EXPLAINER: GSIS emergency loan —how to apply, requirements, and loan amount

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is ready to extend emergency loans to qualified members and pensioners living or working in areas declared under a state of calamity due to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and tropical cyclones.

How can one avail of the loans?

Active GSIS members with an existing emergency loan can borrow up to ₱40,000. But the member will not receive the entire amount as a portion of it will be used to pay the balance of the current loan. The remaining amount will be released to the member.

If a member does not have an existing loan, then he or she can borrow up to ₱20,000.

To qualify, active GSIS members must be living or working in an area declared under a state of calamity. They must also be in active service, not on leave of absence without pay, and have no pending administrative or criminal case.

Applicants must have paid their required premiums within the six months immediately preceding their loan application. After all loan deductions, they must also have a net take-home pay of at least P5,000.

Old-age and disability pensioners living in areas declared under a state of calamity may also apply.

After the loan deduction, however, their net monthly pension must remain at least 25% of their basic monthly pension.

The GSIS emergency loan carries an interest rate of 6% per year and is payable over three years.

How to apply

Qualified members and pensioners may apply through three channels:

1. eGSISMO

Members may log in to eGSISMO using their Business Partner (BP) number and password.

Under Loans Application, select Emergency Loan, then choose whether the application is for a new loan or renewal.

Applicants must upload a photo of themselves holding their GSIS UMID or Temporary Card.

If the UMID or Temporary Card is unavailable, two valid government-issued IDs may be uploaded in JPEG or PDF format.

Applicants must then confirm the Loan Agreement and click Save.

2. Email

Applicants must complete the Emergency Loan Application Form and prepare a copy of their GSIS UMID Card.

The application form should be saved as a JPEG or PDF file, while the UMID Card should be scanned.

These documents should be emailed to the applicant's GSIS handling branch. Applicants should then wait for an email confirmation containing the next instructions.

3. GWAPS kiosk

Applicants may also visit the nearest GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System or GWAPS kiosk.

Insert the eCard Plus or UMID into the card reader and place the enrolled finger on the biometrics scanner.

Once the member is recognized, their personal information will appear on the screen.

Select Loan Windows, followed by Emergency Loan.

To confirm the application, place the enrolled finger on the biometrics scanner again.

Once approved, loan proceeds may be withdrawn through Megalink, BancNet and Expressnet ATMs nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the Southwest Monsoon could bring heavy rainfall of up to 200 millimeters over Benguet, Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro until Tuesday afternoon, August 11.—LDF, GMA News