THERE were actually two kinds of flood that Typhoon Lando (international code name Koppu) brought. The first flood left not only devastated areas but also distraught spirits, as some people died and thousands of families became homeless. The next kind of flooding is an outpouring of generosity from various sectors that came in the form of relief goods and monetary donation to help rebuild lives.
The Social Security Commission, the policy-making body of the Social Security System (SSS), responded to the call for help by approving the grant of a calamity-relief package for SSS members and pensioners affected by Typhoon Lando in places declared as calamity areas 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 the three months advance in pensions for Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) pensioners.
Qualified SSS members and pensioners may apply for loans and advance pensions starting October 26 until December 31, while deadline of application for the Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan is until October 19, 2016.
The grant of salary loans under SLERP will be subject to the same eligibility guidelines of the regular salary loans of the SSS. Those who could avail themselves of the SLERP must have at least 36 monthly contributions for the one-month loan, or 72 monthly contributions for a two-month loan, six of which should be posted within the last 12 months prior to the month of filing of application.
For those who availed themselves of the SLERP in previous calamities, the net loan amount shall be the difference between the approved loan amount and the previous loan balance. To further help members in their recovery, the 1-percent service fee, which is usually charged on the proceeds of the loan, was waived.
SS retiree, disability and survivor pensioners, and EC disability and survivor pensioners residing in the calamity areas declared by the NDRRMC may avail themselves of the three months advance pension payments. Those 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.
Similar to the SLERP, outstanding balance from the previous advance pensions granted in the last calamity will be deducted from the proceeds of the current three months advance pension.
SSS members who are currently employed, self-employed, voluntary and overseas Filipino workers members, whose residence is in the disaster area and whose house was destroyed or damaged by Lando, could avail themselves of the Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan. The applicant must have a total of 24 monthly contributions, of which three contributions were made within the last 12-month period prior to the month of filing of the application. He must not be more than 60 years old at the time of filing of application.
Maximum loan amount for the Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan is P1 million, with reduced interest rate to 6 percent per annum to help members fix their homes. Amortization period for the loan is in multiples of five years, with a maximum of 20 years for local employment and 15 years for OFW members.
After every calamity, basic needs like food, shelter and health care become very precious commodities. Picking up the pieces to start again after a traumatic situation is the most difficult thing to do. However, tough times do not last when surrounded by people who are quick to help, pushed by the innate human nature to care for others who are in need.
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For more information about the SSS and its programs, call our 24-hour call center at (632) 920-6446 to 55, Monday to Friday, or send an e-mail to member_relations@sss.gov.ph.
Susie G. Bugante is the vice president for public affairs and special events of the Social Security System. Send comments about this column to susiebugante.bmirror@gmail.com.