How To Apply For A Calamity Loan In Case Of Emergency

7 min read By eCompareMo on March 15, 2020

Consider this your GSIS, SSS, and Pag-IBIG calamity loan application guide this 2020.

Let’s face it: Even we are prepared for the rainy days, we can still get shocked with what can happen when the natural disasters suddenly strike. GSIS, SSS, and Pag-IBIG Calamity Loans are great alternatives to handle the property damages caused by storms, floods, or earthquakes instead of shelling out huge money at one go.

What is a calamity loan?

A calamity loan is a loan type specially designed for rehabilitation purposes if a person suffers from the loss of property and livelihood to the natural disasters or human-induced hazards.

In the Philippines, government employees and private-sector employees can apply for the said loan at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS), respectively, and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) for both parties.

State of Calamity

For the three government agencies, the person applying for the said loan MUST LIVE in the area placed UNDER THE STATE OF CALAMITY by the local government or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The two major types of calamities are:

• Natural Disasters

Geographically, the Philippines is prone to natural disasters. The country experiences more or less 20 typhoons every year, and some of them can be destructive like Typhoon Haiyan. The archipelago is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the most active volcanos in the world can be found, and it means frequent occurrence of earthquakes. Also, the country’s location near the equator makes it subjected to extreme heat that can cause drought.

• Human-Induced Hazards

These are man-made disasters such as arson, war, or rebellions that result to major damages to properties and livelihood.

1. GSIS Emergency Loan

This loan is offered to GSIS members only in the areas declared to be under the state of calamities.

Who are eligible for a GSIS Calamity Loan?

• A bona fide resident or employee of the government office within the declared calamity area. To prove the residence of a person within the calamity area, one must get certification from either the local government unit or the NDRRMC.
• Currently in active service of the government and must not be on leave of absence without pay due to suspensions or other reprimands due to pending criminal or administrative charges.
• Has no backlog in payment of mandatory social insurance contributions.
• Has no loan that has been declared in default.

What is the document needed to apply?

• Accomplished Enhanced Emergency Loan application form

How to apply for Calamity Loan in GSIS

• For eligible members with GSIS eCard / UMID card, apply for the Emergency Loan via GWAPS (GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System) kiosk.
• For eligible members without GSIS eCard / UMID card, apply for the loan through OTC (over-the-counter) at GSIS office. Proceeds will be place to a temporary eCard.

For more information

• Visit the GSIS branch nearest to you
• Inquire through the hotline: (02) 847 4747 (Metro Manila); 1-800-8-847-4747 (Provincial, Globe users); 1-800-10-84747 (Provincial, Smart users)
• Send them message via this email address: gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph

2. SSS Calamity Loan Assistance Program

This loan is offered to SSS members only in the areas declared to be under the state of calamities. Application lasts for three months right after SSS announces the start of calamity assistance program.

Who are qualified for a SSS Calamity Loan?

• Residing, working, or having properties within the declared area of calamity
• 60 years old or below.
• Have made a minimum contribution of 36 months (six of them should have been posted for the last 12 months)
• Have not availed the total permanent disability, retirement, or death benefits from SSS
• Have no unpaid loans or previous calamity assistance loans

What are the required documents for a Calamity Loan with SSS?

If the SSS member is the main applicant:

• Accomplished Loan Application Form
• Original Copy of Barangay Certificate
• One (1) primary ID (driver’s license, passport, PRC license, Seaman’s book, UMID card) or two (2) secondary IDs (PhilHealth ID, senior citizen ID, voter’s ID, TIN card, company ID, etc.)

If the SSS member is an OFW and the applicant is his/her representative, additional documents are:

• Letter of authorization
• Printed copies of scanned government-issued IDs of the OFW
• Original government-issued IDs of the authorized representative

How to file for SSS calamity loan

• Prepare all the necessary documents after ensuring your qualifications.
• Submit the necessary documents to the Member Services Section of any SSS branch.

For more information

• Visit the SSS branch nearest to you
• Inquire through the hotline: 920-6446 to 55
• Send them message via this email address: member_relations@sss.gov.ph

There are times SSS also decides what calamity relief package that members can apply for. An example of this was the recent 7.2 earthquake in Bohol and Cebu, where applicant-victims were given the following loan packages:

• Enhanced SSS pensions (disability, retirement, and survivorship)
• Direct House Repair and Improvement (with reduced interest rate)
• Early renewal of salary loans

3. Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan

This loan is offered to Pag-IBIG (also known as the Home Development Mutual Funds) members, both from the public and private sector, in the disaster-stricken areas. Application can be filed within 3 months upon the declaration of the State of Calamity.

Who can apply for a Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan

• Residing, working, or having properties within the declared area of calamity
• Has made at least 24 monthly contributions.
• Has been an active member with at least 5 months’ worth of contribution prior to application of loan.
• If you have an existing loan from Pag-IBIG (housing loan or multi-purpose loan) can still be qualified to apply as long as long as the existing loan isn’t in default

What are the documents to submit for a Calamity Loan with Pag-IBIG

• Duly accomplished application form. Calamity loan forms are available from their satellite offices or respective websites.
• Two government-issued IDs.
• Proof of income such as monthly payslip, BIR form 2316, and other documents that will prove income and employment.
• Proof of damage caused by the calamity (you can download the Declaration of Being Affected by Calamity form from their website).

Steps for Pag-IBIG Loan application

1. Prepare all the necessary documents after ensuring your qualifications.
2. Submit the necessary documents to any Pag IBIG branch.

For more information

• Visit the Pag IBIG branch nearest to you
• Inquire through the hotline: 724-4244
• Send them message via this email address: contactus@pagibigfund.gov.ph
• Their website has its own customer feedback type box

Other options for calamity loans

What if you’re not eligible for a calamity loan from any of the said agencies?

Unfortunately, there may be instances that your calamity application will be denied because of certain factors such as missed payments or existing loans. While this may entirely shoot down your chance to avail of a loan from the government, there are other loan options you can avail of to help you financially in times of distress.

There are still other ways to get a loan if the calamity strikes:

• Personal loan. Offered by most banks, this is your next best option because it does not require collateral and easier to avail than other loan types. Meanwhile, homeowners can apply for a housing loan to rehabilitate their houses. However, banks require a form of collateral for home loans, which means that you must use your house to ensure payment of the debt from lending institutions.
• Pag-IBIG Multi-purpose Loan
• SSS Salary Loan
• Payday Loans from online or private lenders
• Insurance Policy with Acts of Nature or Acts of God coverage (for car owners)
• Emergency Loans from your company, if possible

As a takeaway, it’s best to set up a defense by allocating funds for emergencies here in the Philippines, which is more prone to natural disasters compared to other countries in the globe. Calamity loans from different institutions are merely thin shield from possible huge financial loss.