/reopened?
The SBWS Program under DOF-SSS-BIR Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001-2020 will no longer be extended or reopened. The DOF-SSS-BIR SBWS Program was conceptualized to provide immediate relief for two months to small business employers and their employees when the enhanced community quarantine or other forms thereof, were imposed beginning March 17, 2020. The immediate liquidation of the unspent funds will help the government redirect these to other important COVID-19 response programs. Note that the government continues to find ways to address the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
PAYOUTs
In the case of employees who need to correct their number/account details, but their employers haven't received an email from SSS to correct this information, whom should their employer contact?
If the mode of payout is through banks or Paymaya, kindly wait for SSS to send an email or text notification to your employer/employees advising them to edit the account details. The employers have until June 16, 2020 5:00PM to correct their employees’ information.
If the mode of payout is through M.Lhuillier, please inform your employer to log-on the SBWS portal and correct the mobile number inputted. If they are unable to do so, please email SBWSQueries@sss.gov.ph and attach a copy of proof of inability to edit. The employers have until June 26, 2020 5:00PM to correct their employees’ information.
If an employer receives a notice that employee information needs to be updated, can the employees’ payout option be changed?
If the original mode of payout is through banks or Paymaya, the employers may change the payment method to other banks, Paymaya, or M.Lhuillier.
If the original mode of payout is through M.Lhuillier, the employers will not be able to change the payment method. Employers will only be allowed to change the phone number.
For employees whose selected payout mode is through M.Lhuillier cash pick-up, if they do not claim payouts by June 28 (last day of payout), will they still be able to claim it?
No. Unclaimed balances of the program shall revert to the national government and may be used for other COVID-19-related programs of the government.
For employees who haven't received the first tranche of SBWS, but their status in the My.SSS portal says that they are qualified, when will they receive their first tranche?
The payout period for the First and Second Tranche of the SBWS has been extended to June 17.
For employees who haven't received their subsidies for the second tranche, but during the first tranche they received it at the same time as their co-workers, why is there a delay?
your bank account, Paymaya, or M.Lhuiller. There have been cases when account numbers submitted to SSS by employers on behalf of their employees were incorrect, but were corrected by the receiving banks to facilitate payout. These account numbers in the SSS master list are still incorrect, and employers will be notified to edit account numbers in the SBWS Post Payout Correction Module. Advise your employer to check whether they received an email from SSS. Nonetheless, the distribution for the second tranche is ongoing until June 17.
DOLE CAMP CONCERNS
In the interest of fairness among all beneficiaries and to avoid duplication, SBWS beneficiaries who are also DOLE-CAMP beneficiaries received the full two-months-worth of SBWS subsidies minus the P5,000 received from DOLE-CAMP.
What should the employer or employee do in instances when the employee is an eligible SBWS beneficiary and are non-DOLE CAMP recipients but they:
a. receive a reduced SBWS Second Tranche (less P5,000); or
b. do not receive any SBWS Second Tranche by June 17 (last day of payout)?
The employee, or preferably, the employer, on behalf of the concerned employee, may file an appeal with the SBWS Program Task Force by sending an email to SBWSCAMPAppeals@sss.gov.ph on or before June 22, 2020, with the following information:
Name of employer and SSS ID number, if known;
Name of employee(s) and SSS ID number/s; and
DOLE Certification on Receipt/Non-Receipt of CAMP.
The employer must first obtain a certification from DOLE that his/her employees are not CAMP beneficiaries. SBWS applicants shall direct their request for certification from DOLE through the email addresses listed below, or they may call: (02) 8527 3489, 0961 680 4644, 0961 680 4684, 0961 680 4664, 0961 680 4674:
[Region where the employer is located and the email address to contact when requesting for certification from DOLE]
NCR: camp.sbws01@gmail.com
CAR: camp.sbws02@gmail.com
RO1: camp.sbws02@gmail.com
RO2: camp.sbws02@gmail.com
RO3: camp.sbws02@gmail.com
RO4A: camp.sbws02@gmail.com
MIMAROPA: camp.sbws03@gmail.com
RO 5: camp.sbws03@gmail.com
RO 6: camp.sbws03@gmail.com
RO 7: camp.sbws03@gmail.com
RO 8: camp.sbws03@gmail.com
RO 9: camp.sbws04@gmail.com
RO 10: camp.sbws04@gmail.com
RO 11: camp.sbws04@gmail.com
RO 12: camp.sbws04@gmail.com
CARAGA: camp.sbws04@gmail.com
RETURN OF SBWS
Who are required to return the SBWS?
Under the DOF-SSS-BIR Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001-2020, as amended, on the SBWS program, the following are required to return their SBWS subsidy:
Employers who fail to maintain the employment status of their employee beneficiaries within the original SBWS Period of March 17, 2020 to May 31, 2020 must return to the government the SBWS amount granted to these employees.
