How to get a Solo Parent ID and its benefits 2020
- There are 20 million single parents in the Philippines and this is expected to grow at 30.5% rate from 2017
- The government enacted laws such as the Republic Act No. 8972, known as the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000
- KAMI shared the qualification, process, requirements to avail a card and Solo Parent ID's benefits
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There are currently 20 million solo parents in the Philippines and it is expected to grow in a rate of 30.5% from 2017. According to Federation of Solo Parents, they expect this number to increase this year.
Being a single parent is not easy, thus, our government enacted laws to recognize their efforts. One of which is the Solo Parent ID which is a government-enforced ID for single parents which offers benefits and discounts.
KAMI would like to share what you need to know about this government-enforced ID card. Learn on the qualification, the process and requirements needed to avail and its benefits.
QUALIFICATION / Requirements for Solo Parent ID card in 2018:
Specifically, RA 8972 states that a solo parent is:
1. Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to the following circumstances:
a. Due to death of spouse
b. Spouse is detained or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year
c. Physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner
d. Legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one (1) year, as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children
e. Declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children
2. Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear her/his child/children
3. A woman who gives birth as a result of crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender, provided that mother keeps and raises the child
4. Any other person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children
5. Any family member who assumes the responsibility of head of family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent
How to get a Solo Parent ID in the Philippines?
In order to apply for Single Parent ID you should follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the required documents.
A. Barangay Certificate
Head to your barangay office to get this certificate that says you have resided in your barangay for the last six months. You may need to bring a valid government ID as proof of your address and cash for the processing fee.
B. Proof of financial status
This is your Income Tax Return (ITR). For working solo parents, your company should be able to provide you with your latest ITR. Otherwise (for stay-at-home and work-from-home parents), the DSWD worker will be able to identify what document you can file in place of an ITR.
C. Proof of your solo parent status
This differs depending on your situation. If you're a widow, for example, this can be your spouse's death certificate. This can also be a declaration of nullity of marriage or a medical certificate for parents with a spouse who is incapacitated.
If you are separated de facto from your spouse, meaning your separation was not recognized by the court, you may submit a certificate issued by your Barangay Captain indicating your circumstances as a solo parent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
D. Birth certificate/s of your child/children
E. Filled up Solo Parent ID application form
To be provided upon presentation and submission of requirements
Step 2: Submit your documents.
Head to your city or province's city/municipal social welfare and development office (check with City Hall). Your documents will be assessed and evaluated here by a social worker. It can take up to 30 days before your ID is issued.
Benefits of a Solo Parent ID card
Present your ID to avail of these benefits.
1. Flexible work schedule
The benefit of a flexible work schedule can mean that you may ask your employer for an earlier or later time-in and time-out to suit your needs as a solo parent. This is considering that it will not affect core work hours (as defined by the employer) and individual and company productivity.
2. Parental leave (7 days)
As a solo parent, you are entitled to an additional seven (7) days leave from work every year. This is provided that you have worked for your employer for at least a year and you have given at least a week's notice prior. The leaves are non-cumulative and not convertible to cash. More FAQs on solo parent leave answered here.
3. Protection against work discrimination
“No employer shall discriminate against any solo parent employee with respect to terms and conditions of employment on account of his/her status,” as stated in RA 8972.
4. If applicable, additional support and assistance
If the parent falls below the poverty threshold (as set by the National Economic and Development Authority) and is deemed eligible by a DSWD worker, the parent can avail of educational, housing, and medical benefits and assistance from the following agencies: Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the National Housing Authority (NHA).
How to renew Solo Parent ID card?
Once you are able to get your Solo Parent ID card, it would be valid for one and year. When it expires, the ID is renewable.
If you wish to renew it you have to bring your ID to a DSWD office near you and fill up the renewal form. You also have to bring a barangay certificate and your child's birth certificate.
Where to get Solo Parent ID in the Philippines?
Aside from going to a barangay office of your area to get a barangay certificate, you also need to bring the requirements to your city or province's city/municipal social welfare and development office, according to Smart Parenting.
Here are the social welfare and development offices in famous cities in the Philippines:
1. Quezon City - Quezon City Hall Social Services Development Department (SSDD) - City Hall Compound, Molave Youth Home
2. Manila - Department of Social Welfare and Development, Legarda St, San Rafael St, Quiapo, Manila
3. Marikina City - Marikina City Hall, Mcdonald Avenue, Sta. Elena, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila
4. Pasig City - Caruncho Avenue, Barangay San Nicolas, Pasig City
5. Cebu - Department of Social Welfare and Service (DSWS), Katipunan, Labangon, Cebu City
6. Davao -Department of Social Welfare and Development, Barreza, J P Laurel Avenue, Davao City, Davao Del Sur
The Single Parent ID is free and is valid for one year so it best to apply now and take advantage of the benefits and discounts.
Today our “victims” are people of Kavala. It is they who will answer the new set of really tricky questions our team has prepared. A little spoiler: some questions are about famous Italians! So… What about you? Are you smarter than these people we’ve met in the streets of the Philippines? Will you be able to give the correct answers to all tricky questions from this episode?Click “Play” to find out! -on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!
Source: KAMI.com.gh
