Know Your Solo Parent Benefits in the Philippines

Being a solo parent can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when balancing work, childcare, and your well-being. Thankfully, laws have established solo parent benefits that recognize the unique struggles of single parenting. Here's a guide to the support you're entitled to, so you give your family the care, stability, and opportunities they deserve.

Do You Qualify as a Solo Parent?  

The passing of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861) broadened the definition of "solo parent." The law now recognizes caregiving situations that reflect the many ways people take on the responsibility of raising a child alone.

You qualify as a solo parent if you provide care to a child or children and your status is any of the following:

•    Unmarried mother or father who has custody of the child 
•    Spouse, family member, or guardian of children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
•    A pregnant woman who provides sole parental care 
•    A legal guardian, adoptive or foster parent who solely provides parental care 
•    A family member, like a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, who takes on the responsibility of caring for a child because the child's parents are unable to do so due to reasons like death, abandonment, or being away for at least six months

You're also considered a solo parent if you're raising children on your own due to the following reasons:

•    Legal separation for at least six months 
•    Declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage
•    Abandonment by the spouse for at least six months 
•    Death of the spouse 
•    Birth as a consequence of rape 
•    Detention of the spouse for a criminal conviction 
•    Physical or mental incapacity of the spouse as certified by a public or private medical practitioner

Solo Parent Benefits in the Philippines

Nine out 10 solo parents in the Philippines are women.

If you fit the solo parent criteria, you're entitled to the benefits mandated in the expanded Solo Parents' Welfare Act. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can get:

Work benefits

• Protection from discrimination. Employers must provide equal opportunities at work and not discriminate against solo parents based on their status.
• Annual parental leave*. Solo parents who have worked for at least six months are entitled to take up to seven days of paid parental leave annually whether they work in the government or in private companies.
• Child-minding centers. Employers should set up daycare centers where single parents can drop off their kids who are 7 years and under. This way, kids can be looked after without parents worrying about missing work. These centers should be located at or near the workplace.
• Flexible work schedule. Solo parents can adjust their arrival and departure times as long as it does not negatively affect the core hours set by their employer.

Educational benefits

• Scholarship programs. The Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will offer scholarship programs for solo parents. This includes a full scholarship for one child of a solo parent to attend schools for basic education, college, or technical training.

Financial benefits

• Social safety assistance. Solo parents and their children can receive food, medicine, and financial aid for home repairs in case of disasters, calamities, pandemics, and other public health crises.  
• Monthly cash subsidy. Local governments will provide a solo parent monthly allowance worth ₱1,000 for those who earn minimum wage or below.

Medical benefits

• Discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption. Solo parents get a 10% discount and a break from VAT starting from their child's birth until they're 6 years old on health-related purchases like baby formula, prescribed meds, vaccines, and other medical goodies.
• Automatic PhilHealth coverage. Solo parents who are not private or government employees will automatically receive coverage under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) managed by PhilHealth, with the costs paid by the national government.

Housing benefits

• Prioritization in housing projects. Government low-cost housing projects provide flexible payment options to solo parent applicants living below the poverty line, as identified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

*In addition to the seven-day leave, single moms get 120 days of paid maternity leave under the Expanded Maternity Leave Law. If you’re single and expecting, here’s your guide to claiming and filing SSS maternity benefits.

Solo parents can also receive perks from various government agencies or local municipalities where they live.

For example, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) provides a special lane for solo parents and their children when they apply for a passport at the same time. The parent's name should be reflected in the child’s PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth or PSA Report of Birth.

The Quezon City (QC) Council created an ordinance mandating restaurants within the city to grant registered QC solo parents a 20% discount every first and last Sunday of the month.

Solo Parent ID Requirements

You can apply for a Solo Parent ID at the DSWD office of your LGU.

The Solo Parent ID is your key to accessing benefits and perks. To apply, prepare documents proving you qualify as a solo parent. These include:

• Barangay certification. This is to certify where you have lived for the last six months. 
• Supporting certificates, such as your children’s birth certificate, your spouse’s death certificate, annulment papers, or medical certificate if your spouse is ill or incapacitated
• Valid ID. Present a government-issued ID with your photo and signature. 
• Proof of income. You can present your income tax return or any document showing your income.  
• Latest picture. The photo size should be 2x2 inches.  

Solo Parent ID Application

Once you’ve gathered all necessary documents, have them photocopied and submit them to your local Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Some local government units, like Quezon City, allow you to submit your solo parent application form online.

The DSWD office will give you an application form if you apply in person. Make sure to attach all the solo parent requirements. Once DSWD reviews and approves your documents, you may get your single parent ID after 30 days. The ID needs to be renewed yearly.  

Solo parent benefits are designed to ease the challenges of raising a child on your own. Know your rights and never hesitate to access the support meant to help you build a better future for your family. Remember, these resources exist for you, so make the most of them!

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