Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chair Frederick D. Go has provided strategic guidance to the Social Security System (SSS) on the implementation of a new micro-loan program aimed at expanding safe, affordable, and convenient access to short-term credit for SSS members.
The initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to protect Filipinos from high-cost informal lending, while providing timely financial support for urgent needs.
“Through the proposed SSS Micro-Loan Program, we are addressing the immediate cash needs of members by offering small, short-term loans at reasonable rates and with flexible repayment options,” Secretary Go said.
“This program will help steer members away from loan sharks and other high-cost, predatory lending schemes, while promoting responsible borrowing,” he added.
Under the proposed framework, the SSS will partner with participating banks and financial institutions to deliver the program through their digital platforms.
Key features of the proposed program will include loan amounts ranging from PHP 1,000 to PHP 20,000, depending on a member’s average monthly salary credit; flexible repayment terms from 15 to 90 days; and an interest rate of 8% per annum or 0.67% per month.
The program will be open to eligible SSS members aged 18 to under 65 years old, with at least 12 paid monthly contributions, and have no pending or settled retirement, total disability, or death benefit claims. Members with existing SSS loans may still qualify, subject to program limits.
The SSS is currently finalizing the program guidelines, systems integration, and partnerships with participating banks, with a pilot rollout targeted in the first half of 2026.
“This micro-loan program reflects our continued commitment to strengthening social protection and advancing financial inclusion for all Filipinos,” Secretary Go said.
