MANILA - The Social Security System said Wednesday the deadline for contribution payments was extended further to June 15 to give members affected by COVID-19 restrictions more time to settle their dues.

The new deadline covers contribution payments of all household employers, self-employed, voluntary and non-voluntary working spouse members for the first quarter of 2020 and payments of all regular employers for February, March and April, SSS said in a statement.

The deadlines for self-employed, voluntary and non-working spouse members for the months after April 2020 will follow the regular payment schedule, it said.

The pension fund earlier set the deadline to June 1.

• SSS extends deadline for loan, contribution payments due to lockdown

Members are encouraged to avoid cramming for last minute payments, SSS said. They should also consider online and mobile payment facilities.

"As public health and safety remain the top priorities of the SSS, it reminds transacting members and employers to follow guidelines issued by the government to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19," the SSS said.

Metro Manila transitioned to general community quarantine on June 1, ending one of the world's longest coronavirus lockdown after almost 80 days.