BIR approves wage subsidy for 1M workers

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has approved the wage subsidy applications of over one million workers whose companies temporarily closed during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program aims to cover an estimated 3.5 million workers nationwide who did not receive salaries in March and April.

Each eligible worker will receive a monthly subsidy between PHP5,000 and PHP8,000, determined by the Department of Labor and Employment's regional minimum wage schedule.

However, employees who worked from home, were part of a skeletal workforce, or were on leave for the entire ECQ duration are disqualified.

Workers with unsettled or in-process SSS final claims are also excluded from the program.

While the SBWS program deadline has passed, there is hope for an extension from the Department of Finance to allow more employers to enroll their employees.

The SSS will disburse the cash aid after the BIR issues a tax clearance to the employer.