Guide to CLAP for SSS Members

Introduction The Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) is a vital financial aid initiative designed to support SSS members who have suffered losses or damages due to natural disasters. This guide provides a detailed overview of the program, including eligibility criteria, loan amounts, payment terms, and the application process.

Scope of the Program The CLAP is available to SSS members residing in areas declared as calamity zones by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). It aims to assist those who have experienced property losses or damages due to calamities.

Eligibility Criteria To qualify for the CLAP, SSS members must meet the following requirements:

1. Be registered in the SSS website (My.SSS facility) to facilitate online application.

2. Have at least thirty-six (36) monthly contributions, with six (6) of these made within the last twelve (12) months before the application.

3. Have at least six (6) posted monthly contributions under the current coverage/membership type before the application for Self-Employed, Voluntary, and Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members.

4. Reside in the calamity-declared areas and have suffered property damages or losses.

5. Not have any final benefit claims, such as permanent total disability or retirement.

6. Have no past due SSS Short-Term Member Loans.

7. Must not have an outstanding Loan Restructuring Program (LRP) or Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP).

8. Be certified by the employer through the My.SSS facility if employed.

Loan Amount The loan amount is equivalent to one (1) monthly salary credit (MSC) based on the average of the last twelve (12) MSCs, rounded up to the nearest thousand pesos.

Payment Terms and Deadline

1. The loan is payable within two (2) years in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments.

2. The amortization starts on the 2nd month following the date of the loan.

3. Payment deadlines are on or before the last day of the month following the applicable month.

4. Payments can be made through various channels, including SSS Automated Teller System, SSS-accredited banks, and Non-Bank Collection Facilities.

Service Fee, Interest Rate, and Penalty

1. A service fee of 1% of the loan amount is charged.

2. The loan has an interest rate of 10% per annum until fully paid, computed on a diminishing principal balance, and amortized over twenty-four (24) months.

3. Pro-rated interest from the date of loan granting up to the end of the month before the first amortization month is deducted from the loan proceeds.

4. Any excess in the amortization payment is applied to the outstanding principal balance.

5. Late payments incur a penalty of 1% per month on the unpaid amount.

Application Process Members must apply for CLAP through the SSS website by accessing their My.SSS account.

Employer Responsibilities Employers must certify the application and ensure the deduction of loan amortizations from the employee's salary. They must also report any employment status changes to the SSS.

Member Responsibilities Members must update their contact information and authorize their employer to deduct loan amortizations from their salary. They must also inform the SSS of any employment status changes.

Other Conditions

1. The loan must be fully paid before availing of any future Calamity Loan Assistance Programs.

2. Members with previous loan defaults must settle their obligations before applying.

3. Aggregate unpaid loans exceeding six (6) months may result in loan default.

Deduction of Unpaid Loan Unpaid loans are deducted from the member's benefits or final claims.

Release of Loan Proceeds Loan proceeds are released through the Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card, Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System, or other accredited banks.

Conclusion The CLAP is a crucial support system for SSS members affected by natural disasters. By understanding the eligibility criteria, loan amounts, payment terms, and application process, members can effectively utilize this program to recover from calamity-induced losses.


Reference: CI-2024-004 Annex A