Retirees can now tap a government-backed loan to help bring solar power into their homes, with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) extending its Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL) to qualified pensioners beginning Sept. 30.
The move gives pensioners another financing option while the agency rolls out expanded assistance and benefits during National Pensioners Week.
Solar Financing Now Available to Retirees
Through the GSEL, eligible pensioners may borrow as much as P500,000 for the purchase and installation of a residential solar energy system.
Borrowers have up to five years to repay the loan, which carries an annual interest rate of 5 percent. GSIS said there are no application or service fees for the loan.
The program was first introduced in March 2026 for active government employees before being expanded to qualified pensioners.
More Benefits Added for Pensioners
The solar loan is part of a broader set of changes GSIS has introduced for its members and retirees.
Among the updates is the expanded coverage of the annual Christmas Cash Gift. Qualified pro-rata pensioners and those covered by the Portability Law can now receive the benefit, equivalent to one month’s pension or P10,000, whichever is lower.
GSIS also raised its funeral benefit to P50,000 from the previous P30,000. The higher benefit applies to qualified members and pensioners who died on or after July 13, 2026.
Another change involves survivorship pensions. GSIS removed the previous ceiling, allowing qualified surviving spouses to receive up to 50 percent of the deceased member or pensioner’s pension.
Nearly P20B Returned Through Loan Refunds
Beyond new benefits and financing options, GSIS is also continuing its Balik Ginhawa loan-refund program, which remains open for applications until the end of October.
The agency reported that nearly P20 billion had been returned as of Sept. 21 to more than 700,000 qualified members and pensioners. The refunds covered close to 1.6 million loan contracts.
Pensioners may also access GSIS general insurance products for areas such as fire, motor vehicles and personal accidents. The agency has a housing program as well, allowing qualified clients to lease GSIS-acquired properties with an option to buy.
