Where to Get Emergency Loans in the Philippines
(Updated May 2023)
Life is unpredictable.
One moment you thought you were in control of your finances then unexpected things happen.
This is why it is important to know where to get quick emergency loans should a need arises. Of course, nobody wants a financial emergency, but it is reassuring to know that you can access it anytime. Be it an unforeseen school project of your kids, a hospital bill, a sudden need to go home to your province, or a need to fix your home after a calamity. We are now fortunate to have emergency cash loans within reach.
Features of Emergency Loans Philippines
Short-term personal loans can give you quick access to the cash you need in an emergency. However, it’s still sensible to compare your options before you apply. Here are some features to look for when applying for an emergency loan in the Philippines:
Loan in an Hour.
Since your need is an emergency, you have to get a faster process than a regular personal loan. Of course, the faster the cash disbursements, the better. But this must not be the only feature that you have to consider. You need to note that people desperate for cash are easy prey for loan sharks. This is why you need to check on the other features too.
Loan Amount.
Expect the loan amount to vary depending on where you will get an emergency loan. Some will require you to get a minimum of P10,000 loanable cash amount to get a loan. On the other hand, the loan amount may be minimal if you get a loan from a family or friend. Surely, some lenders offer emergency loans online with the amount that fits your need.
Fees and payment options.
Some lenders have more flexible repayment schemes compared to others. It is practical to think that they also offer different interest rates and penalties if you cannot meet your loan’s due dates. Before you sign a loan contract, make sure that there is transparency and that the conditions are clarified.
Cash Disbursement.
There are emergency loan providers who require physical presence to get the loan. Meanwhile, online money lenders can also process an emergency loan without requiring you to visit their offices. They will send cash to your bank account or a third-party remittance center. This way, you can withdraw the money anywhere you are.
Eligibility.
Before you apply for an emergency loan, you must check if you fit the eligibility requirements. Take note that some lenders require collateral and co-borrowers, while others do not. This way, you can save time and apply where you have the best chance of getting approved.
Where to Get Emergency Loans in the Philippines?
Filipinos are not new to loans. As shared by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, here are the top places where we get our loans.
Formal Lender
Eligibility:
To verify your ability to get a loan, the SEC-registered money lender usually requires at least a government ID, proof of income, and proof of billing. You have to take time and check their eligibility requirements since each financing company has its own list to comply with.
Do not forget to check if there are an age limit and certain serviceable areas before applying for a loan.
Pros:
Getting a loan from a traditional lender requires physical appearance and on-site credit verification. The process was long and tedious, and it did not fit Filipinos’ emergency needs. This forced them to get loans from informal lenders instead.
Fortunately, an online money lender can now process emergency loans in just an hour to a day. You can apply from the comfort of your own home or anywhere you are since the process is completely online.
Additionally, you can use the online loan calculator to know how much you can borrow, the interest fee, and the repayment schedule.
Aside from this, formal lenders record your credit history. If you have positive credit behavior, it will be easier to approve your loans easily.
Cons:
Online moneylenders have a strict verification policy. And due to the increasing number of clients, the loan process will prolong if you fail to answer the call from the verification officer. This is why you always have to keep your lines open.
If you have limited breaks between working hours, clarify your free time with the lender.
Related Article: 10 Best Qualities of a Responsible Lender in the Philippines
Relatives
Eligibility:
A positive or strong relationship with the lender.
Pros:
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shared that 61.9% of Filipinos borrow from their family, relatives, and friends. They are the nearest emergency cash source, and there is no eligibility requirement except having a positive relationship with the lender.
Aside from this, you can easily get the loan right there and then.
Cons:
On the other hand, getting an emergency loan from a relative or friend can risk your relationship with them. If you fail to settle the loan (albeit unintentionally), your lender will lose trust in you, and it might be impossible to get another emergency loan.
Also, the loan amount will be minimal as it will depend on the available cash your lender has at the moment.
Informal Lender
Eligibility:
None.
Pros:
Getting an informal lender’s emergency loan is fast since it requires minimum to no requirements. You can get your cash from a 5-6 lender within a day or two.
Cons:
The interest is very high, especially if you are getting it from a 5-6 lender who asks for 20% interest. Since the informal moneylenders are not registered, your loan from them will not help you build your credit history.
GSIS Emergency Loan
Eligibility:
To qualify for the GSIS Emergency Loan, you must:
- be a resident or an employee of the government office within the declared calamity area,
- you have not defaulted on a previous government loan,
- your area has been declared to be under a state of calamity by the National Disaster Reduction Risk Management Council or the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panglungsod,
- you are in active service and not on leave without pay, and
- you haven’t missed any payment of mandatory social insurance contribution.
How to Apply for the GSIS Emergency Loan
Members with a GSIS eCard or UMID card may apply for an Emergency Loan through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk.
Pros:
The GSIS Emergency Loan is offered to the adversely affected members by the calamities that have hit their area. A certain example is Tacloban, which Yolanda hit. The same happened to Bohol, which experienced a high-magnitude earthquake.
