The Social Security System (SSS) has announced new guidelines for its Calamity Loan Program (CLP), aimed at giving faster and more affordable relief to members affected by natural disasters in the Philippines.
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, these changes are especially important. Even if you’re abroad, your family in the Philippines may face typhoons, floods, or earthquakes — and having a relative with an active SSS membership means they can now access financial support more quickly, as shared in this PIA report.
Lower Interest, Easier Renewal
SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro said the interest rate for calamity loans has been reduced from 10% to 7% per year. This follows the recent cut in salary loan interest from 10% to 8%.
The revised guidelines also allow members to renew their calamity loan after just six months, as long as the existing loan is not overdue. Previously, borrowers had to wait a full year before applying again.
“These changes make it easier for members to recover from back-to-back disasters, especially in provinces often hit by typhoons,” De Claro said.
Faster Activation During Disasters
Another major improvement is the streamlined activation process. Under the new rules, SSS can activate the Calamity Loan Program within seven working days of a State of Calamity declaration.
Previously, the process could take up to a month. With this change, families back home can get help sooner after a disaster.
SSS branches and the International Operations Group will now play a more active role in endorsing calamity declarations within two days of their issuance.
Key Features of the Revised CLP
- Loan Amount: Up to one month’s salary credit, capped at ₱20,000.
- Availment Period: Within 30 days after the official announcement in newspapers.
- Eligibility:
- At least 36 monthly contributions, with 6 posted in the last 12 months.
- For self-employed or land-based OFWs, at least 6 contributions under the current membership type.
- No past due loans, no final benefit claim, and not disqualified due to fraud.
- Age between 18 and 65 years.
- Application: Online via My.SSS or the SSS Mobile App.
- Release of Proceeds: Through UMID ATM card or a PESONet bank account enrolled in My.SSS.
- Repayment: Payable over 24 months in equal installments, starting two months after loan approval.
- Service Fee: 1% of the loanable amount, deducted upfront.
- Penalty: 1% per month for late payments; higher charges apply if the loan remains unpaid after 24 months.
Bigger Budget for Calamity Loans
In 2024, SSS released almost ₱10 billion in calamity loans to 560,000 members. For 2025, the agency has doubled its budget to ₱20 billion, ensuring that more Filipinos — including families of OFWs — can access help when needed.
“With the revised guidelines, SSS can provide quicker and more affordable relief so members can recover faster,” De Claro added.
What This Means for OFWs in Taiwan
For OFWs, the changes mean peace of mind. Even if you’re miles away, your family in the Philippines can count on quicker financial support when calamities strike. Make sure your SSS contributions are updated, and encourage your relatives to enroll in My.SSS for hassle-free online applications.