Government Loans Guide in 2019: SSS, GSIS & Pag-IBIG
(Updated November 2022)
There is a high chance that you have heard of government loans, but do you know how to apply for them?
Most Filipinos don’t know how these loans work and the importance of paying them off until the last cent. Yes, you may have heard some people acquiring such loans, but it is no secret that not everyone can avail of them.
Government Loans
Our government provides loans with lower interest rates and fewer required documents. Borrowers must be active members of the government agency they wish to borrow from.
If you are employed, your employer will also play an active part. Employers are the ones who usually file for your membership in the agency. Your monthly contributions are deducted from your salary by your employer. This amount is then forwarded to corresponding government agencies.
Regular monthly contributions will be the basis of your loan amount. This is why it is still best to continue the monthly contributions even if you went unemployed or shift your career to self-employed.
Pag-IBIG Fund
Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) is more popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund. It is created to give Filipino workers more affordable housing programs. Pag-IBIG stands for Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya at Gobyerno.
The membership is mandatory and offers two types of loans: Pag-IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan and Pag-IBIG Housing Loan.
Pag-IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan is to bridge a member’s financial gap. It can also be used for minor house repairs, school expenses, livelihood, and others. This is offered to members who have made at least 24 monthly contributions. At least the last five contributions were made six months before the loan application.
Pag-IBIG Housing Loan can be used for purchasing a house and lot or other residential properties, home construction, or a major house renovation. The minimum contribution required is 24 months. PagIBIG loan 2019 also requires the borrower to have a minimum income of ₱17,500 for those living in NCR and ₱14,000 for members in other regions.
Credit: Pag-IBIG
Social Security System (SSS)
The state may run the Social Security System, but it is created to insure Filipinos working in private, informal, and professional sectors. Self-employed can also be a member and may pay contributions. SSS has various benefits and loans for its active members.
SSS salary loan is offered to members with at least 36 months of monthly contributions. The amount of the loan will depend on the number of contributions made. SSS also has housing loans, which are very selective with a specific purpose.
Credit: SSS
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is a government-owned financial institution whose members are public employees. This corporation was created to provide an insurance system for government workers. The members can also get a loan with its amount depending on the number of contributions made.
GSIS does not have a salary loan but offers a consolidated salary loan. If the member has a couple of personal or salary loans, GSIS will pay for them. In return, you will pay the institution an interest rate. Other loans are more specific when it comes to eligibility. If you want to know more about how to avail GSIS housing loan, check its official website.
Credit: GSIS
When applying for a government loan, it is best to check first the eligibility requirements. This will help determine if you are pre-qualified to get a personal loan. It also saves time and effort.
Check and prepare the needed documents for a smoother process. Though these loans may offer lower interest rates than banks, make sure you only borrow when you really need it to avoid financial dilemmas.z
