How much is the pension of PWD in the Philippines?
The pension of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines is a topic that has been oftentimes overlooked. Despite the fact that PWDs comprise 10 percent of the total population, their contributions to society are sometimes disregarded.
The Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR) notes that “[PWDs] face significant economic and social obstacles which prevent them from participating fully in many aspects of life”. This is due to limited access to education, employment, and healthcare.
To address this issue, the Philippine government has established a program called the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens, which provides financial assistance to those aged 60 and above who meet certain income criteria.
What is the Social Pension Program?
The Social Pension Program is a government-funded program aimed at providing financial assistance to indigent senior citizens. It was designed to help older individuals cope with their daily expenses such as food, clothing, and medical needs.
Eligibility requirements include being aged 60 or over, having no regular source of income or support from family or other sources, and having an annual income of not more than PHP60,000 (roughly $1,200 USD).
Individuals who qualify for the pension receive a monthly stipend of PHP3,000 ($60 USD), however, it varies with case to case.
How much does PWD receive through this program?
Under the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens, PWDs are eligible to receive an additional monthly stipend of PHP500 ($10 USD) on top of their regular pension benefit.
This means that PWDs receiving a pension under this program will receive PHP3,500 ($70 USD) each month.
How do I apply for PWD pension in the Philippines?
To apply for this pension program, you must contact your local municipality office or barangay hall and fill out an application form.
You will also need to provide proof of age such as:
- a birth certificate or valid identification card;
- proof of residence such as a barangay certificate or tax declaration;
- two recent ID photos;
- proof of disability such as a medical certificate issued by a qualified physician or doctor proving your condition.
Once these documents have been submitted and approved by the Local Government Unit (LGU), you can begin receiving your monthly stipend from the program within three months after approval.
Are there any other support programs available for PWDs?
Yes. Aside from the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens, there are several other programs available in the Philippines offering assistance to persons with disabilities.
These include:
- The Disability & Livelihood Assistance Program which provides vocational training services to persons with disabilities so they can find gainful employment;
- The Resource Mobilization & Utilization Project which provides funds for health equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids and prosthetics;
- The Accessible Environment Project which seeks to make public facilities accessible to persons with disabilities;
- The Mental Health Rehabilitation Assistance Program which helps persons with mental illnesses get access to counseling services and medication they require in order to manage their condition(s).
Who Is Eligible For A Pension For Persons With Disabilities?
In order to be eligible for a PWD pension, an individual must meet certain criteria. These include:
- Having a disability as certified by qualified health care professionals;
- Not having any other form of income or resources sufficient enough to maintain him/herself;
- Being an economically dependent member of a family where none of its members has sufficient income or resources for subsistence;
- Being over 18 years old.
What Does The PWD Pension Cover?
The PWD Pension covers various expenses related to food and housing needs including:
- Food expenses such as rice allowances & groceries
- Medical treatments such as doctor’s fees & medicines
- Basic necessities such as clothing & water bills
- Education expenses such as tuition fees & school supplies
- Transportation expenses such as travel costs & fares.
It may also cover other costs necessary for their daily needs depending on their individual circumstances.
Conclusion
The Philippine government recognizes that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) face many challenges in life due to limited access to resources like education and healthcare. To address this issue they have created several programs offering support in multiple ways.
The programs includes financial aid via the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens where PWDs can receive an extra monthly stipend on top of their regular pension benefit amounting up to PHP3,500 ($70 USD). Calculation for the regular pension is really simple with SSS Pension Calculator.
There are also some other programs specifically designed for PWDs like vocational training services under the Disability & Livelihood Assistance Program among others which aim at improving quality of life among these individuals both economically and socially speaking.