SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program – How To Apply for an Educational Assistance Loan In SSS

SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program. The Social Security System (SSS) Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP) serves as an important support structure for Filipino students pursuing academic progress. Established in 2012, the EALP provides financial assistance to SSS members and their dependents in order to assist them with managing the costs associated with pursuing college degrees or vocational and technical training. A P7 billion fund co-funded by the National Government and the Social Security System enables this program to meet the critical need for financial support in education, creating opportunity and growth for many Filipino families.

For SSS members earning P25,000.00 or less per month and with adequate contributions records, the EALP is able to offer loans of up to P20,000.00 per term for degree courses, and up to P10,000.00 per term for vocational/technical courses. A financial mechanism such as this is not merely a pledge towards the empowerment of individuals, but it is an attempt to ensure that the pursuit of an education is not impeded by economic factors.

The SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program is a financial aid program designed to assist SSS members in covering the costs of their education or that of their dependents. This loan can be used to pay for tuition fees and other essential academic expenses, making education more accessible for low- and middle-income families.

Read also: SSS Salary Loan – Eligibility And Online Application

First-time Applicants

• A member-borrower who is younger than sixty (60) years of age.
• Members whose actual monthly income or basic salary is less than Php25,000.00.
• At least thirty-six (36) member-borrowers have contributed monthly, six (6) of which were posted within the last twelve (12) months, prior to filing the EALP application.
• Member-borrowers who are up-to-date with salary/housing payments and other member loan amortization. Those with overdue accounts are not eligible for the EALP.

Existing EALP member-borrowers (subsequent applications)

• The member-borrower must have made six (6) monthly contributions within the twelve (12) months prior to filing the subsequent EALP application.
• Those member-borrowers who are up-to-date in their payments for salary/housing and other member loans, including EALPs. Those with overdue accounts are not eligible for the ensuing EALP.

• Application form for EALP
• A valid identification card or document
• Statement of Assessment/Billing for the School
• A proof of monthly income or salary
• A proof of relationship to the beneficiary (for new applicants)

Read also: SSS Pension Loan – SSS Pension Loan Online Application

• The member-borrower
• The legal spouse of a member-borrower
• A member-borrower’s child (legitimate, illegitimate, or legally adopted)
• A sibling of the member-borrower. The civil status of a single person includes half-brothers/sisters.

NOTE: No beneficiary substitutions will be allowed. The EALP provides exemptions for full scholars with no tuition, miscellaneous fees, or assessment balance. Members-borrowers are eligible to borrow for one beneficiary each. Upon full payment of the EAL and subject to the availability of the EALP fund, another/new covered beneficiary may be covered.

Universities and colleges that offer undergraduate courses that are recognized by the following:

• CHED (Commission on Higher Education) for degree programs
• For vocational/technical courses, the TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) is the authority
• Courses related to aviation are offered by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
• The Philippine Government has duly recognized these institutions

Read also: SSS Calamity Loan Assistance Program

The loanable amount

The aggregate allocation shall be calculated based on the beneficiary’s current year and term at the time of the initial EALP application, but not to exceed the following maximum limits:

A Degree Program

• The maximum amount is Php20,000.00 per semester/trimester/quarter or the lower of the net tuition balance, miscellaneous fees, or assessment balance on a cash basis.
• The maximum number of semesters/12 trimesters/16 quarters available for a 4-year degree program or its equivalent shall be eight semesters/12 trimesters/16 quarters, or Php180,00.00 when the entire allocation is used.
• In the case of a 5-year degree program or its equivalent, the maximum number of availments is ten semesters/15 trimesters/20 quarters, resulting in a maximum allocation of Php200,000.00 per semester.

Technical/Vocational Course (2-year course)

• The maximum amount per semester/trimester is Php10,000.00 or the net tuition, miscellaneous fees, or assessment balance, whichever is lower on a cash basis.
• There shall be a maximum number of availments for a semester program of four semesters or a maximum allocation of P40,000.00 per semester.
• There is a maximum number of availments for a trimester program of 6 trimesters, or a maximum of P60,000.00 allocated for the entire program.

