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Study Now, Pay Later With SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP)

Access to quality higher education can change lives, but tuition costs can be a challenge. Thankfully, the SSS offers the Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP) to help alleviate the financial burden through an easy, extended, “study now, pay later”setup.

In this guide, you’ll learn that SSS isn’t just about retirement or maternity; it’s also there to help you or your child through school with its educational loan program for eligible members and their dependents.

Table of Contents

What Is the SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP)?

The EALP is a special loan fund created by SSS (in cooperation with the national government), starting in 2012, to help member-borrowers or their beneficiaries finance tuition and school-related fees for approved undergraduate programs. Unlike typical loans, it offers flexible repayment starting only after graduation, giving borrowers breathing room to settle their obligations.

Who Can Apply?

A. First-Time Applicants

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

    1. Must be an SSS member under 60 years old
    2. Have a monthly income of ₱25,000 or below
    3. Must have at least 36 posted SSS contributions, with 6 of those within the last 12 months
    4. Must be up-to-date on all SSS loans (including housing and salary loans). Members with overdue balances are disqualified.

    B. Existing EALP Borrowers (For Subsequent Applications)

      • At least 6 contributions in the past 12 months
      • Must be up-to-date on all existing loans, including previous EALP

      Who Can Be a Beneficiary?

      You can apply for a loan for one beneficiary only per full loan cycle. Eligible beneficiaries include:

      • The SSS member (self)
      • Legal spouse
      • Child (legitimate, illegitimate, or legally adopted)
      • Sibling (only if single, including half-brother or half-sister)

      Each SSS member can only have one EALP beneficiary per loan cycle, and substitution of the beneficiary is not permitted under any circumstances. However, once the existing loan has been fully paid and funds are available, the member may apply again for a different qualified beneficiary.

      It is also important to note that full scholars, those who do not have any tuition or miscellaneous fee balances, are not eligible for the EALP.

      What Courses Are Covered?

      The EALP supports students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs at universities or colleges recognized by:

      • Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
      • Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
      • Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
      • Other government-recognized educational institutions

      Graduate, master’s, doctorate, law, senior high, or preschool programs are not covered.

      What Are the Scholarship Benefits?

      Degree Courses (4–5 years)

      Up to ₱20,000 per term or the actual tuition balance, whichever is lower. The maximum loan amounts for the entire duration of the study are as follows:

      • 4-year programs: ₱160,000
      • 5-year programs: ₱200,000

      Vocational/Technical Courses (2 years)

      Up to ₱10,000 per term or actual balance, whichever is lower. The maximum loan amounts for the entire duration of the study are as follows:

      • 4 semesters: ₱40,000
      • 6 semesters: ₱60,000

      Interest Rates and Charges

      • National Government share: 0% interest
      • SSS share: 6% annual interest on diminishing principal
      • Maintenance charge: 2% of the total consolidated loan
      • Penalty for late payment: 1% per month
      • Check replacement fee: ₱300 (use SSS Form R-6)

      How to Apply

      Documentary Requirements

      1. EALP application form.
      2. Proof of relationship to the beneficiary (any of the following):
        • Birth certificate
        • Baptismal certificate
        • Marriage certificate
      3. Proof of salary or income (latest copy of any of the following):
        • Payslip
        • Employment contract
        • Employer’s certification of basic salary
        • Income tax return
        • Certificate of Compensation Payment/Tax Withheld (BIR Form 2316)
        • Affidavit of Source and Amount of Monthly Income
        • Affidavit of No Income
      4. One valid primary ID or two valid secondary IDs

      Application Process

      1. Get the EALP application form.
      2. Fill out the form completely (the beneficiary must co-sign if 18+).
      3. Submit the application along with the required documents to the SSS branch where the loan will be processed.
      4. Wait for approval. Upon approval, a loan check will be issued to the school, not the borrower.
      5. Pick up the check from the same SSS branch.
      6. Subsequent applications for the same beneficiary must be filed every term.

      Loan Repayment: When and How You’ll Start Paying

      You won’t need to repay your loan right away. Repayment begins after a grace period, which gives you time to settle into work after school. Here’s when repayment starts, depending on your school’s schedule:

      • 18 months after the last loan release (for semester-based programs)
      • 15 months (for trimester-based programs)
      • 14.5 months (for quarter-based programs)

      Once that period ends, your loan will be consolidated (all disbursed amounts plus interest and charges will be added together), and you’ll start making monthly payments.

      Repayment Term Options:

      • Up to 5 years for degree programs
      • Up to 3 years for vocational/technical courses
      • Actual repayment term depends on:
        • Your preferred term
        • Loan amount (e.g., ₱20,000 = 1 year; ₱80,000 = 4 years)
        • Your age (must not be over 65 by the end of term)

      If the loan remains unpaid, the balance will be deducted from any future SSS benefits (e.g., retirement, disability).

      Additional Tips for Applicants

      • Apply early in the term to avoid delays in check release.
      • Make sure all documents are current and accurate, especially school certifications.
      • If your beneficiary is 18 or older, they must co-sign the loan as a co-borrower.
      • Keep your contact information updated using SS Form E-4.
      • Full payment of one loan allows you to reapply for a different beneficiary (subject to fund availability).
      • Check replacements must be requested using the proper form and will incur a ₱300 fee.

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

      1. Can I apply for EALP even if I already have a salary or housing loan with SSS?
        Yes, but only if your existing loans are up to date. Members with overdue loan payments are not eligible for EALP.
      2. Can my sibling be my beneficiary if they’re already married?
        No. Only single siblings (including half-siblings) are eligible as EALP beneficiaries. If your sibling is married, they do not qualify under the program’s rules.
      3. Can I apply online for the EALP?
        As of now, EALP applications must be filed at the SSS branch where they will be processed. Always check with your local branch for updates.
      4. Can I use the EALP for postgraduate studies like a master’s or doctorate?
        No. The EALP is only for undergraduate and vocational/technical courses offered by accredited institutions.
      5. What happens if my beneficiary stops schooling?
        The loan will still be subject to repayment based on the amount already released. You cannot transfer the remaining loan to a new beneficiary.

      Final Thoughts

      The SSS Educational Assistance Loan Program (EALP) is a practical and generous solution for Filipino families who need help sending a loved one to college or vocational school. With low interest, a long grace period, and clear terms, it’s one of the most accessible financing options available to private-sector workers in the country. Make the most of this opportunity and plan ahead—education is an investment that pays off for life.

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