State of Emergency – Pag-Ibig Calamity Loan, SSS Calamity Loan

When we hear the phrase “under a state of calamity” the first thing that comes into our mind is that the place has been devastated by a natural occurrence, be it typhoon, earthquakes, drought, and now virus.

Maybe not everyone knows yet that the whole Philippines is under a state of calamity. Last March 16, 2020, effected by a signed order, our country was placed under a state of calamity for six long months “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”

The natural occurrence that triggered the declaration is the contagion brought by Covid-19, a worldwide pandemic.

Did you know that the declaration of a “state of calamity” is not only important to national and local governments but also very beneficial to the people?

Let us walk you through.

WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT NEED TO DECLARE A PLACE “UNDER A STATE OF CALAMITY?”

Once the national or the local government declares their territory under the state of calamity, the government is given access to its quick response funds to address the needs of the public and enhance disaster preparedness efforts. The declaration of a state of calamity also prompts the concerned national agencies/LGUs to follow remedial measures, such as the ones provided below, in order to mitigate the effects of the disaster and stabilize the situation in the disaster-stricken areas.

1. Automatic imposition of price control. Monitoring, prevention, and control of overpricing/profiteering and hoarding of prime commodities, medicines and petroleum product by the Local Price Coordination Council; (see 1 of R.A. 7851) 
2. Programming/reprogramming funds for the repair and safety-upgrading of public infrastructure and facilities;
3. Allowing the granting or restructuring of loans by government financing or lending institution to bona fide victims of the disaster in accordance with their respective charters. The same deferment or moratorium shall be granted to corporate borrowers of aforesaid government credit institutions whose operations are seriously impaired by the calamity.
4. Release of national calamity funds to agencies involved in relief operations and rehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructures as well as to affected LGUs.
5. Release of Local Calamity Funds within the affected LGU or other areas affected by a disaster or calamity for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and other works or services.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR US, ORDINARYONG MAMAMAYANG PILIPINO?

Well, aside from the fact that we can expect, or demand, actions from our leaders, we can also take advantage of the situation to use our benefits.

Let’s focus on the “number 3” in the list provided above – Allowing the granting or restructuring of loans by government financing or lending institution to bona fide victims of the disaster in accordance with their respective charters.

It’s difficult to bring things back to normal after a calamity strikes your town. You got to have a budget to get the ball rolling again. The question is, where are you getting the much-needed financial aid?

A calamity loan from SSS and Pag-IBIG comes in handy.

Unlike other government-issued loans, SSS and Pag-IBIG calamity loans are granted only to members in areas declared under the state of calamity, and can only be availed within a limited period of time.

Since now, the entire country is under the state of calamity, needless to say, we can take advantage of this service provided that we are able to comply with all of the eligibility required for a borrower.

Home Development Fund (Pag-IBIG) Calamity Loan

Borrower’s Eligibility

• Has made at least 24 monthly savings
• Has made at least 5 monthly savings in the last 6 months
• Resides in an area under the State of Calamity

Loan Amount

• 80% of their Total Accumulated Value (TAV) subject to the terms and conditions of the program. If, for example, the borrower has an existing multi-purpose loan (MPL), the loanable amount shall be the difference between the eighty percent (80%) of the borrower’s TAV and the outstanding balance of his MPL.
• The loanable amount shall be limited to an amount that will not render the borrower’s Net Take Home Pay (NTHP) to fall below the minimum requirement as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act (GAA) or company policy, whichever is applicable.

Terms and Interest Rate

5.95% per annum and the loan is amortized over 24 months, with a grace period of 3 months. Paying period begins on the 4th month following their check date.

Loan Renewal

Should another calamity occur in the same area, a borrower may renew his calamity loan anytime. The outstanding balance of his existing loan, together with any accrued interests, penalties, and charges, shall be deducted from the proceeds of the new loan.

Process and Requirements

The borrower must submit the following to any Pag-IBIG office:

• Calamity Loan Application Form
• Photocopy of at least 2 valid IDs
• Proof of Income
• Declaration of Being Affected by Calamity (for formally employed members)

Steps When Applying for Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan

STEP 1	Submit accomplished Calamity Loan Application Form (CLAF, HQP-SLF-002) and required supporting documents. Get STL Acknowledgement Receipt (SAR, HQP-SLF-003) NOTE: Prior to the submission of a loan application, the member-applicant must be registered online and with Pag-IBIG Membership Identification (MID) Number or Registration Tracking Number (RTN).
STEP 2	Getting loan proceeds on scheduled dates: a.) If released through Check, present SAR and 2 valid IDs at Cashier. b.) If released through Payroll Account/ Disbursement Card, verify and withdraw at any accredited ATM/Bank.

Documents also available at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph and Pag-IBIG offices.

For inquiries and details, please contact (02) 724-4244 or visit your nearest Pag-IBIG branch.

Social Security system (SSS) Calamity Loan

In the occurrence of a disaster, SSS will decide and announce a calamity relief package for members to apply for.  

Borrower’s Eligibility

• Paid at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which are posted within the last 12 months before the month of the loan application
• Home address or property at an area declared under the State of Calamity
• Has not availed of any of these SSS benefits: total permanent disability, retirement, or death
• Has no outstanding SSS Loan Restructuring Program or Calamity Loan Assistance Program.

How to File an SSS Calamity Loan

You can apply for an SSS calamity loan within three months after the SSS issues a circular on providing assistance to affected members. Submit the original copies of the following requirements to the Member Services Section of any SSS branch.

SSS Calamity Loan Features

• LoanLoan amount: One monthly salary credit (MSC) up to PHP 20,000 or the total amount of damage, whichever is lower
• Interest rate: 10% per annum
• Repayment period: 24 months (Monthly amortization starts on the second month after the date of the loan.)
• Others: Waived service fee

SSS Calamity Loan Requirements

• Completed Calamity Loan Assistance Application Form
• Barangay Certification
• One primary ID (UMID, driver’s license, passport, PRC card, or Seaman’s Book) or two secondary IDs (PhilHealth ID, company ID, senior citizen ID, voter’s ID, TIN card, etc.)

OFW members can also apply by assigning a representative to file their SSS calamity loan application. Additional requirements for OFW-borrowers:

• Authorization letter
• Printed scanned copies of the OFW’s valid IDs plus original valid IDs of the authorized representative

You can download the SSS calamity loan form, Barangay Certification, and authorization letter on their website. For more information about the calamity loan, you may contact SSS through the following:

• Inquire at the nearest SSS branch
• SSS Call Center hotline: 920-6446 to 55
• Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph

For inquiries and more information, contact the SSS 24-hour call center at (02) 920-6446 to 55, Monday to Friday, or send an e-mail to member_relations@sss.gov.ph.

SOURCES:

• NDCC Memorandum Number 04 s, 1998
• Amended Policies, Procedures, and Criteria for the Declaration of a State of Calamity
• Pag-Ibig Fund Short-Term Loan Availment
• Philippines Official Gazette