NOTE: The loan amount will be funded 50:50 by the National Government (NG) and SSS.

Read also: SSS Conso Loan Program – How To Apply For SSS Conso Loan

• NG portion: zero interest.
• SSS portion: 6% per annum interest based on the decreasing principal balance until fully paid.
• The consolidated loan (comprising all releases plus all accrued interests from the actual release date to the date of consolidation).
• Maintenance charge: 2% of the consolidated loan balance (SSS and NG), which shall also be included in the amortization calculation. The existing EALP member-borrowers without a subsequent EAL approved under these revised guidelines are exempt from this provision.
• Penalty: Any unpaid amortization will be charged at 1% per month.
• Service fee: A fee of Php300 will be charged for the replacement of an EALP check.

NOTE: A limited amount of funding is available for Educ-Assist Loans. Applications will be accepted again once an announcement has been made.

A first EALP Application

• Documents/cards of identification that are valid
• Completed the EALP Application Form
• Statement of assessment/billing for the current school
• Providing proof of the borrower’s salary/income on a monthly basis
• Documentation proving the beneficiary’s relationship

A subsequent application for EALP

• A valid identification card or document
• Completed the EALP Application Form
• Currently issued assessment/billing statement by the school of the member/beneficiary

Read also: SSS Loan Application Form – Download – Submit Process

Checks shall be payable to the school and must be picked up personally by the member-borrower or his/her authorized representative at the SSS branch where the EALP Application was filed/processed.

Subsequent releases will be made after submitting another completed EALP Application every school term until the course is completed or until the allocation has been exhausted, whichever occurs first.

• The billing statement will be issued on the month following the consolidation of the EAL. The billing statement may be sent via mail or electronic transmission.
• The deadline for payment shall be determined in accordance with SSS Circular No. 2019-014.

Applicable Month	Payment Deadline
December 2020	31 January 2021
January 2021	28 February 2021
February 2021	31 March 2021
… and so on	… and so on

• A member-borrower shall use the SS Form ML-1 (Member Loan Payment Return) or the Payment Slip for Short-Term Member Loans upon payment with their name, Social Security number, and Payment Type as “Educational” indicated on the form.
• The SSS Brach with Tellering facility or an SSS accredited bank may be used to make payments. As soon as payment via accredited non-bank remittance agents is allowed, a separate advisory will be issued.
• The employer may also deduct payment from the employee’s salary. On the Loans Collection List (LCL or ML-2), employer shall use “E” for the Loan Type, and either the initial EAL date or consolidation date, whichever is applicable, for the Loan Date. The loan information shall remain the same until all outstanding EAL accounts have been assigned their Loan Account Numbers (LAN).
• A beneficiary over the age of 18 who is a legal user of the EAL account shall also be billed through his employer, if any, if the account becomes past due for six (6) months.

Here are some steps to apply SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program:

Get the Application Form

• Visit the nearest SSS branch or download the form from the official SSS website.
• Fill in your details, including your full name, SS number, birthdate, and contact information.

Provide Loan Details

• Enter the loan amount you need and the purpose (e.g., school expenses).
• Ensure you have at least six monthly contributions in the last 12 months if you are reapplying.

Submit Required Documents

• For first-time applicants:
  • Valid ID
  • Completed application form
  • School assessment or billing statement
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of relationship to the student (if applicable)
• For reapplicants:
  • The same documents as above
  • School certification (valid for one month)

Understand Repayment Terms

• If you have an existing loan, repayment follows your initial loan agreement.
• New applicants will have a repayment term based on their preferred schedule and age eligibility.

Choose a Payment Method

• Pay at SSS branches with teller services.
• Use accredited banks (SS Form ML-1).
• Salary deduction (your employer will deduct and submit payments).

