The SSS Direct Housing Loan Facility is a strategic program by the Social Security System of the Philippines, specifically crafted to empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with the opportunity to secure affordable and socialized housing for their families. It stands on the legal bedrock of the SSS charter and Philippine housing laws, ensuring equitable credit access. Targeting OFWs who are SSS members, the program offers benefits like loans up to PHP 2,000,000.00, with repayment terms up to 15 years and competitive interest rates.
To tap into this facility, OFWs must meet certain eligibility criteria, including a minimum member contribution history and age limit. The process involves a step-by-step application submission at designated SSS offices, accompanied by specific documentation to validate eligibility and financial capacity. This comprehensive initiative not only aims to provide stable shelter options for OFWs and their families but also aligns with the broader objective of enhancing the quality of life for Filipinos abroad.
What is the SSS Direct Housing Loan Facility?
The Social Security System in the Philippines is a ray of hope for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) aiming to provide a stable and secure home for their families through the Direct Housing Loan Facility. This program aligns with the government’s shelter programs, focusing on offering socialized and affordable accommodation solutions to OFWs, whether they are currently working abroad, awaiting contract renewal, or have settled overseas but wish to invest in a home for their loved ones back home.
Legal Foundation of the Program
While specific legal documents underpinning this facility were not mentioned, it’s understood that this program operates under the auspices of the SSS charter and relevant Philippine housing laws. These legal frameworks ensure that OFWs have equitable access to housing loans, contributing to the nation’s goal of providing decent shelter to every Filipino.
Benefits
Eligible members can look forward to the following advantages under this housing credits program:
- Maximum Loanable Amount: Up to PHP 2,000,000.00.
- Flexible Loan Terms: From 5 up to a maximum of 15 years, ensuring affordability.
- Competitive Interest Rates:
- Up to PHP 450,000 at 8% p.a.
- Over PHP 450,000 to PHP 1,000,000 at 9% p.a.
- Over PHP 1,000,000 to PHP 1,500,000 at 10% p.a.
- Over PHP 1,500,000 to PHP 2,000,000 at 11% p.a.
Who Can Apply?
The program is tailored for OFWs who are SSS members and meet the following criteria:
- A certified Overseas Filipino Worker.
- A voluntary OFW member of SSS.
- Has at least 36 months of contributions, with 24 continuous contributions before application.
- Not older than 60 at the time of application.
- Has not previously availed of an SSS housing loan.
- Updated in the payment of any existing SSS loans.
Documentary Requirements
Applicants must prepare:
- Mortgagor’s Application for Housing Loan with ID photos.
- Certificate of Loan Eligibility.
- Employment and income verification documents.
- Legal documents proving property ownership and its valuation.
- An affidavit committing to continue SSS premium payments during the loan period.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, focusing on proof of OFW status, financial capacity, and property details.
- File the Application: Submit your application at the nearest SSS branch or the Housing and Business Loans Department in Quezon City.
- Application and Inspection Fees: Pay the necessary fees, including an application fee and an inspection fee for property evaluation.
- Loan Processing: Await the evaluation of your credit application based on your financial capability, the appraised value of the property, and the actual need.
- Loan Approval and Release: Upon approval, comply with any remaining requirements to facilitate the credit release.
Tips to Maximize Benefits
- Early Preparation: Start gathering your documents as early as possible to avoid delays.
- Property Research: Invest time in researching properties that fit within the loan’s scope and your budget.
- Financial Management: Ensure you have a solid repayment plan to manage the loan alongside your other financial obligations.
Recent Updates
SSS Consolidated Loan Program for Easy Loan Settlement
The Social Security System offers the Consolidated Loan Program, which allows members with unsettled loan payments to easily pay off their loans by waiving penalties. This program is specifically designed for short-term member loans, such as salary, calamity, or emergency that are past due. Members can avail of the program through the agency’s online portal and choose to settle their credits through installment or one-time payment via GCash, Maya, or bank transfer. (PIA)
Extension of Penalty Condonation Program for Housing Loans by SSS
The SSS has extended its Penalty Condonation Program for Housing Loans (PCPHL), providing assistance to agency members with delinquent home credits. The deadline for the program has been set for February 28, 2023, giving concerned individuals additional time to rectify their delinquent home credit accounts and preserve their properties. To check eligibility, visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Social Security System and look for the relevant post. Applications can be submitted to the nearest Housing and Acquired Assets Management Section Offices or the Housing and Acquired Assets Management Department located at 12/F, SSS Main Building, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
In this session, the panel from SSS discusses the Direct Housing Loan Facility for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Discover how OFWs can take advantage of this program to fulfill their dream of owning a home. Learn about the eligibility criteria, application process, and the benefits it offers to OFWs.
Video: SSS DIRECT HOUSING LOAN FACILITY FOR OFW | ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET APPROVED
In this video, the vlogger discusses the SSS Housing Loan Program specifically designed to support the government’s shelter program for OFWs. The Direct Housing Loan Facility aims to provide socialized and affordable housing options for overseas Filipino contract workers. Stay tuned for more details!