In a country like ours, where minimum-salaried workers receive starvation wages, being a solo parent can be excruciatingly hard.
Recognizing the daunting challenges solo parents are faced with, our government has extended a hand of support by granting them an array of privileges and benefits.
These commendable reforms, such as the expanded solo parent welfare act provide much-needed relief to solo parents who endure the daily struggles of raising children on their own.
The Challenges
The emotional, physical, and financial challenges associated with raising a child alone can be extremely cumbersome for a solo parent. Managing the competing demands of work and family life can lead to severe exhaustion and debilitating burnout.
The problem can even be exacerbated by financial difficulties, like taking on multiple jobs or availing of government services where too many documents have to be submitted.
Additionally, the burden of grappling with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, alongside the limited opportunities to nurture themselves, can further complicate the already daunting obstacles single parents encounter each day. Thus, it’s crucial to give them the support and resources they need.
What Is RA 8972 Solo Parents Welfare Act?
The Philippine Republic Act 11861, which amended RA 8972, the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, aims to safeguard the rights of Filipino solo parents and provide them with adequate social protection.
It is intended to enable solo parents to live with dignity and provide acceptable living conditions for their children.
As a result of the enactment of this bill, solo parents have access to a variety of beneficial provisions. These include additional leave, educational and health-related assistance, and an array of social welfare services.
Solo parents also receive an identification card, allowing them to enjoy exclusive privileges and discounts.
Who Qualifies As a Solo Parent in the Philippines?
- A parent that is abandoned by the spouse
- A parent whose spouse has spent three months or more in prison
- A parent whose child was born as a result of rape
- The spouse is physically or mentally incapacitated
- Parents of minors whose spouses have passed away
- A parent whose spouse is an overseas Filipino worker, only if the OFW belongs to the low-skilled or semi-skilled worker category.
- A person with legal responsibility for minors, whether or not they are biological children
What Are the Benefits?
A comprehensive package of programs/services is available to solo parents, including income-generating activities, self-employment, education and training, employment-related benefits, psychosocial, health, and housing support.
What Is an Expanded Solo Parent Act?
The Philippine government adopted Republic Act No. 11861, also known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act to enhance and extend the existing privileges and incentives granted to parents. These include educational, financial, and a variety of other support services.
What Benefits Will Families Receive From An Expanded Solo Parent Law?
In addition to the existing benefits, the following are added to help and assist solo parents.
- Solo parents are eligible for a 20% discount on their hospital bills
- Scholarship for a parent and one child until the age of 21.
- School supplies can be purchased for a 15% discount
- In the case of parents earning less than P250,000 annually, there is a 10% discount on goods for children up to six years of age, such as food, nutritional supplements, medications, vaccinations, as well as discounts on other health benefits.
- Parents with children in school who earn minimum wage or less will be prioritized for cash assistance under Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino.
- A cash subsidy is available to solo parents earning minimum wage or less from their local government. Such an incentive can only be granted if the parent is not receiving any other cash assistance from a govt funded program.
How Can Solo Parents Access Government Benefits And Services?
Single parents in the Philippines are able to access their benefits using a solo parent identification card.
How to Secure an Identification Card?
In order to secure a solo parent ID, you must submit the necessary paperwork to your local DSWD office. You will be required to register for the single-parent identification card by filling out an application form which will then be evaluated by social welfare officers.
How to Apply for an ID?
1. Bring the following documents and present them at the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office:
- Certification from your barangay confirming residency in your locality for the past six months
- A number of certificates, such as children’s birth certificates, spouse’s death certificates, and other relevant documents
- Documents supporting the sole parent’s income level, such as your income tax return.
2. As soon as all documents are received, the social worker ensures they are complete and enters them into the solo parent log book.
3. The ID will be issued within 30 days of filing. It is valid for one year and can be renewed.
What Are the Requirements When Applying for Benefits as a Solo Parent?
- Barangay certification
- Your child’s PSA birth certificate
- Solo parent certification from the barangay captain
- The DSWD’s application form
- Declaration of the nullity of marriage
- Certificate of no marriage (Cenomar).
- For employed and self-employed single parents, your income tax return (ITR) is required as proof of your financial status. additionally, you can get a certificate of income from your municipal or barangay treasurer
- Death certificate of spouse, or medical certificate as proof of mental capacity if incapacitated
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the monthly allowance for a solo parent in the Philippines?
If you are a single parent earning the minimum wage or less, you will qualify for a monthly cash subsidy of 1,000 pesos from the local government unit, but only if you are not a recipient of any other government-funded cash assistance program.
What is RA 8972 parental leave?
In accordance with the Civil Service Commission’s Memorandum Circular No. 08, series 2004, the term “Parental Leave” refers to the privileges granted to a single parent for the purpose of carrying out parental duties and responsibilities that may require physical presence, including care of children, as well as taking care of one’s spouse.
Solo parents are entitled to an additional 7 days of leave. These leaves cannot be converted to cash, and they can only be used by employees who have worked for their company for at least one year.
If parenting leave is not used, does the government allow it to accumulate for future use?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. It is non-cumulative.
Here is a link to a valuable resource for a more detailed explanation of implementing regulations concerning parental leave afforded to solo parents