SSS offers assistance to ‘Paeng’ victims

The Social Security System has made a calamity assistance package available to its members and pensioners affected by Severe Tropical Storm  "Paeng."

Fernan Nicolas, SSS Vice President for NCR North Division and Concurrent Acting Head of Public Affairs and Special Events Division, made the announcement during the Laging Handa press briefing on Friday.

Through CAP, members and pensioners residing in areas declared under a state of calamity due to "Paeng" may avail of the calamity loan assistance and a three-month advance pension for SSS and employee compensation pensioners.

"The Social Security System shall offer a Calamity Assistance Package for victims of severe tropical storm 'Paeng' for SSS members residing in areas that were declared under 'State of Calamity' by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council or by the Sangguniang Bayan/Panlunsod/Panlalawigan," read a separate SSS advisory.

Loan assistance

Nicolas said qualified members can avail of a loan equivalent to their one-month salary credit computed based on the average of their last 12 MSCs or the amount they applied for, whichever is lower, through the CLAP initiative.

The SSS said members qualified for the assistance program could avail of the calamity loan, which is payable up to 24 months, through their My. SSS account online.

"Depending on the average monthly salary credit in the last 12 months, members may apply for a loan of up to P20,000," said Nicolas in Pilipino.

However, he clarified that the member or pensioner must have at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which should be posted within the last 12 months before the month of filing of the application.

Guidelines for this financial support initiative are yet to be released.

"Paeng"-affected areas

Areas declared under a state of calamity in Luzon include Albay and Catanduanes in the Bicol Region; Quezon province, San Juan, Batangas, Biñan and San Pablo City, Laguna in the Calabarzon region; Ilocos Norte and Province of Cagayan in Northern Luzon; and Muntinlupa City in the National Capital Region.

Areas under a state of calamity in Visayas include Calbayog City, Samar in Eastern Visayas; and Aklan, Capiz, Tibiao, and Antique in Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, areas affected by "Paeng" in Mindanao include Cotabato in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; and Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga Del Sur in Zamboanga Peninsula.