Workers Hurt on Duty During Calamities Entitled to Compensation

Employees who were physically harmed while working during calamities such as typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes are qualified for sickness, funeral and cash assistance benefits from the Employees Compensation Commission. 

Those who could qualify for these benefits are compulsory members of the Social Security System, self-employed workers like household helpers and maritime workers, and compulsory members of the Government Service Insurance System, according to ECC Officer in Charge and Executive Director Jose Maria Batino.

Speaking at the Laging Handa briefing, Batino said private sector workers could get P480 in daily sickness benefits, while government workers could get P200 per day.

For employed workers, companies must file claims on behalf of the injured or sick workers using their My.SSS account, he said. 

Disability and sickness claims could be filed online, but claims for medical services and funeral benefits must be filed at SSS branches, he said. 

For government workers, claims must be filed with the GSIS over the counter.

Meanwhile, Batino also assured workers that the ECC continues to process claims from employees who got infected with COVID-19 in the line of duty. 

As of July, it has received 20,000 COVID-19 claims. 

“Ang pinoproseso po namin ngayon ay iyong mga claims from October to December 2021,” he said. 

Photo credit: Bureau of Fire Protection