The Covid-19 pandemic isn’t over yet, but it’s already cost a record number of Filipinos their jobs.
Many are staring down the first of the month with a scary question on their minds:
How will I pay my bills?
When will I get cash for our meals next week?
If you’re feeling some financial stress, you’re not alone. All of us, in one way or another, have been affected by the pandemic.
If you’re lucky enough to have savings, that’s the first place you look in tough financial times. But if you haven’t saved enough or if you have used up all your savings and emergency fund, the next thing you may want to consider is taking out a loan.
If you are a member of the Philippine Social Security System, read this article to know if you are qualified to avail of the SSS Calamity Loan and how you can apply.
What is SSS Calamity Loan?
The SSS Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) is a financial assistance given to SSS members in the Philippines who have been affected by the strict implementation of the community quarantine due to Covid-19 pandemic.
“Through the CLAP, we are hoping to help with the financial needs of our members who may have lost their sources of income or suffered financial burden due to the COVID-19 situation,” said SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio.
SSS Calamity Loan Amount
Depending on the average of your monthly salary credit in the last 12 months, you may apply for a loan of up to ₱20,000.
You may refer to the new SSS Contribution Table below to know your Monthly Salary Credit (MSC).
SSS Calamity Loan Deadline
You may avail of the SSS Calamity Loan Program from June 15, 2020 to September 14, 2020.
SSS Calamity Loan Requirements
To qualify under the Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP), a member must satisfy the following requirements:
- Must be registered in the SSS website to facilitate filing of online application;
- Click here to know: How to Register in My SSS Online
- Must have at least 36 monthly contributions, 6 of which should be posted within the 12 months prior to the month of application;
- Click here to know: How to Check your SSS Contributions Online
- Must be residents of the Philippines. A resident, for the purpose of CLAP, is one who has a home or work address within the Philippines;
- Have not been granted any final benefit such as Total Permanent Disability or Retirement
- Must not have an outstanding balance in Loan Restructuring Program (LRP) and other Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP).
- Click here to know: How to Check your SSS Loans Info and Statement of Account Online
Since the entire country is placed under the state of calamity, documents proving that a member is a resident of a declared calamity area, which is a usual requirement for the SSS Calamity Loan Assistance Program, will no longer be required for SSS Calamity Loan for COVID-19.
How to Register in SSS Online
- Go to SSS official website at sss.gov.ph
- Click Not Yet registered in My.SSS?
- Fill out the SSS Online Registration Form completely
Watch this video to know how to register in My SSS online.
How to Register your Bank Account in SSS Online
- Go to SSS official website at sss.gov.ph
- Log in to your SSS online account using your SSS User ID and Password
- Under E-Services tab, click Bank Enrollment
- Select the bank that you want to enroll in SSS
- Type your Bank Account Number 2 times
- Click the box to agree the Data Collection and Usage clause, then click OK.
- Check your email address for your Bank Confirmation Notice from SSS.
Note: You may enroll more than one bank account in your SSS online account. However, if your bank account has been dormant or inactive, you need to deactivate or remove it from your SSS records.
How to Apply for SSS Calamity Loan Online
- Go to SSS official website at sss.gov.ph
- Log in to your SSS online account using your SSS User ID and Password
- Under E-Services tab, click Apply for Calamity Loan
Watch this video to know how to apply for SSS Calamity Loan online.
SSS Calamity Loan Processing Time
The crediting period of the loan proceeds is 3 to 5 banking days from the date of approval of your Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) application.
Update as of July 9, 2020:
Due to the high volume of applications that the SSS receives, the processing of SSS Calamity Loan applications may be delayed and may take 2 weeks from the date of your application.
Your loan proceeds may be credited to your registered bank account within 10 banking days from the date of approval of your application.
How will I know if my loan application has been approved?
You will receive an email and text confirmation from SSS on your registered email address and mobile number.
How will I receive my SSS Calamity Loan Assistance
As of this writing, the loan proceeds of Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) may only be credited through the bank account that is registered in SSS including:
- SSS UMID activated ATM
- Union Bank Quick Card
SSS Calamity Loan Interest Rate
For this particular Calamity Loan for Covid 2020, the SSS lessened the interest rate from 10% to 6% per annum.
SSS Calamity Loan Payment Terms
We recognize that the impact of COVID-19 is greater than other calamities we have faced in the past. With that in mind, we have extended the payment term of this particular CLAP to 27 months, inclusive of a three-month moratorium period, and have lessened the interest rate to six percent per annum.” – Aurora C. Ignacio, SSS President and CEO
From the normal payment term of 24 months, the SSS extended it to 27 months, inclusive of a moratorium period of 3 months.
It means the Loan amortizations for COVID-19 calamity loans will begin in the fourth month from their respective approval dates.
- No advance interest will be charged for the said loan.
- A service fee of one percent (1%) of the loan amount will be charged and deducted from the loan proceeds.
- Loan payments not remitted on its due date will bear a one percent penalty per month.
How to Verify Status of SSS Calamity Loan Application
To verify the status of your Calamity Loan Online Application, you may contact SSS Customer Service Hotline no. 1455 (if within NCR) from Mondays to Fridays.
Or you may contact SSS Toll-free no. 1-800-10-2255-777 (if outside NCR).
Please note that the status verification of SSS records via SSS Facebook Page is prohibited. This is in accordance with the confidentiality of records under the R.A. 10173 Data Privacy Act of 2012.
SSS Calamity Loan F.A.Q.s
Can I apply for SSS calamity loan if I have existing SSS Salary loan?
A: Yes, you may avail of the SSS Calamity Loan for Covid even if you have existing salary loan. Your existing salary loan balance will not be deducted from your SSS calamity loan amount.
Where can I get the SSS Calamity Loan Form 2020
A: To apply for the SSS Calamity Loan online, you need to register in SSS Online. Once you’re registered, you may file your application within the system. You don’t need to fill out the hard copy of the SSS Calamity Loan Form.
How is the SSS Calamity Loan for Covid 2020 different from the Regular SSS Calamity Loan?
A: Normally, SSS Calamity Loans have a payment term of 24 months and an interest rate of 10% per annum. But with the SSS Calamity Loan for Covid-19, SSS extended the payment term to 27 months, inclusive of a 3-month moratorium period, and they have lessened the interest rate to 6% per annum.
How long does it take to deliver the Loan Check?
A: SSS loan checks are endorsed to PhilPost within 3 to 5 working days from the date of approval of your SSS calamity loan covid application. You may wait for it through your designated mailing address within 7-10 working days (if within NCR) or 10-15 working days (if outside NCR).
Note: The delivery of your check may be delayed depending on the implementation of Community Quarantine in your location.
Is there are service fee for the SSS Calamity Loan application form online?
A: Filing for your loan application through the SSS online portal is free of charge. However, once your loan application has been approved, there will a 1% service fee based on your loan amount will be deducted from your loan proceeds.
I forgot my SSS Online Password. How can I reset it?
A: If your email address that is linked to your My.SSS Online account is still active, you may request to have your SSS online account and password reset by personally calling the SSS Hotline no. 1455 or (632) 7917-7777 (within NCR) and 1-800-10-2255-777 (outside NCR). They’re available anytime from Mondays to Fridays.
If the email address that is linked to your My.SSS Online account is no longer active, you may need to go to the nearest SSS branch and proceed to the E-center to have your SSS online account reset. Bring your SSS UMID card or 2 valid IDs with photo and signature for proper identification. (Source)
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