SSS offers emergency loans to Maymay, Habagat-hit members

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) said members affected by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, may apply for its existing Emergency Loan Program (ELP), offering up to 20,000 pesos in financial assistance.

The state-run pension fund said the program is available to qualified members nationwide and is intended to provide financial support to members facing hardship from calamities and other emergencies.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the ELP, which has been in effect since May 1, 2026, has more flexible contribution requirements than previously.

“The ELP is part of SSS’ continuing commitment to provide immediate financial relief to members affected by unforeseen events. Through the ELP, qualified members affected by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon may access much-needed financial assistance under more flexible eligibility requirements,” de Claro said.

Under the current rules, members need at least 18 monthly contributions, down from the previous 36, provided they have at least six posted contributions within the 12 months before applying, the SSS said.

Self-employed, voluntary, non-working spouse and land-based overseas Filipino worker members must also have at least six monthly contributions under their current membership type before the month of application, according to the agency.

The ELP carries an interest rate as low as 7% per year and is payable over 30 months, including a six-month moratorium, the SSS said.

Members approved for the loan will not be required to make monthly amortization payments during the first six months, and no penalties will be imposed during the moratorium.

Regular payments begin in the seventh month, de Claro said.

To qualify, members must be below 65 years old when applying and have a valid Philippine home address and updated contact details in SSS records.

They must also have no past-due emergency, calamity, salary, Educational Assistance or other short- or long-term member loans; no outstanding restructured loan; and no disqualification arising from fraud against the SSS, the agency said.

Applicants must not have been granted a final benefit such as retirement or permanent total disability benefits.

They must also have an active disbursement account enrolled through the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module in the My.SSS portal.

The SSS said members affected by the tropical cyclone may also apply for a salary loan at the same time, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.

Applications for both loans may be submitted online through the My.SSS portal on the SSS website.

The agency’s announcement comes as Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon affect communities, with the SSS positioning the existing loan facility as a source of financial assistance for eligible members.