GSIS offers loan payment refunds as relief measure

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is offering to refund its members’ loan payments in cash as part of a relief measure to support the National Government’s efforts to ease Filipinos’ financial burden.

Under the “Balik Ginhawa” modified loan moratorium program, GSIS’ qualified members and pensioners can get cash for their immediate needs by refunding three months’ worth of loan payments.

“Unlike a traditional loan moratorium where members temporarily stop paying and receive the benefit gradually over several months, Balik Ginhawa provides assistance through a refund mechanism, allowing members to receive the equivalent of three months’ loan amortizations in one lump sum,” the GSIS said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Under Balik Ginhawa, GSIS will continue loan deductions. The equivalent of three months of loan amortizations covering December 2025 to February 2026 will be returned to members through direct crediting to their accounts.”

GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” A. Veloso said the program is part of the pension fund’s commitment to support the administration’s efforts to assist government workers.

It supports the whole-of-government approach under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport or UPLIFT program of the Marcos administration that aims to cushion the impact of rising costs.

“We are fully aligned with the President’s directive to ease the burden on our government workers. Through the Balik Ginhawa program, GSIS is ready to provide immediate and meaningful financial relief to our members when they need it most,” Mr. Veloso said.

GSIS said based on its available data, which only covers non-housing loans, the average member pays P37,000 in monthly loan amortizations. Based on this example, a member’s lump-sum refund under the relief measure could reach up to P111,000.

“Since the refund is based on actual loan records, some members may receive the equivalent of only one or two months, depending on when their loan payments started,” it said.

“In total, an estimated over 3.2 million members and pensioners are expected to benefit from the program, with around P19 billion set to be refunded.”

Participation in the program is voluntary. Members who want to avail the refund program can apply via the GSIS Touch mobile application.

“Once approved, the loan term will be extended by three months without additional interest or penalties.”