MANILA, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) has announced that members and pensioners affected by the onslaught of typhoon “Lando” may avail of a calamity relief package beginning Oct. 26.
In a statement, the state-run pension fund said on Monday, its policy-making body, the Social Security Commission, has approved the grant of calamity assistance to those living in areas to be declared as under a state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
“The SSS calamity relief package consists of the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP), which allows members to renew their loans earlier than the prescribed date; the SSS Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan Program, which offers a lower interest rate of only 6 percent per annum; and three-month advance payment for members receiving pensions under SSS and Employees’ Compensation Program,” said Boobie Angela A. Ocay, SSS assistant vice president for member loans.
The rollout of this calamity relief package would tentatively start on Oct. 26, “depending on the NDRRMC declaration,” the SSS said.
Salary loans under SLERP “will be subject to the same eligibility guidelines of regular salary loans,” Ocay said, although the SSS “will waive the 1-percent service fee charged on proceeds of said loans.”
“To our members whose houses need repair after the typhoon, they may avail of cash assistance through our Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan window,” Ocay added.
Also, the SSS official reminded the public that those who would avail of advanced pension payments, “pensioners whose present address is different from the address in the SSS database will have to submit a barangay certification to prove that they reside in a declared calamity area.”
“Qualified SSS members and pensioners have until Dec. 31 to apply for loans and advance pensions, while deadline of application for the Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan is up to one year from issuance of its corresponding circular,” Ocay said.
“This is our way of providing immediate assistance to our members affected by typhoon ‘Lando.’ We hope that through this calamity package assistance, our members would be able to provide for their basic needs like food, shelter and health care,” she said. SFM