No. Unemployed people (without a previous record of coverage or contribution) cannot start paying contributions as voluntary members to qualify for UMID or SSS benefits. Voluntary membership is only for SSS members who are previously employed, self-employed, OFW, or non-working spouse and currently unemployed. Before becoming a voluntary member, you must belong to one of those membership categories. Moreover, only the first contribution payments from the employed, self-employed, non-working spouse, or OFW members are considered valid by the SSS. Any first contribution paid as a voluntary member is invalid and will be refunded.