The loan is payable for up to three years in 36 equal monthly installments at an interest rate of 6% annually. If you renew, your outstanding loan balance will be deducted from the new loan’s proceeds.
The GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk is located in some accessible areas. You can apply for as much as P20,000. You can borrow up to P40,000 if you have an existing emergency loan account.
Cons:
However, as you have read, this emergency loan is only for government employees residing and affected in a declared calamity area.
Another disadvantage is that if you are an active member but only have a temporary card, you have to process your loan through an over-the-counter personal transaction.
Related Article: Comprehensive Guide to GSIS Loan Applications
SSS Calamity Loan
Eligibility:
The SSS calamity loan only applies to certain events, such as disasters, floods, and typhoons. Also, people were affected by events such as the Marawi siege.
SSS also offered emergency loans to the displaced workers affected by Boracay Island’s six-month closure and rehabilitation in 2018.
How to Apply for the SSS Calamity Loan
You can file your application to the nearest SSS cluster branch or the SSS branch handling your membership.
Pros:
The requirements are easy to provide. You need an SSS loan application form, at least two valid IDs, and your SSS number or UMID.
Another advantage is you can ask to suspend your loan payments for 6 months.
Cons:
The calamity loan has an annual interest rate of with an annual interest rate of 10%. This is higher compared to the calamity loan of Pag-IBIG.
SSS Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) is only for those affected by a disaster or calamity.
Related Article: Guide on How to Apply for SSS Salary Loan
Pag-IBIG Emergency Loan
Eligibility:
The Home Development Fund (Pag-IBIG)–Calamity Loan is offered to members who:
- has made a minimum of 24 monthly savings,
- has at least 5 monthly savings done in the last 6 months, and
- must reside in an area under the State of Calamity
How to Apply for the Pag-IBIG Emergency Loan:
The member must go to any Pag-IBIG office and submit the Calamity Loan Application Form, at least 2 valid IDs, proof of income, and the Declaration of Being Affected by Calamity.
Pros:
With the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan, you can borrow up to 80% of your Total Accumulated Value with the current interest rate of only 5.95% per annum.
The loan has a grace period of 3 months. If approved, you can start paying on the 4th month following the date indicated on the check. You can apply for this loan even if you still have an existing loan with Pag-IBIG, provided that you do not exceed your overall loan amount.
Cons:
This loan’s purpose is only to help Filipinos get back on their feet after a calamity. This means it is not for other emergencies such as hospital bills unrelated to calamity.
Pag-IBIG members qualified for this emergency loan can only file up to 90 days after the State of Calamity has been declared.
Related Article: Pag-IBIG Guide: Contribution, Online Verification, Loans
Cash Advance from Company
Eligibility:
Some company owners require the employee to work with them for at least a few months before they approve a cash advance. Other employers require employees to sign a payment agreement before approving a cash advance.
Pros:
Emergency loan in your company is possible in the form of cash advance or “bale.” Note that not all companies allow cash advances, but you can ask your boss or the HR department if your emergency qualifies for one. Cash advance from your own company usually has no interest or fees to be paid.
Cons:
Once your cash advance is approved, the payment will be deducted directly from your salary. Aside from this, the payment terms may not be favorable because your company will only aim to collect the money you borrowed.
Related Article: Are You Really Qualified for Pag-IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan?
Pawnshops
Eligibility:
You will need an item to use as collateral for a loan.
Pros:
The process is fast and simple, though you must go to a pawnshop personally.
Cons:
If you fail to settle your loan, you will lose the valuable item you have pawned. Also, there are alleged claims that some pawnshops breach their policies and scrape parts of jewelry.
Emergency Cash Loans in an Hour
Getting emergency cash loans in an hour is now possible with the new technology integrated with the loan process.
You can now fill in an online application form and upload your documents to the secured website. All of this just takes at least 5 minutes. Then wait for a verification officer to call to confirm the needed information. The loan proceeds will be sent directly to your bank account once your application has been approved.
In case you do not have a personal bank account, online moneylenders such as Cash Mart also disburse cash through payroll accounts.
Here at Cash Mart, we value the time of our customers. This is why we always seek ways to improve our online process for your emergency needs.
How to Ensure Fast Loan Process at Cash Mart
To ensure that your application gets processed in an hour, you must fill in the necessary information correctly. Ensure that your contact details are always accessible to you. Furthermore, make sure that you only upload clear colored copies of your documents.
Our friendly credit officers will guide you through calls and emails. This is why you have to use an active email when signing up. In case the loan officer is unable to contact you, you will receive an email to help you get through the remaining part of the process. Feel free to ask any inquiries or clarification during the verification call.
Once approved, you will receive your loan contract you have to read through. Ensure that you can send back every page of the contract. Once your contract has been verified, your cash loan will be disbursed directly to your personal bank account.
Conclusion on Emergency Loans
Emergencies happen at the most unexpected times. No matter how stressful these moments are, make sure to get an urgent cash loan today that fits your needs and finances. While you need cash as soon as possible, you have to ensure you get it from a registered moneylender who understands you.
When an emergency need arises, get a quick cash loan only from Cash Mart.