Employee-beneficiaries who resign during the period when enhanced community quarantine or modified enhanced community quarantine is imposed in the region or local government unit where the place of business of his employer is found.
Employers who misrepresented in their application any material fact relevant to the eligibility of their employees, such as, but not limited to the following:
those who paid wages/salary for the whole of ECQ to all employees;
those whose employees were not prevented from going to work nor unpaid for at least two weeks (straight 14 consecutive days) during the ECQ;
those who applied for separated employees;
those whose employees voluntarily went on the following types of leave: maternity leave, paternity leave, study leave, sabbatical leave, and leaves of the same time -- for the entire duration of the ECQ, whether with or without pay;
those whose employees are recipients of SSS unemployment benefits due to COVID-19; or
those whose employees have settled or in-process SSS final claims (funeral, retirement, death, and total disability).
Employers of employees who are DOLE CAMP beneficiaries who received the full amount of the SBWS Second Tranche.
For employees who received both the DSWD’s SAP and SBWS, they should approach their Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer to discuss steps for refunding the DSWD’s SAP-ESP.
How do employers or employees voluntarily return the SBWS?
Employees who received the SBWS but are ineligible or received an excess amount, refunds for the SBWS received, or the portion in excess of what the employee is entitled, should be carried out following the voluntary return procedure below:
a. Voluntary returns of the SBWS shall be accepted until June 15, 2020.
b. Proceed to the nearest Landbank branch and deposit over-the-counter, the SBWS amount to the following Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) bank account:
Land Bank Current Account Number: 0012-1188-80
Account Name: Refund of Small Business Wage Subsidy
*Returns of SBWS through online means is currently not available. Announcements shall be made on this.
c. Upon deposit of the subsidy amount, the employer or employee must submit the scanned copy of the validated deposit slip to the SSS by email at SBWSreturns@sss.gov.ph, with the following information:
For employers:
• Name of employer and SSS ID number;
• Name(s) of employee(s)
• SSS number and amount deposited for each employee;
• Reason for the return;
• Total amount deposited, and
• Date and time of deposit.
For employees:
• Name of employee and SSS number;
• Name of employer and SSS ID number if known,
• Reason for the return; and
• Date and time of deposit.
If I resigned during the ECQ period, do I still need to return the subsidy I received?
Employees who resign during the period when the enhanced community quarantine or modified enhanced community quarantine is imposed in the region or local government unit where the place of business of his employer is found, must return the subsidy.
If employees returned to work after ECQ was lifted, does the SBWS need to be returned?
The requirement for eligibility for employees is that he/she must have at least two consecutive weeks of no work AND no pay during the period of enhanced community quarantine or other forms of quarantine. As long as this requirement is met, there is no need to return the SBWS received.
SSS contributions are computed based on salaries paid to employees. If an employer paid these contributions for the period of March 17 to May 31, even though they did not operate, do they need to return the SBWS?
The requirement for eligibility for employees is that he/she must have at least two consecutive weeks of no work AND no pay during the period of enhanced community quarantine or other forms of quarantine. As long as this requirement is met, there is no need to return the SBWS received. The payment of SSS contributions cannot be the sole basis for the ineligibility of the employee.
If we received both SAP and SBWS, do we need to refund SBWS?
In the instance that a beneficiary received support from both programs, they should approach their Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer for the steps on refunding the DSWD’s SAP-ESP.
My employees are DOLE-CAMP beneficiaries but they received the full amount of the SBWS Second Tranche, am I required to return it?
Yes. Employers of employees who are DOLE-CAMP beneficiaries who also received the full second tranche of SBWS must pool the excess received (P5,000 per beneficiary) and return the same following the return procedure in SBWS Program Task Force Resolution No. 2. (See Item 11). Please see table below for reference.
Business location (Region): NCR, III, IV-A
SBWS 2nd tranche: P8,000
Amount to be returned because received DOLE CAMP: P5,000
Business location (Region): VI, VII, X, XI
SBWS 2nd tranche: P6,000
Amount to be returned because received DOLE CAMP: P5,000
Business location (Region): CAR, I, II
SBWS 2nd tranche: P5,500
Amount to be returned because received DOLE CAMP: P5,000
Business location (Region): IV-B, V, VIII, IX, XII, CARAGA, BARMM
SBWS 2nd tranche: P5,000
Amount to be returned because received DOLE CAMP: P5,000
Top questions received as of 26 April 2020
My minimum wage employees (MWEs) do not have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) as they are not required to pay taxes. How can I apply for their wage subsidy?
Kindly note that all employers are, by law, required to register their employees for a TIN even if they are minimum wage employees with no tax obligations. Thus, we encourage employers to electronically register for TINs on behalf of their employees through the BIR eRegistration System.
