GSIS prepares emergency loan assistance for members, pensioners hit by Maymay, Habagat

CEBU CITY -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is preparing to provide emergency financial assistance to members and pensioners affected by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, once their respective localities are placed under a state of calamity.

According to a news release from the agency, under the emergency loan program, qualified members and pensioners who already have an outstanding emergency loan may apply for up to P40,000. Part of the new loan will be used to pay off the existing balance, while the remaining amount will be released to the borrower.

Those without an existing emergency loan may borrow as much as P20,000.

Active GSIS members must be residing or working in an area officially declared under a state of calamity to qualify. They must also be in active service, have no leave of absence without pay, and have no pending administrative or criminal case.

Applicants are required to have made premium payments within the six months immediately preceding their loan application. They must also have at least P5,000 in net take-home pay after all loan deductions, in accordance with requirements under the General Appropriations Act.

Meanwhile, old-age and disability pensioners living in declared calamity areas may also avail themselves of the assistance. Their monthly pension after the loan deduction must remain equivalent to at least 25% of their basic monthly pension.

The GSIS Emergency Loan is offered at an annual interest rate of 6%, with borrowers given a repayment period of three years.

Eligible borrowers can submit their applications at any time through the GSIS Touch mobile application, which is available on both Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Members and pensioners who need further information may visit the GSIS website or contact the GSIS Contact Center at (02) 8847-4747 for Metro Manila callers. Globe and TM subscribers may call 1-800-8-847-4747, while Smart, Sun and TNT subscribers may reach the agency at 1-800-10-847-4747.

Inquiries may also be sent to gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph or through the official GSIS social media channels.