MANILA, Oct. 16 -- State-run Social Security System (SSS) activated on Thursday its calamity loan program for members affected by the two powerful earthquakes in Davao Oriental.

In a statement, SSS said qualified members can avail of calamity loans of up to PHP20,000 with a 7 percent interest per annum.

Applications can be filed online through their My.SSS account and approved loans will be credited directly to the member's enrolled bank account.

To qualify for the calamity loan, members must reside or work in an area declared under State of Calamity; have at least 36 monthly contributions with at least six posted within the last 12 months before filing; have an active My.SSS account; have no past due loans or outstanding restructured ...