The Social Security System (SSS) added the Pension Loan Program (PLP) last June 2021 while the Retirement Benefit Modules last September 2021, in the ExpreSSS e-Learning (ExSSSel) portal, where around 1.8 million pensioners can navigate around and explore more information about pension loan and retirement benefit programs. 

ExSSSel portal was launched last November 2020. It is an online computer-based training about various SSS program focuses to educating members, employers, and the general public through this module-based learning.  

“We know the vulnerability of our pensioners to the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) virus. This is why the SSS gave them an opportunity to pursue an additional e-learning experience at the comfort of their homes, anytime and anywhere. With the flexible schedule, ExSSSel portal will help our pensioners to gain more knowledge about SSS at their own pace and time. They can access it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can also take the exam to assess their understanding, which makes it a more enjoyable and rewarding activity,” SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said in a statement.

SSS provided below simple steps when accessing ExSSSel portal:
1. Select a module
Module 1 (Sickness);
Module 2 (Maternity);
Module 3 (Unemployment);
Module 4 (Disability);
Module 5 (Salary Loan);
Module 6 (Pension Loan Program);
and Module 7 (Retirement); 
2. Register online
3. Study the module
4. Take the post examination
5. Wait for their e-certificates. Certificates are available after passing the post-examination with at least 80% rating. It will be sent through user’s registered email address within seven working days after taking the post examination and submission of evaluation forms.

A total of 9,643 e-certificates were issued to users who have completed at least one module. Of all the modules available in the portal, Sickness Benefits module ranked as most viewed with 15, 413 views; followed by Maternity module with 9, 255 views.

“For those who already accessed the ExSSSel portal, we are grateful to your support to our online learning portal and rest assured that we’ll include another set of modules soon. We also encourage the rest of the learning enthusiasts, especially our members, pensioners, and employers, to explore the ExSSSel Portal to be fully knowledgeable on the SSS benefits and privileges,” Ignacio said.