SSS sets aside P2.18 billion in loans, advance pension for ‘Odette’ victims

The SSS main office in Quezon City (File photo from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The state-run pension fund Social Security System (SSS) has set aside P2.18 billion in assistance to members and pensioners in the six regions battered by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) last month.

In a statement on Monday, the SSS said it expects up to 236,509 active members and private-sector retirees to avail of the three types of assistance to be extended to Odette victims starting on Friday, January 14.

The regions of Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga had been placed under a one-year state of calamity since December 21, 2021. As such, members and pensioners in these areas can avail of the calamity assistance package to be rolled out by the SSS this week.

“It is unfortunate that the recent typhoon affected the daily lives and livelihood of our members and pensioners in these several areas. Through the SSS calamity assistance package, we can extend financial aid to our members and pensioners as they try to recover from the effects of typhoon ‘Odette,'” SSS president and chief executive Aurora Cruz-Ignacio said.

As the Inquirer reported last month, the calamity loan assistance program and three-month advance pension for social security and employees’ compensation pensioners will be offered during a three-month period, or up to April 13.

Meanwhile, the direct house repair and improvement loan will be made available for one year, or until January 13, 2023.

Applications can be filed online through the SSS website. The SSS will waive application fees.

SSS offices such as the main office in Quezon City and regional offices in Bacolod City, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Davao City, San Pablo City, and Zamboanga City will also accommodate interested applicants.