How to Apply DOLE ECC Cash Assistance (Employees Compensation Commission)

Under PD 442 or the Philippine Labor Code, the Employees Compensation Commission, also known as the ECC, was established as a government corporation on November 1, 1974. Nonetheless, it started to function properly once PD 626 was issued and went into effect on January 1, 1975. This program is a part of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which is responsible in coordinating and implementing this program.

ECC is required by law to offer workers meaningful and reasonable compensation in its function as the program’s implementer. Its main functions are:

• Creating policies and rules to enhance the program for employee compensation;
• To examine and make a decision on all EC appealed claims that the Systems have rejected; and
• To start policies and initiatives that would provide appropriate workplace health and safety and accident prevention

Benefits

ECC is a quasi-judicial corporate entity established to carry out the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP). For employees in both the public and private sectors, as well as their dependents, the ECP offers a package of benefits in the event of work-related unforeseen circumstances including sickness, accident, disability, or death.

Filipino workers who work for the ECC are its primary customers. By recognizing and attending to the needs of its customers, it infuses excellence in the provision of services. Through an effective Employees Compensation Program (ECP), it guarantees complete and equitable protection for all of its customers through the following:

• Intensification of the safety and health at work campaign and information dissemination;
• Innovative projects, programs, and policies that address the needs of beneficiaries as well as employees in the event of work-related emergencies;
• Workers are continually being informed of their rights and privileges under the ECP;
• Workers are continually being informed of their rights and privileges under the ECP;
• Timely, sufficient, and valuable advantages;
• Maintaining the State Insurance Fund’s integrity; and
• Collecting surveys of client satisfaction to further enhance service delivery.

Requirements

The documentation requirements for ECC cash assistance are as follows:

• Proof of the claimant’s authorized EC claim voucher from the Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) due to Covid-19
• Covid-19 Assistance Form Form: https://ecc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cash-Assistance-Form-COVID-19.pdf
• Copy of two valid IDs, preferably an office or company ID, a GSIS/SSS UMID card, or another government-issued id
• A laboratory (RT-PCR/Rapid Antigen) test result showing positive for COVID-19 – issued by a DOH-accredited testing facility along with a medical abstract or certificate for COVID-19 illness that outlines the period of medical attendance for the illness.

Qualifications

Employees in the private sector who are required to pay into the Social Security System (SSS), such as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) (land and sea-based) and “kasambahays.”

Employees in the public sector that are required to be Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) members include uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine Coast Guard.

 

Listed below are the two considered beneficiaries:

PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES

The following beneficiaries are considered to be the primary:

• The legitimate spouse who was living with the employee, or a legitimate spouse who was living apart from the employee at the time of the employee’s death, until the legitimate spouse remarries
• Children who are legally recognized as legitimate, legally adopted, or biological children, who are unmarried, not in decent employment, under the age of 21, or over the age of 21 but who are unable to support themselves because of a physical or mental disability that was either congenital or acquired while they were still minors.

SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES

The following beneficiaries are considered to be the secondary:

• The biological parents are totally dependent on the employee for frequent support;
• The legitimate descendants and illegitimate children who are unmarried, not in decent employment, under the age of 21, or over the age of 21 but who are unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental disability that was either congenital or acquired while they were still minors.

Note: Death benefits will be given to primary beneficiaries before secondary beneficiaries. There will never be a death benefit given to a person’s secondary beneficiaries if there are primary beneficiaries.

How to Claim the DOLE ECC Cash Assistance Program

ECC Cash Assistance Digital System (ECCADS) helps ensure the safety of the claimants and employees against the Covid-19. To file DOLE ECC Cash Assistance application, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Gather and scan the required documentation.

Step 2: Click the following link and log in

Before logging into the system, double-check the documents to be uploaded to make sure they are accurate and complete.

Step 3: Upload the scanned documentary requirements to the system.

The ECCADS will initially only accept 100 applications per day and will only be accessible from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays.

Link: https://cashassistance.ecc.gov.ph

Step 4: Applicants should write down their control number after submitting their online application successfully so they can keep track of how it is going.

Applications for cash assistance cannot be submitted online or by dropbox anymore. Using the ECC’s digital platforms, questions and concerns about the organization will also be addressed.

Note: The EC Program offers benefits to employees in the case of illnesses or accidents related to work that cause disability or death. For the private sector, you can file EC claims through SSS, and for the public sector, you can file them at GSIS.

Video: EC CASH ASSISTANCE UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 2022 FOR PENDING APPLICATION AND RESUMPTION OF ACCEPTANCE

Watch Biyahe ni Keen’s video vlog below to learn more about ECC cash assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions regarding how you can claim your ECC Cash Assistance, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.

1. What is the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP)?

A government program called the Workers’ Compensation Program was created to give public and private employees, as well as any of their dependents, a compensation package in the event of a work-related illness, accident, or death.

2. Who is covered under the Employees’ Compensation Program?

Private and secondary sector workers who are compulsory members of the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS):

• Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
• Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
• Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
• Kasambahay
• Land and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
• Philippine Coast Guard
• Philippine National Police (PNP)

3. What circumstances fall under the Employees’ Compensation Program’s coverage for compensation?

The ECP provides benefits for any work-related illness (Covid-19) or injury that renders a covered employee disabled or dead.

4.  Who will receive the cash assistance if a worker passes away as a result of a work-related illness or injury?

The covered member’s beneficiaries.

5. Who are considered eligible beneficiaries?

The eligible beneficiaries of workers are their first and secondary dependents.

6. What are the requirements needed to apply for the ECC Cash Assistance?

The documentary requirements depend on the type of claim and applicant’s status (Employed, Self-employed, OFW). However, all claimants must submit a valid ID, proof of income or earnings, a medical certificate issued by an accredited doctor/doctor of any government hospital, and other documents that may be required.

7. How often can a claimant avail of the ECC Cash Assistance Program?

The cash assistance program is only one-time and can be availed once per eligible employee.

8. How long does it take to receive the ECC Cash Assistance?

Once an application is accepted, it usually takes three (3) weeks for processing and another week for payment. Once payment has been processed, claimants may expect to receive their benefits within two (2) weeks.

9. Can I apply for cash assistance if I already applied before but didn’t get approved?

Yes, you may re-apply as long as you meet all the requirements needed for your claim and have all the necessary documents ready upon submission of your application.

Summary

Although the system is currently getting a large number of applications, Banawis urged the public to wait with patience for their cash assistance.

The EC Program provides benefits to employees in the event of illnesses or accidents related to work that result in disability or death. For the private sector, you can file EC claims through SSS, and for the public sector, you can file them at GSIS. However, applications for cash assistance cannot be submitted online or by dropbox any longer. You can use the ECC’s digital platforms for application