The Social Security System (SSS) closes 2025 with the implementation of the Emergency Loan Program (ELP) capping off achievements that strengthened social protection for millions of Filipinos, highlighted by the successful implementation of the pension reform program, loan program enhancements, expanded membership coverage, and significant strides in digital transformation, SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said.
“This year was a turning point for SSS. We delivered on our promise to provide better benefits and programs, faster services, and wider coverage for our members. These milestones reflect our unwavering commitment to social security protection for all Filipino workers and their beneficiaries,” De Claro added.
He said the pension reform program features annual pension increases for all 3.8 million pensioners every September, from 2025 to 2027, with a 10 percent increase for retirement and disability pensioners and five percent hike for survivor pensioners.
The salary loan program was enhanced with reduced interest rate to eight percent from 10 percent for more than 600,000 member-borrowers; the calamity loan program with reduced interest rate to seven percent (from 10 percent) and with faster activation for about 630,000 member-borrowers; loanable amount up to P300,000 for retiree pensioners and P150,000 for survivor pensioners for more than 30,000 pensioner-borrowers;
Issued MySSS card with 2-in-1 functionality, a valid SSS ID and automatic enrollment as a disbursement account with almost 10,000 cards received already by SSS members and almost 100,000 disbursement accounts enrolled; and emergency loan program implemented with low interest rate of seven percent and six-month moratorium on loan repayment for more than 26,000 member-borrowers.
SSS also accredited 25 cooperatives as coverage and collection partners to facilitate registration, contributions collection, benefit and loan applications for more than 200,000 members of cooperatives; partnered with government entities for social security coverage of job order/contract of service (JO/COS) workers who are not covered by GSIS, with more than 500,000 JOs registered and more than 200,000 JOs regularly paying SSS contributions; and implemented Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) programs nationwide to exact compliance from delinquent employers.
“We also look forward to 2026 where we continue the implementation of existing programs, develop new ones, strengthen member servicing, and expand footprint of SSS nationwide and abroad,” De Claro added in a statement.
Year 2026 brings with it tranche 2 (of 3) of the Pension Reform Program for another round of pension increase for all pensioners in September. Also available next year is the Emergency Loan Program up to Dec. 9, or until the calamity declaration is lifted, he said.
SSS is also looking to hire about 1,800 personnel next year to completely provide manpower resources in the frontlines – be it physically or virtually through electronic means. This recruitment effort aims to address gaps in service delivery and handling of requests for assistance and various complaints.
“Looking back at 2025 and forward to 2026, we remain committed to our goal of making SSS relevant in the life of every Filipino at every point in their lives by providing quality social protection, continuous enhancement of member servicing platforms, and espousing the value of saving for the future,” De Claro stressed. ||
