Monthly Salary Credit (MSC)
Updated June 13, 2026
Definition
Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) is the standardized amount used by the Social Security System (SSS) to compute contributions and benefits. It ranges from ₱5,000 to ₱35,000 and corresponds to actual monthly salary ranges, determining both SSS contribution amounts and future benefit calculations.
The MSC system simplifies SSS administration by grouping actual salaries into standardized brackets. Each MSC corresponds to a salary range - for example, employees earning ₱15,750 to ₱16,249.99 monthly have an MSC of ₱16,000. This MSC determines the exact SSS contribution (employee and employer portions) and is the basis for computing benefits. The Social Security Act of 2018 (RA 11199) raised contribution rates and the MSC ceiling in steps; from January 2025 the MSC runs from ₱5,000 to ₱35,000 (SSS Circular No. 2024-006). The part of the MSC above ₱20,000 goes to the Mandatory Provident Fund, a separate individual savings account.
Why it matters
MSC directly impacts your SSS contributions and future benefits. Higher MSC means higher contributions but also higher retirement pensions, disability benefits, and death benefits for beneficiaries. Understanding your correct MSC ensures proper contribution payments and maximizes your social security protection. Employers must use the correct MSC to avoid penalties and ensure employees receive proper benefit coverage.
How it works
SSS determines your MSC based on your reported monthly salary. Employees have MSC automatically assigned based on actual earnings, while self-employed, voluntary and OFW members declare their MSC based on their earnings. Contributions are computed as 15% of MSC (employee pays 5%, employer pays 10%; self-employed, voluntary, and OFW members pay the full 15%) under SSS Circular 2024-006. Employers also pay an Employees' Compensation (EC) contribution of ₱10 a month for MSCs below ₱15,000 and ₱30 at ₱15,000 and above. The regular SSS pension is computed from your average monthly salary credit and credited years of service, while contributions on the MSC portion above ₱20,000 go to your Mandatory Provident Fund account.
Examples
Example
Entry-level employee earning ₱18,000 monthly Salary of ₱18,000 falls in the MSC bracket of ₱18,000 (covering salaries ₱17,750 to ₱18,249.99). Total SSS contribution is ₱2,700 monthly (₱900 employee share + ₱1,800 employer share), based on the 15% total contribution rate.
Example
Manager earning ₱45,000 monthly Despite earning ₱45,000, the MSC is capped at ₱35,000 (maximum bracket covering salaries ₱34,750 and above). Contributions are computed on ₱35,000: ₱5,250 total monthly (₱1,750 employee + ₱3,500 employer).
Example
Self-employed earning ₱25,000 monthly Declares monthly earnings of ₱25,000, so the MSC is ₱25,000. The monthly contribution is ₱3,750 (the full 15% of ₱25,000), since self-employed members pay both shares.
Example
Part-time worker earning ₱8,000 monthly Salary of ₱8,000 corresponds to MSC of ₱8,000 (covering salaries ₱7,750 to ₱8,249.99). Monthly SSS contribution is ₱1,200 total (₱400 employee + ₱800 employer).
Example
OFW with varying income Land-based OFWs pay both the employee and employer shares on their declared MSC. Declaring a ₱20,000 MSC means a ₱3,000 monthly contribution (the full 15% of ₱20,000).
Common misconceptions
- Myth: MSC equals your exact salary
- Fact: MSC is a standardized bracket amount. A ₱17,800 salary has ₱18,000 MSC, while ₱18,200 salary also has ₱18,000 MSC.
- Myth: Higher earners pay proportionally more
- Fact: MSC caps at ₱35,000, so someone earning ₱50,000 pays the same SSS contribution as someone earning ₱100,000.
- Myth: You can freely choose any MSC as an employee
- Fact: Employee MSC is determined by actual salary. Self-employed, voluntary and OFW members declare their own MSC.
Questions people ask
What is Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) in SSS?
MSC is the standardized amount used by SSS to compute contributions and benefits, ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱35,000. It corresponds to salary brackets and determines both your SSS contributions and future benefit amounts.
How is MSC different from actual salary?
MSC is a bracket system. For example, salaries from ₱15,750 to ₱16,249.99 all have the same MSC of ₱16,000. Your actual salary determines which MSC bracket applies, but contributions are computed using the MSC amount.
Can I choose my MSC if I'm employed?
No, employees cannot choose their MSC. It's automatically determined by your actual monthly salary as reported by your employer. Self-employed, voluntary and OFW members declare their own MSC based on their earnings.
What's the maximum MSC in 2026?
The maximum MSC is ₱35,000, covering all salaries of ₱34,750 and above. This means high earners contribute based on ₱35,000 regardless of their actual higher salary.
How does MSC affect my SSS pension?
The regular SSS pension is computed from your average monthly salary credit and your credited years of service, so a higher MSC generally means a higher pension. Contributions on the MSC portion above ₱20,000 go instead to your Mandatory Provident Fund account, which is paid out separately (SSS Circular No. 2024-006).
What MSC should self-employed members choose?
Self-employed members contribute on the MSC that matches the monthly earnings they declare to SSS, between the ₱5,000 floor and the ₱35,000 ceiling. A higher MSC means higher contributions and higher future benefits.
Can MSC change during employment?
Yes, MSC changes when your salary increases or decreases. Employers must report salary changes that move you to different MSC brackets. Promotions or salary adjustments automatically update your MSC.
Next steps
Learn more
SSS Contribution Calculator
Compute contributions based on MSC
SSS Employer Contribution Reports
Monthly employer reporting
SSS Pension Calculator
Estimate retirement benefits from MSC history
SSS Registration Guide for Self-Employed
MSC selection process
SSS Salary Loan Calculator
Based on MSC and contribution history
SSS Maternity Benefit Guide
MSC determines benefit amount
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Sources & References (3)
Primary sources and the laws, regulations, and official issuances this page relies on. Each citation links directly to the issuing authority’s document.
- Social Security System. “SSS Circular 2024-006: MSC brackets P5,000-P35,000 (basis of 15% contribution).” sss.gov.ph. Social Security System, Circular No. 2024-006. Accessed .
- LawPhil Project (Arellano Law Foundation). “RA 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018): MSC framework.” lawphil.net. Republic Act No. 11199, Social Security Act of 2018. Accessed .