Financial planning is a critical component of the overseas employment journey. While the primary goal of many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) is to support their families back home, long-term security requires looking beyond monthly remittances.

Many OFWs rely solely on the standard Social Security System (SSS) pension for retirement. However, economic realities suggest that the basic pension may not be sufficient to maintain a comfortable lifestyle post-employment.

To address this, the SSS has developed specific, tax-free investment channels designed to help OFWs build wealth while working abroad. This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the MySSS Pension Booster, the Flexi-fund, and the critical 2025 Contribution Updates.

1. The MySSS Pension Booster (Formerly WISP)

In 2024, the SSS rebranded the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP) into the MySSS Pension Booster. This program is designed to supplement the regular retirement pension and is currently the primary investment vehicle recommended for OFWs.

It functions in two distinct capacities: Mandatory and Voluntary.

A. Mandatory MySSS Pension Booster

For OFWs with higher earnings, this component is automatic.

• Eligibility: Members with a Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) exceeding ₱20,000.
• Mechanism: Any contribution paid in excess of the ₱20,000 threshold is automatically allocated to this fund rather than the regular pension fund.
• Returns: It earns interest based on the performance of the SSS investment portfolio (historically roughly 6% to 7% per annum).
• Liquidity: This is a retirement savings scheme. Funds cannot be withdrawn early and are released simultaneously with retirement, total disability, or death benefits.

B. Voluntary MySSS Pension Booster

This serves as the strategic wealth-building component for OFWs seeking higher returns.

• Eligibility: Open to all SSS members, including OFWs, who have posted at least one contribution.
• Minimum Investment: A highly accessible entry point of ₱500 per payment.
• Projected ROI: The SSS targets an annual return on investment of 7.2%, which is significantly higher than standard savings accounts.
• Tax Advantage: All earnings within this program are tax-free.
• Maturity: The fund has a maturity period of 5 years. Upon maturity, members can withdraw their total accumulated value (principal plus income).

2. The SSS Flexi-fund

Prior to the Pension Booster, the Flexi-fund was the flagship provident fund exclusive to OFWs. It remains a viable option for conservative investors who prioritize liquidity over high yield.

• Exclusivity: This program is available strictly for recruited, land-based, and sea-based OFWs.
• Minimum Investment: Members can contribute as little as ₱200 on top of their regular SSS payments.
• Asset Allocation: Funds are invested in risk-free government securities (Treasury Bills).
• Interest Rate: Returns are based on the average rates of 91-day Treasury bills. While stable, these rates are historically lower than the Pension Booster.
• Liquidity: The primary advantage of the Flexi-fund is accessibility. Members can withdraw their savings at any time, making it suitable as an emergency fund.

Comparative Analysis: Pension Booster vs. Flexi-fund

To assist in your financial planning, the following table compares the key features of the voluntary options.

Feature	Voluntary MySSS Pension Booster	SSS Flexi-fund
Primary Objective	Wealth Accumulation / Retirement	Emergency Fund / Liquidity
Minimum Contribution	₱500	₱200
Target Interest Rate	Up to 7.2% p.a.	Avg. Treasury Bill Rates (Variable)
Lock-in Period	5 Years (for full earnings withdrawal)	None (Withdraw anytime)
Eligibility	All SSS Members	OFWs Only
Tax Treatment	Tax-Free	Tax-Free