“SBWS provides support to formal sector employees who comprise the middle class. It complements the social amelioration programs in the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. Initially, the deadline for the filing of SBWS was set on April 30, 2020. We have great news to the public because the application period for eligible employers under the said program has been extended to May 8, 2020,” SSS Luzon Central 1 Division Vice President Vilma Agapito said.

Eligible employers may use one of two methods to apply on behalf of their employees.

“One method is the Alternative Application Process. For SBWS eligible employers whose email addresses are on file with SSS, they will receive two email notifications. The first email informs them that their business is pre-qualified for the SBWS. It outlines the steps for application for the SBWS program via Microsoft Sharepoint,” Agapito explained.

The second email, on the other hand, informs the employers that they will be receiving a unique secure link where they can file their application.
They are advised not to share the link with any other party. For SBWS employers who have not yet received an email from no-reply@sharepoint online.com, the second method will be used by them.

“For other employers, they can submit their SBWS application via their My.SSS account. Employers are advised to use the SSS website on a scheduled basis depending on the last digits of their Employer (ER) ID number. Those ending in 1 were asked to submit last April 23, ending in 2 last April 24, ending in 3 and 4 this April 25, ending in 5 and 6 on April 26, ending in 7 and 8 on April 27 and ending in 9 and 0 on April 28,” Agapito added.

The scheduling is done to minimize website downtime due to the overwhelming response to this program.

Under SBWS, each eligible employee of a pre-qualified small business located in Region 3 will receive PhP8,000 per month for two months.

Those who have already applied for COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program of Department of Labor and Employment may also be qualified under the SBWS.

Employers should make sure that all qualified employees are applied in the program to receive the subsidy.

Luzon Central 1 Division covers the provinces of Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bataan and Zambales. It also has jurisdiction over the province of Pangasinan which is part of Region 1. (PIA 3)