State-run Social Security System (SSS) is expecting its net income to exceed P100 billion this year.

"So definitely, we'll reach the P100 billion mark in net income for 2025. So we estimate that in terms of percentage growth of net income, it will range from about 38 to about 43 percent year-on-year," SSS President and chief executive officer Robert Joseph de Claro said in a brieifng at the SSS office in Quezon City on Thursday.

Last year, the net income of SSS reached P90.2 billion.

De Claro said half of the projected net income for this year would come from the agency's investments.

For next year, SSS is projecting at least 8 percent further increase in its net income.

"We continue with our, I would say, the coverage drive. We implement a better collection mechanism. And then, we provide better education for those that are self-employed and voluntary to convince them on how or why they need to contribute to their social security," he said.

"So, those are, I would say, the three main drivers [of growth]."

Benefits and programs

Aside from the earlier announced pension increase, de Claro said the SSS would launch other programs for its members.

SSS is partnering with UnionBank for the launch of a micro loan facility in December this year.

The facility allows qualified members to avail of a low interest loan for a period of 15 to 90 days.

It is also working with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to further improve the pension benefits of overseas Filipino workers.

SSS is also partnering with pharmaceutical firm Unilab for the launch of the Alagang SSS program which allows members 60 years old and above to avail of special pricing for Unilab products.

Calamity loan

De Claro, meanwhile, said SSS already released almost P5 billion under its calamity loan program.

He said that as of Aug. 27, SSS released P4.97 billion to 279,884 borrowers.

The calamity loan program, designed to provide swift financial relief to members affected by natural disasters, features low interest rates, faster processing, and more flexible terms.

It is available to members residing or working in areas declared under a state of calamity.

Eligible members may borrow up to P20,000 with a two-year repayment period.