For the instructions, please visit: https://bit.ly/2yJmsbS
To apply for a TIN on behalf of your employee, click here: https://ereg.bir.gov.ph/init.do?app=ereg
I am applying through My.SSS, but my employees lacking credentials (for example, without My.SSS account, no bank account) cannot update their My.SSS profiles.
We have updated the application module on My.SSS so that employers can input the missing credentials on behalf of their employees. Kindly sign in to your My.SSS account and click on the “Lacking Credentials” tab to fill in these details on behalf of your employees.
If your employee chooses to receive the subsidy through MLhuillier, please choose ‘DBP Cash Padala thru MLhuillier’ under the dropdown menu labelled ‘Banks.’ Afterwards, kindly input your employee’s cellphone number in the “Bank Account Number” field. Here is a list of MLhuillier branches nationwide: https://mlhuillier.com/branches/
If your employee will be picking up the subsidy through Paymaya, please choose ‘PAYMAYA’ under the dropdown menu labelled ‘Banks.’ Afterwards, kindly input your employee’s cellphone number in the “Bank Account Number” field.
What should I do if not all my employees have bank accounts?
You may select PayMaya as an e-wallet option or cash pickup through MLhuiller as a money remittance option for employees who do not have a bank account.
If your employee chooses to receive the subsidy through MLhuillier, please choose ‘DBP Cash Padala thru MLhuillier’ under the dropdown menu labelled ‘Banks.’ Afterwards, kindly input your employee’s cellphone number in the “Bank Account Number” field. Here is a list of MLhuillier branches nationwide: https://mlhuillier.com/branches/
If your employee will be picking up the subsidy through Paymaya, please choose ‘PAYMAYA’ under the dropdown menu labelled ‘Banks.’ Afterwards, kindly input your employee’s cellphone number in the “Bank Account Number” field. Click here to see how to create a PayMaya e-wallet on your smartphone: https://www.paymaya.com/support/basics/how-to/download-and-register
I cannot find the payment option for PayMaya or DBP Cash Padala through M Lhuiller.
If your employee chooses to receive the subsidy through MLhuillier, please choose ‘DBP Cash Padala thru MLhuillier’ under the dropdown menu labelled ‘Banks.’ Afterwards, kindly input your employee’s cellphone number in the “Bank Account Number” field. Here is a list of MLhuillier branches nationwide: https://mlhuillier.com/branches/
If your employee will be picking up the subsidy through Paymaya, please choose ‘PAYMAYA’ under the dropdown menu labelled ‘Banks.’ Afterwards, kindly input your employee’s cellphone number in the “Bank Account Number” field. Click here to see how to create a PayMaya e-wallet on your smartphone: https://www.paymaya.com/support/basics/how-to/download-and-register
Other questions
How do I know if my business is pre-qualified for the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS)?
You may enter your 9-digit TIN on this page to see if you are eligible. https://www.bir.gov.ph/images/sbws/index.php
For more details on the step by step procedure, click here: https://www.bir.gov.ph/images/bir_files/sbws/How-do-we-determine-if-an-employer-is-included-20200417.pdf
I was pre-qualified by the BIR! What’s next?
To apply for the SBWS program, employers may use one of three methods:
METHOD 1: My.SSS account (via www.sss.gov.ph). This may be used by all pre-qualified employers who have a My.SSS account on the SSS website. For instructions, visit: https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy#h.o57jq8safmiv
METHOD 2: E-form submission through secure site (via secure link sent through email). This is only for pre-qualified employers with emails on file with SSS. The instructions have been sent to them.
METHOD 3: File upload through secure site (Microsoft Excel file upload to sbws.sss.gov.ph). This may be used by all employers pre-qualified for the SBWS program. For instructions, visit: bit.ly/SBWSMethod3pdf
I was referred to this program by DOLE. What should I do?
Those who applied for CAMP may still apply for the SBWS. As long as they are eligible, they may receive the subsidy. The Social Security System (SSS) is accepting applications for the SBWS program from April 16, 2020 to May 8, 2020.
For more details on the program, kindly visit: https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy or https://bit.ly/2VhThFE.
My DOLE CAMP application is still pending. What should I do?
Those who applied for CAMP may still apply for the SBWS. As long as they are eligible, they may receive the wage subsidy.
On the application form, you will be asked to declare which of your employees is a “Paid/Approved CAMP beneficiary.” Kindly select “No” if your application is still pending.
I was pre-qualified by BIR but I cannot apply on the My.SSS portal due to any of the following reasons, according to the website: (1) I have no record of payment, or (2) I have no employees on record.
