The Social Security System (SSS) has opened its Calamity Loan Program to assist members affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30, 2025, and by recent typhoons that battered several regions of the country.
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chairperson Ralph G. Recto, the SSS announced that qualified members can begin applying for calamity loans effective October 2, 2025.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said the new guidelines for the Calamity Loan Program now allow the agency to act faster in extending financial aid.
Members may borrow up to ₱20,000 at a reduced annual interest rate of 7 percent.
“We want to assure our members that they can rely on SSS in times of calamities and other natural disasters. Our goal is to support the quick recovery of our members in quake-hit and storm-affected areas by providing them with an accessible loan program,” De Claro said.
Applications can be filed online through My.SSS accounts, with approved proceeds credited directly to members’ disbursement accounts. The updated process, De Claro noted, shortens activation time so aid can be released immediately.
To qualify, members must be residing or working in areas under a State of Calamity, have at least 36 posted contributions (with six paid in the last 12 months), hold no delinquent loans, and meet other eligibility requirements. Employers of covered workers must also be updated in their SSS contributions and loan remittances.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) earlier placed the entire Cebu province under a State of Calamity. It also declared calamity status in 85 towns and cities across Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Masbate, Aklan, and Maguindanao del Sur due to the impact of Typhoons Mirasol, Nando, Opong, and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
“Through our new Calamity Loan Program, SSS is now more responsive to the needs of affected members as the loan window is announced and implemented within days of the calamity declaration.
This allows us to provide immediate relief and help them rebuild faster,” De Claro added.