GSIS solar loans now available to pensioners

MANILA, Philippines —  The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) opens its solar energy loan to qualified pensioners, allowing them to borrow up to P500,000 for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems.

Initially offered to active government workers, the GSIS has expanded its Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL) to retirees, making residential solar energy systems more accessible to government workers and helping households manage long-term electricity costs.

The green financing program was initially launched for active members in March.

Under the program, qualified pensioners may borrow up to P500,000, payable for up to five years at five percent interest per annum. This has no service fee to finance the purchase and installation of solar energy systems.

Applications will be filed through GSIS Touch, subject to eligibility and documentary requirements.

“By opening the GSEL to our pensioners, we are giving them an additional financial option that may help reduce their electricity expenses. We continue to look at how we can tailor GSIS programs to the actual needs of our retirees,” GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said.

President Marcos, through Proclamation 1020, declared the second week of September of every year as National Pensioners’ Week in recognition of the contribution of GSIS and SSS pensioners to national development.

The expansion of the GSEL program forms part of several changes GSIS has made to its benefits and services for retirees.

These include expanding the annual Christmas Cash Gift to include qualified pro-rata pensioners and pensioners covered by the Portability Law.

Eligible pensioners receive an amount equivalent to one month’s pension or P10,000, whichever is lower, subject to program rules.

The GSIS also increased its funeral benefit to P50,000 from P30,000 for qualified members and pensioners for claims arising from deaths occurring on or after July 13, 2026.

It also strengthened survivorship protection by removing the previous cap on the survivorship pension. Qualified surviving spouses may receive the full benefit equivalent to 50 percent of the deceased member or pensioner’s pension.