How to Get Solo Parent ID in the Philippines: 2023 Guide

A solo parent identification card is a government-issued identification card that recognizes a single parent as the head of their household. The card can provide benefits such as discounted rates for public transportation, access to solo parent discounts at various businesses, and priority enrollment in school programs. Obtaining a solo parent identification card can be helpful for single parents who are struggling to make ends meet.

According to a WHO-funded study by the Department of Health and the University of the Philippines-National Institute for Health, there are currently 14 million solo parents in the Philippines. This can be due to abandonment, death, or simply being unmarried. Solo parents come from all walks of life and face many challenges..

Are You Qualified for a Solo Parent ID?

So, who is eligible to apply for a Solo Parent ID? Any single parent in the Philippines can apply for a Solo Parent ID. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 classifies the following people as single parents:

1. A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender: Provided, That the mother keeps and raises the child;

2. Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to the following circumstances:

• Due to the death of a spouse
• The spouse is detained or is serving a sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year
• Physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner
• 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
• 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

3. Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear her/his child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare institution.

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 the head of the family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance, or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent.

The benefits will end if the status of the solo parent who is claiming benefits under R.A. 8972 changes, such as when they are no longer left with sole custody of the kid or sole parental responsibility.

Similar to this, when there is a change in the status of marriage or when the single parent marries, the eligibility and solo parent rights will also be revoked.

What are the Requirements?

Before applying for a Solo Parent ID, make sure you have the following documents ready:

1. Barangay Certificate – You can get a barangay certificate at your Barangay Hall. This certificate will prove that you are a resident in your barangay for at least 6 months and to confirm your status as a single parent. Bring cash for the processing fee and a valid government-issued ID to prove your residential address.
2.  PSA Birth Certificate of your child/children – A PSA Birth Certificate can be obtained online or in person at any PSA office near you
3. Proof of Financial Status – present an Income Tax Return (ITR) as proof of your financial status. You can get it through your company’s HR Department or through the BIR. As an alternative, you can obtain a certification stating your income from the municipal or barangay treasurer.
4. Certification from Barangay Captain– Get this document from the Barangay Hall where you reside. The certificate must indicate your status as a solo parent.
5. Application Form – The social welfare and development office in your city or province should have a copy of this form. Fill out the required information and attach a 1 2×2 ID photo.
6. Supporting Documents/Certificates – Submit the supporting documents such as Declaration of Nullity of Marriage, Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), death certificate of spouse, or medical certificate as proof of mental capacity if incapacitated, Jail Records/Certificate of Detention, or a VAWC Report in case of abandonment.

How to Apply for a Solo Parent ID

Once you have all the necessary documentation, follow these easy steps to apply for a Solo Parent ID:

1. Go to DSWD Office

Go to the nearest DSWD office and inquire about how to apply for a Solo Parent ID. Some LGUs offer an online Solo Parent ID application where you can simply upload your documents and schedule an appointment for your assessment. Check to see if your local government offers this online option to save you time and money.

2. Submit the Required Documents

Submit all the required documents stated above along with your fully-accomplished application form. Following that, a DSWD social worker will examine and review your Solo Parent ID application.

3. Wait for the Result of the Evaluation

It will take approximately 30 days to complete the screening and review of your application.

4. Claim your Solo Parent ID

After your application has been approved, you will be advised of how to claim your Solo Parent ID. You can obtain the ID at the DSWD office where you submitted your application.

Benefits of a Solo Parent

According to RA 8972, single parents who have worked for their employer for a minimum of one year are entitled to an additional seven days of annual leave. These additional leaves are non-cumulative, and not convertible to cash. In addition, employees who are sole parents may only take parental leave under the following conditions:

• Attend to personal milestones of their children (birthday, graduation, etc.)
• Perform parental obligations such as enrollment and attendance in school programs
• Attend to the medical, social, spiritual, and recreational needs of their children
• Other similar circumstances

Other benefits of a working solo parent include a flexible work schedule and the absence of workplace discrimination, as this is a common issue in the workplace.

In addition, single parents whose income falls below the poverty threshold set by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) are eligible for additional benefits, including educational assistance in the form of scholarships, housing benefits with a favorable payment scheme, medical assistance, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most asked questions about the benefits of being a Solo Parent and Solo Parent ID:

Is a Solo Parent ID accepted as a valid ID?

The Solo Parent ID is not often accepted as a valid form of identification when dealing with some government and non-government entities like banks as it is considered more of a privilege ID. However, a Solo Parent ID is accepted as a valid id when applying for civil service exam, and national id applications.

How long must I wait before receiving my Solo Parent ID?

Because of the time required to conduct assessments and evaluate the solo parent application, the DSWD states that you may have to wait up to 30 days from the date of your submission.

What is the validity of the Solo Parent ID?

The ID card is valid for one year and so are the benefits that come along with it.

Can I Renew a Solo Parent ID?

You can renew your solo parent ID at the DSWD office in your municipality or LGU office once it has expired.

Is there a tax break for single parents?

No, single parents are not eligible for tax exemption. However, with a valid Solo Parent ID, they are entitled to a 10% discount on basic necessities such as milk and medicines.

Is the Solo Parent ID only for working parents?

No, the Solo Parent ID is available to any parent, working or unemployed, who meets the requirements of the R.A. No. 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000.

Are single parents eligible for maternity leave?

Yes. It shall cover 105 days of paid maternity leave for live births. Additional 15 days will be granted to single parents as stipulated by R.A. No. 8972, with the possibility to extend for an additional 30 days leave without pay.

Conclusion

Being a single parent in the Philippines is tough, especially in the current economic climate. The benefits of the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000, however, make being a solo parent somewhat easier. These benefits include discounts on groceries, free tuition, and housing assistance. However, in order to get these benefits, you must first obtain a Solo Parent ID from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes. So if you are a solo parent, be sure to get your ID today!