Philippines' SSS launches UPLIFT cash aid for low‑income workers

The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines has begun disbursing the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) cash assistance. The SSS Legazpi branch started releasing PHP 2,000 monthly payments to qualified members from July through December 2026, with eligibility requiring employment, a monthly salary credit of PHP 20,000 or less, recent SSS contributions, and a registered disbursement account. SSS communications officer Jeanette Mapa warned beneficiaries against scams and cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for greater SSS participation.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) confirmed that over 1,100 low‑income workers in Davao Occidental and Davao de Oro received the first payouts on July 30. The SSS has submitted a list of nearly one million eligible members to the Land Bank of the Philippines, paving the way for further distributions expected early next week. Recipients do not need to apply; they are automatically identified through existing SSS and government databases.