Replacement Borrower (If Needed)

• If the original borrower passes away or becomes disabled, a legal spouse, sibling, or beneficiary can take over the loan, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Keep Your Contact Details Updated

• Inform SSS of any changes in your contact details by submitting an SS Form E-4 at any SSS branch.

These simple steps will help you successfully apply for the SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program.

Filling out the Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP) form is easy if you follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Complete Member-Borrower Information

• Type of Loan: Indicate if this is a new loan or a renewal.
• SSS Number: Write your Social Security System (SSS) number.
• Full Name: Enter your complete name as registered with SSS.
• Date of Birth & Beneficiary Details: If applying for someone else, include their birth date and your SS number.
• Address: Provide your current home and mailing address.
• Contact Information: Enter your phone number and email for updates.
• Beneficiary Details: If the loan is for a beneficiary, write their name and relationship to you.

Step 2: Sign the Certification, Agreement, and Promissory Note

• Certification: Confirm that all information provided is correct.
• Agreement: Read and agree to the loan terms before signing.
• Promissory Note: Sign to promise repayment based on agreed terms.

Step 3: School Representative Completes Their Section

• School Information: The school official will fill in the school’s name, address, and certification regarding fees.

Step 4: Follow the Instructions While Filling Out the Form

• Read the form carefully before filling it out.
• Use black ink and write clearly.
• Do not leave required fields blank; write “N/A” if not applicable.

Step 5: Provide Valid Identification (ID) Documents

• Primary IDs: Examples include an SSS card, passport, or driver’s license.

Step 6: Review the Terms and Conditions

• Read the terms and conditions carefully before signing.
• Signing means you agree to all SSS policies regarding the loan.

Step 7: Authorizations and Disclosures

• Disclosures: Allow SSS to verify your details.
• Authorization: Sign to permit SSS to review your loan application.

Step 8: Get Your Application Acknowledgment Receipt

• Receipt Stub: This serves as proof of submission.
• Make sure an SSS officer signs and stamps it.

Step 9: Follow Final Reminders

• Check the SSS website or call their hotline for updates.
• Ensure all details match your official documents.
• Submit before the deadline to avoid delays.

By following these easy steps, you can complete your SSS EALP application quickly and correctly!

• Repayment shall begin following the consolidation of the EAL, which is eighteen (18) months for semiannual programs, fifteen (15) months for quarterly programs or fourteen (14) months and fifteen (15) days for quarter programs after the month of last release.
• Payment terms for degree courses are up to five (5) years and three (3) years for vocational and technical courses.
• When the account is consolidated, the repayment term will be determined according to the following criteria, whichever is shorter:

• Preferred member-borrower term as per Initial EALP Application.
• Following are the schedule of terms based on the principal loan:

Principal Loan	Term
Php20,000 or less	1 year
Php20,001 – Php40,000	2 years
Php40,001 – Php60,000	3 years
Php60,001 – Php80,000	4 years
More than 80,000Php	5 years

• Adjusted term, whereby the member must not reach the age of 65 at the end of the installment term, or if not applicable, one (1) year shall be the maximum repayment period.

NOTE: This provision does not apply to existing EALP member-borrowers without approval of a subsequent EAL under these revised guidelines. The repayment term will be based on their preferred term as stated in the initial EALP application.

• Any unpaid EAL balance will be deducted from the member’s future benefit.
• When the EAL is due for repayment, all semester/trimester/quarter releases shall be consolidated, including the accrued interest during the period between the actual date of release and the date of consolidation. Over the repayment period, the consolidated loan together with the herein imposed maintenance charge shall constitute the principal loan to be amortized.

