SSS, GSIS assure members of processing of loans, early release of pension benefits

State-run Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System will continue processing claims and would release benefits ahead of scheduled dates even amid the enhanced community quarantine being implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Department Manager Fernan Nicolas of the SSS Media Affairs and External Vice President Nora Malubayo of GSIS-CORE Business Sector made the assurance on Monday, saying that their online services will still be available and their offices will still be manned by skeleton force to attend to their beneficiaries' needs.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Nicolas said members can still apply for salary loan and calamity assistance program by filling out and submitting forms that can be accessed online at sss.gov.ph.

Likewise, Nicolas said that SSS is set to roll out a scheme of releasing the pension benefit of its pensioners worth three months.

“We are just working on the guidelines para ma-i-roll out na ang programang iyan,” Nicolas said.

Another option for SSS members applying for loans and other benefits, Nicolas said, is to submit the form on the drop box located in each SSS branch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday, where an SSS staff member collects the submissions every hour.

“Ilagay po natin sa envelope ang pangalan at contact number [para sa drop box submissions] para po masabi po namin agad ang feedback,” Nicolas added.

Those qualified to apply for loans are those who already paid SSS premium contribution for 36 months. Those SSS members for 12 months and were able to pay SSS premium contribution for six months are also qualified.

Nicolas said that SSS will grant unemployment insurance to its members who lost their job temporarily due to the enhanced community quarantine.

“Kayo pong qualified sa unemployment insurance ay makakatanggap ng allowance for two months. Wala pong bayad iyon, at puwede niyo pong i-apply iyon sa loob ng isang taon kaya huwag kayo mag-alala,” Nicolas said.

Lastly, Nicolas also said that its pensioners can expect their April 2020 pension benefits to be released during the first week of the said month.

As for GSIS, Malubay said GSIS’ work from home arrangement enables its workforce to keep on processing claims online, and that pension benefit of GSIS pensioners, as well as survivorship benefits, will be released also on the first week of April.

This is on top of the P20,000 emergency loan that the GSIS plans to grant to its members amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The said loan is payable in three years with 6% interest.

“Iyong pension po natin, usually nire-release every eighth of the month. Maibibigay na po iyan ng mas maaga sa April 8,” Malubay said.

In addition, GSIS has extended due dates for housing loan payments for a month, while dues paid through salary deduction won’t take effect for the month of April.

GSIS pensioners who are also required to renew their membership every year on their birthday will not be obligated to show up anymore if their scheduled appearance falls within the enhanced community quarantine. --KBK, GMA News