It may be challenging to raise a family if you don’t have a spouse or partner. Because of the financial difficulties and budget constraints, being a single parent is more difficult than ever. Please join the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in their attempt to improve the Solo Parent’s Welfare Act of 2000, if you haven’t already done so through the usage of a Solo Parent ID. Those who are single parents and raising their children on their own may find that having a Solo Parent ID and the benefits that come with it is helpful.
Be proud that you are a single parent because the fact that you are able to nurture, love, and care for your children without the assistance of a spouse or partner is quite admirable. You have an obligation to rejoice in all the benefits and opportunities that are made available to parents like you. Having said that, if you are planning on making use of the Solo Parent ID that is currently being given, there are a few things you need to be aware of first.
Table of Contents
Who is eligible for a Solo Parent ID?
According to the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, a person is eligible to receive the benefits of a Solo Parent if they meet any one of the following requirements:
- The mother of a child born as a direct consequence of rape or other crimes against chastity may retain and nurture the kid even if the perpetrator is never found guilty.
- A parent who is alone responsible for raising their children as a result of the following circumstances: the other parent has passed away; the other parent is detained for at least one (1) year; the other parent suffers from physical and/or mental incapacity; the parent has been legally separated from the other parent for at least one (1) year; the marriage has been declared invalid or annulled.
- An unmarried mother or father who has chosen to care for and raise her/his child(ren) alone rather than entrust them to the care of others or surrender them to a social service agency.
- Anyone other than a biological parent who is completely responsible for providing parental care and support to a child(ren).
- Any member of the family who steps forward to take charge of the child in the event that a parent or sole parent is unable to do so for an extended period of time due to circumstances such as death, abandonment, or disappearance.
What are the requirements for a Solo Parent ID?
If an individual meets all of these qualifications, they are eligible to submit an application to the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development (C/MSWD) for a Solo Parent Identification Card.
- Barangay certificate residency in the area.
- Documents/Evidence that the applicant is a solo parent (e.g. death certificate of spouse, declaration of nullity of marriage, medical certificate – if incapacitated)
- Income Tax Return (ITR) or certification from the barangay/municipal treasurer.
What is the process for acquiring a Solo Parent ID?
Upon securing that you are eligible and have gathered the aforementioned documents, you may proceed with the following steps:
- Bring the Documents Required to a DSWD Office in your LGU or Region
- Fill Out Solo Parent ID Application Form
- Submit your Documents to the DSWD Office
- Pay the Necessary Fees
- Wait for 30 days for your assessment and evaluation
- Claim your Solo Parent ID at the DSWD
What are the benefits?
You are now able to take advantage of the following perks as a Solo Parent, as you have successfully claimed your Solo Parent ID:
- Additional 7 days of vacation leave from work
- Comprehensive help package for a solo parent whose income falls below the poverty threshold as set by NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority)
- Psychological assistance
- Family protection assistance
- Educational Assistance from other government agencies such as DepEd, CHED, and TESDA.