DAVAO CITY — The Social Security Commission, the policy-making body of the Social Security System (SSS) has approved the grant of a calamity relief package for SSS members and pensioners affected by Typhoon Lando for calamity areas declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
SSS Assistant Vice President for Member Loans Boobie Angela A. Ocay, in a statement to the press, said SSS members and pensioners residing in areas to be declared by the NDRRMC under a state of calamity due to Typhoon Lando can avail themselves of the agency’s calamity relief package. The tentative start of the program is on October 26 depending on the NDRRMC declaration.
She said “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 lower interest rate of only six percent per annum; and three-month advance payment for members receiving pensions under SSS and Employees’ Compensation Program.”
“This is our way of providing immediate assistance to our members affected by Typhoon Lando. They can renew their loans or advance their pension even before they are due for renewal or payment,” Ocay said.
“We hope that through this calamity package assistance, our members would be able to provide for their basic needs like food, shelter and healthcare,” she added.
Ocay said qualified SSS members and pensioners have until December 31, 2015 to apply for loans and advance pensions while the deadline of application for the Direct House Repair, and Improvement Loan, is up to one year from issuance of its corresponding circular. (davaotoday.com)