We kindly request you to please try logging into your My.SSS account again to check if you still encounter this issue. Should this continue to be an issue, kindly email SBWSQueries@sss.gov.ph and attach proof of your contributions for your employees.
Please be reminded that the following small businesses will be prioritized:
● BIR-registered and compliant with tax obligations during the past three years, up to January 2020.
● SSS-registered and have paid SSS contributions for the past three years up to January 2020 (the last recorded contribution).
I am having difficulty in applying because the SSS website is down or is very slow.
Employers encountering difficulty when applying via www.sss.gov.ph may use one of two alternative methods:
METHOD 2: E-form submission through secure site (via secure link sent through email). This is only for pre-qualified employers with emails on file with SSS. The instructions have been sent to them.
METHOD 3: File upload through secure site (Microsoft Excel file upload to sbws.sss.gov.ph). This may be used by all employers pre-qualified for the SBWS program. For instructions, visit: bit.ly/SBWSMethod3pdf
Please also be informed that the SBWS Interagency Task Force has extended the deadline for applications for the program to May 8, 2020. Meanwhile, the SSS is currently rolling out measures to help manage the traffic on the main portal.
I received an email regarding an alternative application method, but I was not sent the Microsoft link necessary to proceed with this application.
Please be informed that there has been a delay in the sending of the unique secure link for your application for the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program via Method 2 (E-form submission through secure site (via secure link sent through email).
Rest assured that the SSS has inputted most of the employer email addresses in the Microsoft system, which generates and sends the secure link to applicants at a fixed rate. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
Alternatively, you may fill up your SBWS application through Method 3: File upload through secure site (Microsoft Excel file upload to sbws.sss.gov.ph). This may be used by all employers pre-qualified for the SBWS program. For instructions, visit: bit.ly/SBWSMethod3pdf
Under Method 2, a link (https://sssph.sharepoint.com/sites/sbws) was emailed to me, but when I clicked it, it did not work.
The first email you received outlines the steps for application for the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program via Method 2: E-form submission through secure site (via secure link sent through email).
You will be receiving a unique secure link from the SSS via email. This link will allow you to start filling up your application. For the protection of your company’s data, please do not share this link with any other party.
Alternatively, you may fill up your SBWS application through Method 3: File upload through secure site (Microsoft Excel file upload to sbws.sss.gov.ph). This may be used by all employers pre-qualified for the SBWS program. For instructions, visit: bit.ly/SBWSMethod3pdf.
Are non-regular employees, such as those that are probationary, regular seasonal, project-based, fixed-term, or contractual, eligible for the subsidy?
Yes, employees regardless of contract status may be eligible, subject to the other criteria to qualify for the program: https://sites.google.com/dof.gov.ph/small-business-wage-subsidy
I was not pre-qualified by the BIR. However, my business was unable to fully operate during the ECQ and my employees are in need of the wage subsidy.
There are two eligibility criteria for businesses under the SBWS program:
● Size of business: The small business — whether a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship — must not be in the BIR’s Large Taxpayer Service (LTS) list.
● Impact of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ): Small businesses under both Category A (non-essentials) that are forced to stop operations (i.e., temporary closure or suspension of work) and Category B (quasi-essentials) that are allowed to operate a skeleton force can apply for the wage subsidy for employees who are not able to work and did not get paid for at least two weeks during the ECQ
Among these, the following small businesses will be prioritized:
● BIR-registered and compliant with tax obligations during the past three years, up to January 2020.
● SSS-registered and have paid SSS contributions for the past three years up to January 2020 (the last recorded contribution).
If the company is not included in the list of eligible employers, but deemed affected by ECQ and can attest to such, they may submit an appeal to the BIR. We will do our best to accommodate these requests, but please be informed that those fulfilling the criteria above will be prioritized.
Appeals may be sent through SBWS_BIRquery@bir.gov.ph. Kindly attach the following:
TIN
Registered name or business name
RDO where registered
Proof of meeting the qualifications, such as:
To prove status as active taxpayer within the last three (3) years, submit proof of filing and/or payment of tax
To prove inclusion among Non-essential and Quasi-Essential sectors, submit accomplished BIR Form 1905 and proof of actual industry BIR registration, DTI registration, Mayor's Permit or SEC registration
To prove employer status, submit latest BIR Form 1601C or 1604CF and alphalist
Your message
Please be advised that the deadline of appeals for pre-qualification is April 30, 2020. The deadline of pre-qualified employers to apply for SBWS program with SSS has been extended to May 8, 2020.
For other questions and technical issues, who may I contact?
You may contact the Social Security System (SSS) through:
Email: SBWSQueries@sss.gov.ph
Call center: 1455 (via cellphone) and 81455 (via landline)
Toll Free: 1-800-10-2255777
Facebook: fb.com/SSSPh
Website: www.sss.gov.ph