Understanding the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines and Loan Repayment



Modified on: Tue, 23 Sep, 2025 at 8:56 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is the Social Security System (SSS)?


The Social Security System (SSS) is a government-mandated social insurance program in the Philippines designed to provide financial protection to private sector workers and their beneficiaries. It covers various benefits including:

  • Retirement (optional at age 60, mandatory at 65)
  • Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Sickness and Disability
  • Death and Funeral Benefits


To qualify for retirement benefits, members must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions before the semester of retirement. Benefits may be received as a monthly pension or a lump sum, depending on the member’s total contributions and years of membership.

SSS Loans and How to Apply

SSS offers several loan programs to eligible members, including:


Salary Loan

A short-term loan for qualified members to meet immediate financial needs. More information in Salary loan | Republic of the Philippines Social Security System 



Application Steps:

1. Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet the following criteria:

  • Active SSS Membership: You must be a currently registered and active member.
  • Contribution History: You should have at least 36 total monthly contributions, with 6 posted within the last 12 months prior to your application.
  • Employment Status:
    • Employed: Your employer must be up-to-date with SSS contributions and loan remittances.
    • Self-Employed / Voluntary / OFW: You must be current with your contributions.
  • Loan Status: You must not have any existing loan defaults. Previous loans must be fully paid or in good standing.


2. Prepare the Requirements

To apply, you’ll need:

  • My.SSS Online Account: Register at https://www.sss.gov.ph if you haven’t already.
  • Disbursement Account: You must have an active UMID card or a bank/e-wallet account enrolled in the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM).

Accepted disbursement channels include:

  • Peso savings/current account in an SSS-accredited bank
  • PESONet-participating bank account
  • UnionBank Quick Card
  • PayMaya or GCash (if enrolled as a disbursement channel)


3. Apply Online via My.SSS

Once you're ready:

  1. Log in to your My.SSS account.
  2. Navigate to E-Services > Apply for Salary Loan.
  3. Review the loan details including:
    • Loan amount
    • Loan term
    • Disbursement channel
  4. Tick the certification box to confirm your understanding and agreement.
  5. Click Proceed to submit your application.

You’ll receive a confirmation email and SMS once your application is successfully submitted.


4. Employer Certification (For Employed Members)

After submission:

  • Your employer will receive an email notification from SSS to certify your loan application online.
  • Once your employer certifies the application, SSS will begin processing your loan.

Note: If you're employed through Horizons, please contact support@joinhorizons.com to request employer certification.


5. Loan Disbursement

If your loan is approved:

  • The amount will be credited to your enrolled bank account or e-wallet within 3–5 working days (sometimes sooner).
  • You can monitor the status of your loan by logging into My.SSS > Inquiry > Loans Info.


Calamity Loan

Available to members residing in areas officially declared under a state of calamity. More information in Calamity Loan Assistance Program | Republic of the Philippines Social Security System 


Eligibility Requirements:

  • Registered in My.SSS
  • At least 36 monthly contributions, with 6 posted in the last 12 months
  • Must reside in a calamity-declared area and have suffered property damage
  • No past due loans or existing loan restructuring programs

Repaying SSS or Pag-IBIG Loans While Employed Through Horizons

Employees based in the Philippines can continue repaying their SSS or Pag-IBIG Fund loans while employed through Horizons.


How It Works:

  1. Send a copy of your loan voucher to our support team at support@joinhorizons.com.
  2. Our team will coordinate your monthly amortization and ensure timely and accurate submission of your loan repayments.



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