Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

There are multiple financial agencies that offer calamity loans in times of need. This comes in handy especially with Typhoon Carina profoundly affecting the Philippines. These financial aids include the Social Security System (SSS) calamity loan, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) emergency loan, Pag-IBIG Fund, and more.

Filing Process for Calamity Loans

The process looks different for each banking institution. But if you’re looking to seek financial assistance from SSS, GSIS, or Pag-Ibig Fund, continue reading to learn how.

Social Security System

SSS President Rolando Macasaet said that residents in the NCR and surrounding areas can avail SSS calamity loan as much as P20,000. He stated, “that in times of calamities, they can rely on SSS to provide them the needed financial assistance as they recover from Typhoon Carina.” 

Qualifications

However, before filing for this specific loans, applicants must first qualify for the following:

1. Have at least thirty-six monthly contributions, six of which must be posted within the last twelve months before the month of filing of application.
2. Should be under sixty-five years old during loan application.
3. Must have no final benefit claims (permanent total disability retirement, no past due SSS short-term member loans).
4. No outstanding restructured or calamity loan.

Application Process

Once you’ve clarified that you check all the boxes, you can then begin the SSS calamity loan application process. To start, go to their official website at sss.gov.ph.

Scroll down and click on “Forms.”

Scroll down, click on “Member Loans” and “CLA Form.”

Also Read: SSS Online Employer Registration: A Guide for Companies and Employers

Fill out the form either digitally or print out a copy. Make sure to thoroughly read the terms and conditions before officially applying for the loan. SSS also attached “Instructions” on the second page of the form, including requirements.

Requirements

To apply for this the calamity loan in SSS, eligible members must prepare the following documents to submit:

1. Fill out the CLA form in one copy
2. Indicate “N/A” if required data is not applicable
3. Affix initials on all erasures/alterations on thisform
4. If filed by member, submit the following at any SSS Branch Office:
   1. Application Form for CLA – original copy
   2. Barangay Certification – original copy
   3. Present original copy of valid ID cards/documents of the authorized representative. Refer to “List of Filer’s Valid Identification (ID) Cards/Documents” below.
5. If filed by authorized representative for (OFW/Seafarer member), submit the following at any SSS Branch Office:
   1. Application Form for CLA – original copy
   2. Barangay Certification – original copy
   3. Printed scanned copies of the OFW/Seafarer member and present original copies/documents of the authorized representative. Refer to “List of Filer’s Valid Identification (ID) Cards/Documents” below.
6. The signatory in Part III-B of this form shall be the employer or one of the authorized signatories in the “Employer Specimen Signature Card (SS Form L-501)”.

Approved loans would then be credited to the member’s registered Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) ATM Card or their active accounts with a Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet).

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

The system recently announced that they currently set aside P18.5B for this form of emergency loan. As of this writing, members can apply from July 26 to October 28, 2024. There is an interest rate of 6% per anum and repayment period of thirty-six month. 

Additionally, GSIS says, “Members and pensioners with existing emergency loan balances may borrow up to PHP40,000 to enable them to clear their previous loans and receive a maximum net amount of PHP20,000.”

On the other hand, those without existing loans can apply up to P20,000.

Also Read: Self-Employed? How to Pay SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth Contributions

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the GSIS calamity loan, members or pensioners must meet the following prerequisites:

1. A bona fide resident or employee of the government office within the declared calamity area;
2. Be in active service and not on leave of absence without pay;
3. Has no arrearages in the payment of mandatory social insurance contributions; and
4. Has no loan that has been declared in default.

Moreover, a  calamity-hit area  must be declared under a state of calamity by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panglungsod and/or the National Disaster Reduction Risk Management Council.

Application Process

Once you’ve clarified that you’re eligible for this GSIS calamity loan, you can apply online. Members or pensioners can use the GSIS Touch Mobile app or file at GSIS branches. They can do this through GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) Kiosks. These can be found in major government offices, such as:

• Department of Education
• Provincial capitols
• City halls
• Municipal offices
• Selected Robinson’s and SM Malls.

Meanwhile, one may begin their application process by visiting the GSIS website.

Hover on “Quick links” and click “Downloadable Forms”

Then click either “Emergency Loan (Active Members)” or “Emergency Loan (Pensioners)”, depending on your membership. 

Once obtaining the forms, you may fill out either digitally or print out a copy. Make sure to thoroughly read the terms and conditions before officially applying for the GSIS calamity loan. After completing the form, you may submit it to the nearest GWAPS Kiosk.

Pag-IBIG Fund

Pag-IBIG members may also avail of this loan. Eligible members can file for a Pag-IBIG Calamity loan form and submit it to their employers or apply online via their Virtual Pag-IBIG account.

Additionally, the agency shares that members who are not residing in areas placed under a state of calamity can also apply.

Moreover, members can borrow up to 80% of their total Pag-IBIG Regular Savings with an interest rate of 5.95%. They can also have two payment term options, twenty-four and thirty-six months. The first payment would be deferred for two months.

Qualifications

In order to apply for this loan, members must qualify the following:

1. At least twenty-four monthly membership savings under the Pag-IBIG Regular Savings
2. Active membership, by having at least one monthly membership savings within the last six months prior to the date of loan application
3. If with an existing Pag-IBIG Houseing Loan, Multi-Purpose Loan and/or Calamity Loan, the account/s must not be in default
4. Proof of income

Application Process

Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan Application Through a Representative

Pag-IBIG Fund members can apply for a loan through their company’s HR representative or fund coordinator by following these steps:

1. Gather the necessary Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan documents.
2. Complete the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan application form.
3. Draft a letter of authorization allowing your HR representative to file the application on your behalf.
4. Submit the completed requirements and authorization letter to your HR representative.
5. Await the processing of your loan application.

Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan Application at a Branch

If you prefer to submit your application at a nearby Pag-IBIG branch, ensure all your requirements are complete and place them in the designated dropbox for short-term loan applications. After submitting, wait for a Pag-IBIG Fund representative to notify you if your application has been verified and will proceed to processing.

Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan Online Application

To apply for a calamity loan online, visit the Pag-IBIG Fund website.

Click “Virtual Pag-IBIG For Members.” Then, select “Apply for and Manage Loans” and click “Apply for a Short-term Loan.”

Review the documents needed for the application and then click “Proceed.”

On the “Select Loan Type” drop-down, choose the calamity loan according to repayment period/calamity/affected municipality or area.

Enter your Pag-IBIG membership ID number or MID.

Click Validate Your MID No. Once your MID number is validated, complete your contact details and click Next.

Moreover, the process will give you a One-Time PIN (OTP) to proceed. You will then have to select your type of Cash Card or Loyalty Plus Card, enter the card number, and click Check Cash Card Status. If the card is valid, you may directly go to the last step. 

Afterward, you may upload scanned copies of your Calamity Loan Application (front and back), your valid ID, and a selfie holding your ID. Finally, click OK to submit your application and wait for your reference number to be sent to your registered email and mobile number.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Filipinos have numerous options for calamity loan providers especially with the casualties of typhoon Carina. However, they must first comply with the financial institution’s requirements. It’s also important to note that submission does not guarantee approval. 

Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4) 

---

Keep Reading: GUIDE: How to Apply for a Housing Loan in SSS