Other Loan Conditions

• The beneficiary of legal age shall sign the EALP Application to bind him/her as a co-borrower to the EALP. As such, he/she shall remain jointly and severally liable to pay all outstanding EALP obligations.
• The school’s certification shall have a valid period of one (1) calendar month from the date of issuance, except for EALP check reprocessing transactions, where the corresponding EALP Application may be used for loan reprocessing.
• A replacement sponsor may be allowed if the original sponsor has been granted final benefit and the EAL has been fully paid.
• Please notify SSS of any changes or updates to your contact information by completing Form E-4 (Member Data Change Request).

SSS Warns The Public About A Fake Scholarship Program

The Social Security System has issued a warning regarding fake posts claiming to offer scholarship opportunities. There are suspicious links in these posts, which include the SSS logo and lead to an unverified website. It is important to note that the agency does not offer scholarship programs on a regular basis, and advises the general public to remain cautious of such misleading information.

SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program: Providing Affordable Loans For Educational Expenses

The Education Assistance Loan Program (EALP) in the Philippines is a joint initiative between the Social Security System and the National Government. This fund aims to assist members and beneficiaries in covering the costs associated with pursuing college degrees and vocational courses. In order to qualify for the program, interested members must meet certain criteria, including being below 60 years of age, having a monthly income of P25,000 or less, and having at least 36 contributions posted. This program provides financial assistance for education up to the maximum loanable amount of P20,000 per semester, trimester, or quarter.

This program offers numerous advantages to borrowers, including:

• Low Interest Rates: Compared to other educational loan options, the SSS loan comes with competitive interest rates.
• Flexible Repayment Terms: Members can repay the loan in affordable installments.
• Accessible to Many Filipinos: As long as the applicant is an SSS member in good standing, the loan is relatively easy to obtain.
• Supports Higher Education: Helps students pursue college or vocational courses without excessive financial worries.

• Loan Coverage: The program provides loans to support tuition and miscellaneous fees for qualified beneficiaries.
• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, member-borrowers must be below 60 years old, have a monthly basic salary or income not exceeding PHP 25,000, possess at least 36 posted monthly contributions (with six contributions within the 12 months prior to application), and be up-to-date with all existing SSS loan payments.
• Beneficiaries: The loan can be used by the member-borrower, their legal spouse, children (including legitimate, illegitimate, or legally adopted), and siblings (including half-siblings) if the member is unmarried. Married members may have up to two beneficiaries, while unmarried members are allowed one.
• Loan Amounts: For degree courses, the loan can cover up to PHP 20,000 per semester, with a total allocation of up to PHP 160,000 for a four-year course and PHP 200,000 for a five-year course. For vocational/technical courses, the loan can cover up to PHP 10,000 per semester, with a total allocation of up to PHP 40,000 for a two-year course.
• Interest Rates and Repayment Terms: The loan features favorable terms, including a 6% annual interest rate on the SSS-funded portion, calculated on a diminishing principal balance. Repayment begins after a grace period post-graduation, with terms varying based on the total loan amount.

Who qualifies for an SSS educational loan?

Ans: For your SSS educational loan application to be approved, you must be 60 years old or younger by the end of the installment period. Actively paying 36 contributions, including six payments within 12 months before the application. As an overall income, you earn less than PHP 25,000 a month.

What is the penalty for educational loan SSS?

Ans: If a loan has been defaulted, its full balance will become due and payable. A defaulted account is subject to a 10% interest rate per annum on the outstanding principal balance, along with a 1% penalty per month on unpaid principal and interest until the account is fully paid.

How can I check my SSS education loan status?

Ans: Thru Check Verification of status may be made through the SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph or by contacting our Call Center at 920-6446 up to 55 or 917-7777. On approval of the member’s loan application, SSS will issue a disclosure statement concerning the loan transaction to the member-borrower.

The SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP) plays a crucial role in making higher education more accessible for Filipino students. By providing financial aid to qualified SSS members and their dependents, it helps alleviate the burden of tuition and other academic expenses. With flexible repayment terms and low-interest rates, the program ensures that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations. Through this initiative, the SSS continues to support the academic and professional growth of Filipino families.