SSS to implement new amnesty program in April

CEBU, Philippines - Employees, self-employed workers and voluntary members with overdue loans may now settle their unpaid principal and interest without paying the full amount of penalties under a new amnesty program of the Social Security System that would start on April.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the agency will implement a six-month loan condonation program for members who have delinquent loans from April up to September of this year.

In a press release, de Quiros said the amnesty “differs from SSS loan penalty condonation programs in the past” and its terms and requirements for applicants will depend on the type of delinquent borrower.

 “SSS will waive 100 percent of penalties of qualified applicants whose loan delinquency was not their fault, such as members whose employers failed to remit their amortizations to SSS despite deducting loan payments from their salaries,” de Quiros said.

A member should have at least three monthly contributions within the last six months before the month of application and present proof of deducted loan amortizations such as pay slips, company certification and notarized affidavits to be eligible for full condonation of penalties.

“They can pay their loan principal and interest in full, or avail of a three-year installment payment scheme at an annual interest rate of three percent,” De Quiros said.

The SSS will also offer amnesty to beneficiaries of deceased borrowers who will file their death claim applications within the availment period.

SSS will waive 100 percent of penalties and the member’s delinquent loan principal and interest will be deducted from the death benefit.

Delinquent borrowers who paid at least three amortizations may also apply for amnesty, provided that they have remitted a minimum of three monthly contributions within the last six months prior to the month of application.

Borrowers filing total disability or retirement claims within the availment period will have 50 percent of their penalties condoned under the amnesty program. The outstanding loan balance and remaining penalties will be deducted from their retirement or disability benefits.

 The deadline of application for the amnesty program will be on September 30, but beneficiaries of borrowers who passed away without settling their delinquent obligations may apply until March 30 next year.

The amnesty program covers overdue salary, calamity, emergency, educational, study-now-pay-later, stock investment and privatization fund loans.

SSS offered a condonation program for employers only last year but this time, the program is offered to all members. — (FREEMAN)