The Social Security System (SSS) has urged pensioners affected by recent tropical cyclones Kristine, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito to apply for a three-month advance pension by December 21, 2024.
SSS Officer-in-Charge Voltaire P. Agas announced that the financial aid is available to pensioners residing in areas declared under a state of calamity by the NDRRMC.
Agas emphasized that the assistance is designed to support pensioners recovering from the devastation caused by the storms, particularly in Luzon, where the damage was severe.
Eligible pensioners must live in a calamity-affected area, have no existing pension loans, and submit an application certified by their Barangay Chairman, DSWD, or NDRRMC.
The benefit checks will be available for pickup at the SSS branch where the application was filed within 10 working days or mailed to the registered address.
Agas also highlighted that the SSS Pension Loan Program (PLP) is available for retirement pensioners needing additional financial assistance.
The PLP offers loans of up to 12 times the monthly pension, with a maximum of ₱200,000, at a low annual interest rate of 10 percent.
Loan applications can be filed online through the My.SSS Portal or at any SSS branch, with proceeds credited within three to five working days.
Agas assured that flexible payment terms and automatic monthly deductions will ensure pensioners retain at least 47.25 percent of their pensions.
SSS encourages pensioners to take advantage of these programs to recover and rebuild their lives after the recent typhoons.