AS has become the standard practice of the Government Service Insurance System, they have once again promptly responded to the needs of their members, this time in the wake of Typhoon Carina. Just two days after the typhoon began to wreak havoc, it has rolled out again a calamity loan facility to offer immediate financial relief.
For the National Capital Region, Batangas, Rizal, and Cavite, loans can be availed from July 26, 2024, to October 25, 2024. In Pagsanjan, Laguna, the dates are from July 23, 2024, to August 22, 2024. For Sultan Kudarat, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Butuan (Agusan del Norte), Talakag, and Kibawe (Bukidnon), loans are available between July 10, 2024, and August 9, 2024. Lastly, in Siquijor, Numancia, and Buruanga (Aklan), availment period is from July 8, 2024, to August 6, 2024.
Active members and old-age/disability pensioners residing in the specified areas without an existing emergency loan can avail themselves of a P20,000 loan. Those with an existing emergency loan can avail of a P40,000 loan, with net proceeds not exceeding P20,000.
The availment dates are structured to provide ample time for those affected. The repayment period is three years, starting in August 2024, with monthly installments of approximately P1,264.06 for the P40,000 loan and P632.03 for the P20,000 loan.
A standout feature of the GSIS calamity loan process is the ease with which members can apply, particularly through the GSIS TOUCH app. This user-friendly mobile application allows for loan applications to be completed in under two minutes, a convenience that cannot be overstated during emergencies.
Unfortunately, an advisory has been issued stating that the app will be temporarily unavailable to Android users starting July 24, 2024, due to a necessary security upgrade, system maintenance, and a review by Google Playstore. The exact date of the app’s return is unspecified, which may pose an inconvenience for members needing immediate assistance. Nevertheless, iPhone users remain unaffected, and application forms are still downloadable from the GSIS website.
Despite this and other commendable services of GSIS, many still wonder why the dividends, which have been distributed to members over the years, have stopped in the last three to five years. We have yet to receive an explanation from the GSIS regarding this matter.
