The Social Security System (SSS) has opened its calamity loan program for members affected by the 6.9 magnitude Cebu earthquake and recent tropical cyclones, offering financial relief with a lowered interest rate.
The announcement, effective from Oct. 2, 2025, follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and an instruction from Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission chairperson Ralph Recto to provide immediate assistance.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) declared a state of calamity for all cities and municipalities in Cebu province after the powerful quake struck on September 30, 2025.
SSS president and chief executive Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said that the program’s new guidelines allow the SSS to respond sooner. The loanable amount is up to P20,000, with an interest rate of seven percent per annum.
“We want to assure our members that they can rely on SSS in times of calamities and other natural disasters,” De Claro said.
“Our goal is to support the quick recovery of our members in quake-hit areas by providing them with an accessible loan program,” he said.
De Claro said the loan activation process has been significantly shortened, enabling the SSS to provide immediate financial assistance.
Members can apply for the calamity loan using their My.SSS account, and once approved, loan proceeds will be credited directly to their enrolled disbursement account.
De Claro said the program also extends vital financial relief to members affected by recent tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando and Opong and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
“The series of typhoons in the past several days has affected the daily lives and livelihood of our members in different parts of the country,” De Claro said.
“Through our new Calamity Loan Program, SSS is now more responsive to the needs of affected SSS members as the loan window is announced and implemented within a few days from declaration of State of Calamity providing immediate financial support and helping them recover sooner from these weather disturbances,” he said.
