How to Get a Solo Parent I.D. in the Philippines?
Rearing a child alone is not an easy task, being a single parent who is financially incapable entails a more serious set of lifelong challenges.
Of course, every parent wants what is best for their children but it is not all the time that the odds are in our favor most especially if we are left with a huge chunk of responsibility to keep and raise a child without a partner.
True enough, there are a lot of challenges being faced and experienced by single parents on a daily basis.
This is why in the Philippines, a law is made specifically to support single parents to make sure that their wellbeing is being taken care of as well as their financial needs to become a productive and healthy unit of their own communities as well as to be able to contribute in the society they are in through their skills and talents.
This law is known as the Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000.
For solo parents to enjoy the perks and benefits provided by the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, it would be best for them to apply for a Solo Parent I.D. Do you know anyone who needs to read this?
Or are you, yourself, wants to know how and where to get the Solo Parent I.D.? You have come to the right place! Read along as we discuss the step-by-step guide on how to obtain a Solo Parent I.D. card here in the Philippines!
Who is eligible to apply for a Solo Parent ID Card?
Are you qualified to apply for a Solo Parent I.D. card? Or do you know somebody who you think is qualified to apply for a Solo Parent I.D. card? Check out below’s list to know if you are!
- A woman who gives birth and decided to raise the child who is a result of an unwanted event such as rape cases;
- A widow or a parent who has been left with the responsibility of raising the child or children due to the death of his or her spouse;
- A parent left with the responsibility of raising the child or children while his or her spouse is serving a parole or is currently detained due to law violation or criminal case conviction for at least one (1) year;
- A parent left with the responsibility of raising the child or children due to the physical or mental incapability of his or her spouse which should be certified by a public medical practitioner;
- A parent left with the responsibility of raising the child or children due to a legal separation from his or her spouse whether it was done through annulment or a de facto separation given that the terms of separation also stated that the other party has given the custody to the parent to keep, raise and live with the child or the children;
- A parent left with the responsibility of raising the child or the children due to a sudden abandonment of the other parent for at least one (1) year;
- An unmarried parent who decided to keep and raise a child or the children instead of sending the child or children to welfare institutions or leaving the child or children to someone else’s care and custody;
- Any person who decided to keep and raise a child or the children such as the case of foster parent/s;
- Any family member who took the responsibility to raise a child or children due to either death, absence or abandonment of the supposedly parent or head of the family;
Note that any change in the solo parent’s status such as being married or having someone whom he or she can raise the child or children and live with will automatically revoke the privileges and benefits given to him or her. This means that the Solo Parent ID can no longer be used to avail such benefits.
What are the privileges of having a Solo Parent ID?
So, what are these privileges? The privileges given to a solo parent will vary depending on the income of the said parent.
A solo parent, who is earning below the poverty threshold set by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the country’s premier socioeconomic planning body, will be granted with and given necessary support by default.
While those solo parents who have earnings above the said threshold set by NEDA will also be given with limited number of privileges for them to enjoy and utilize such as a flexible work schedule, the anti-solo parent discrimination at work and the extended parental leave given solely for solo parents.
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What are the basic requirements in getting a Solo Parent ID?
Time to apply and get that Solo Parent I.D. card! Read more and know the requirements which are listed below
- A Barangay Certificate as proof that the solo parent lives in that particular area for at least six (6) months;
- Supporting documents that will prove that the solo parent applicant is really a solo parent such as a) CENOMAR or the Certificate of No Marriage Record, b) a Medical Certificate proving that his or her spouse or partner is physically or mentally challenged, or c) Declaration of Nullity of Marriage for solo parents who were left with the responsibility of rearing a child due to separation;
- PSA-issued copies of the Birth certificate/s of the child or the children;
- Income Tax Return of the solo parent applicant or any document that will prove the level of earnings being made by the solo parent;
- Written certification from the local government unit or any document written by at least a Barangay official (i.e. Barangay Captain) stating the current situation of the Solo Parent, this written document should also be signed by the Barangay Captain with the help of the social worker’s secondary checking and evaluation to attest that the solo parent applicant is indeed needing assistance to help raise the child or the children left to him or her.;
- Accomplished Solo Parent I.D. application form which you may get at the nearest Department of Social Welfare and Development office in your local government unit;
- An updated 2×2 I.D. Photo for identification and documentation purposes
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Three-step Process on How to Apply for a Solo Parent ID
Once you have completed all the requirements listed above, here are the final steps you should do:
- You may bring and submit them at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) office. Your requirements will then be reviewed and evaluated by the assigned social worker which might take a number of days before they can get back to you with feedback. Upon finishing the evaluation, they will contact you whether or not you got approved.
- Once approved, your I.D. card will be issued and handed to you. The Solo Parent I.D. card has a one-year validity together with the privileges and benefits that come with it such as the Comprehensive Help Package, discounts to a number of shops and educational assistance. This I.D. card can also be renewed as long as the parent is still qualified to be tagged as a solo parent.
- For further questions and concerns, a solo parent may directly reach out to the nearest Department of Social Welfare and Development office
Key Takeaways
As a solo parent, you should know your rights. The DSWD will be the number one agency whom you may seek help with your concerns related to being a solo parent.
The DSWD may perform additional powers and functions in connection with ensuring the welfare of solo parents and their families. The process includes a) Conducting any research necessary to:
(1) develop additional knowledge on solo parents;
(2) defining both executive and legislative measures significant in promoting and protecting the interest of solo parents as well as their children; and
(3) assessing the effectiveness of programs designed to help, support and guide the disadvantaged solo parents and their children;
(4) Coordinating the activities of various governmental and non-governmental organizations with a mission to promote and protect the interests of solo parents and their children;
(5) Monitoring the actual roll out or the implementation of the provisions indicated in the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 and generously provide necessary recommendations or suggestions to improve the provisions’ implementation. These initiatives helped in advancing the services for the solo parents and their children.
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