What are the Solo Parent ID Benefits You Didn't Know About?

What are the Solo Parent ID Benefits? It is estimated that 15 million Filipino moms and dads rear their children alone are struggling because of the limited coverage of the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 (RA 8972). It is challenging to raise your children alone. Single parenting is most challenging financially and in terms of budgeting. Consequently, government and private financial aid can be helpful.

Here are the steps you need to take to obtain a Solo Parent ID.

What is a Solo Parent ID?

Single parents in the Philippines can obtain a Solo Parent ID from the government. Those who possess this ID can take advantage of discounts and benefits provided by the government. This program provides different kinds of support and eases the financial difficulties faced by parents who work alone to raise their children.

There is a one-year validity period for these privileges and the Solo Parent ID, but you can renew your ID at any time.

A Quick Guide to RA 11861, the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act:

In the Philippines, the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act mandates enhanced solo parent welfare benefits. It lapsed into law on June 4, 2022.

What are the characteristics of solo parents?

Families of OFWs who live outside the Philippines for an uninterrupted period of 12 months and belong to the low or semi-skilled category are now considered solo parents.

As well as grandparents, guardians, and other family members, they bear full responsibility for the child’s care.

What are the benefits of being a solo parent?

Discounts and cash benefits:

As a result of the new law, solo parents who earn minimum wage or less will be entitled to a $1,000 cash subsidy each month. This subsidy will be allocated by the local government unit (LGU).

In addition to this new law, what else can solo parents expect? When a solo parent earns less than $250,000 a year, they are eligible for a 10% discount and are exempt from value-added tax. All purchases they make from birth until six years of age, including diapers, infant milk, food, medicines, vaccines, and micronutrients, will be VAT-free.

Vacations and national holidays:

The government will also grant parental leave to solo parents regardless of their employment status for seven days.

As part of the law, each year, the third week and third Saturday of April are designated as Solo Parents Week and National Parents Day.

Assistance with livelihoods

Those with children in school who earn below or within minimum wage will be prioritized in Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary selection. The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program also provides livelihood assistance to single parents.

Under this new law, solo parents in the Philippines are also entitled to the following benefits:

The PhilHealth system is automatically activated
TESDA offers apprenticeships for single parents and their children who qualify
Benefits for solo parents until their children turn 22

If you wish to take advantage of these benefits, you must present your valid Solo Parent ID, which you can get from the Solo Parent Office of your local government. Below are some of the benefits.

Philippine benefits for solo parents

There are few Filipino solo parents who are aware of the benefits of having this type of ID. You can take advantage of the following privileges if you have a Solo Parent ID:

Parental Leave

In the Philippines, solo parents have an additional seven days’ leave each year. Solo parents who have worked for their employer for at least one year are eligible to receive non-cumulative, non-convertible leaves.

A Solo Parent ID can be obtained by employees who are solo parents within the current year. Additionally, solo parents are only permitted to take parental leave under the following conditions:

Make sure their children’s milestones are celebrated (birthdays, graduations, etc.).
Attend school programs and fulfill parental obligations
Children’s medical, social, spiritual, and recreational needs should be met
Situations similar to these

Is it possible to apply for parental leave for all your children?

Solo parents with children under 18 and those with disabilities or who cannot support themselves are eligible for parental leave.

Is it necessary to be a regular employee in order to qualify for parental leave?

Unfortunately, no. If you have been working for your employer for at least one year, you are eligible for the parental leave benefit immediately upon obtaining your Solo Parent ID.

Is it possible to use parental leave staggered?

Yes, of course. Depending on your company’s human resources department, you can use it on different occasions or on consecutive days.

What is the best time to apply for parental leave?

If you plan to take parental leave, you should apply at least one week before the date you plan to take the leave. In case of an emergency, you should notify your employer as soon as possible.

Flexible Work Schedule

In order to spend more time with their children, solo parents may request a flexible work schedule from their employers. Depending on the employer, this benefit may be available. As long as your core work hours won’t be affected, your request is likely to be approved.

No Work Discrimination

It is prohibited for an employer to discriminate against a solo parent employee based on their status as a parent.

Regardless of whether they are married or single, solo parents should not be disadvantaged in any situation. Children should not be denied rights, privileges, and benefits couples enjoy when raising their children

Assistance and additional support

Families with sole parents who earn less than the NEDA poverty threshold are eligible for government assistance for education, housing, and health care.

National Housing Authority (NHA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and/or Department of Health (DOH) can all provide this solo parent benefit.

Educating and training skills

It is possible for single parents and their children to undergo skills training and participate in a wide variety of entrepreneurial activities, livelihood programs, training, and poverty alleviation programs through different government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), CHED, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). As a result, parents who are unemployed can earn a living using their skills.

These agencies offer scholarship programs endorsed by solo parents and their children. There is also the possibility that they will have access to job placement assistance and/or business capital if they qualify.

Effective Parenting Services

In this program, parents are encouraged to be more effective in every aspect of their child’s development, health care, behavior management, and fulfillment of their roles as solo parents.

Housing Benefits

Philippine government housing projects also provide allocations for solo parents. According to NEDA’s mandate, if a person falls below the poverty line, they will be given easy payment options.

Medical Assistance

A wide range of health programs are available to solo parents through the DOH, which will be offered at medical centers, municipal hospitals, province-based hospitals, and rural health facilities.

Psychiatric services

As a solo parent and a parent of young children, you can benefit from psychosocial services to prepare you to fulfill your responsibilities and roles at home and in your community. The following psychosocial privileges will be available to solo parents:

Parenting-related feelings such as loneliness, frustration, grief, and other feelings should be identified and resolved
Learn how to raise children and manage the household more effectively with improved skills, attitude, and understanding
Provide them with financial skills training
Take advantage of other support services by having access to available resources
Improve coping mechanisms in the community through the organization and mobilization of support systems and growth groups

Solo Parent IDs are available to who?

In the Philippines, any single parent can apply for a Solo Parent ID. According to Republic Act No. 8972 or Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, the following individuals are considered single parents:

Even if the offender does not receive a final conviction for rape or other crimes against chastity, mothers who give birth should keep and raise the child
As a result of the following circumstances, parents are left on their own with the responsibility of parenthood:
- Spouse’s death
- Served a minimum of one year in prison or prison for criminal convictions by spouse
- Incapacity of spouse, as certified by a public health professional
- When they have custody of the children, a legal separation or de facto separation from their spouse for at least one year is required
- If they are entrusted with the children’s custody, a court or church may declare marriage null and void
Children raised by unmarried mothers or fathers instead of being placed in a welfare institution or being cared for by others
Persons who solely provide parental care and support to a child
In the absence of parents or a solo parent, family members assume the role of family head.

Families and spouses of OFWs who have been outside the Philippines for more than 12 months straight and are low/semi-skilled are now also considered solo parents.

Solo Parent ID Requirements

Before applying for a Solo Parent ID, prepare the following documents:

Certificate of Barangay

To prove that you have lived in your barangay for six months, as well as to certify your status as a single parent, get a barangay certificate. Verify your address with a government-issued ID and pay the processing fee with cash.

Financial proof

Employed solo parents should obtain their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) through their HR department or the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Certificates and supporting documents

Proof of your solo parent status should be prepared in the form of documents and certificates. A spouse’s death certificate, a nullity declaration, or a medical certificate can all be used in this case.

Your Child’s/Children’s Birth Certificate/s

The PSA offers this service online. You will need to settle the payment and arrange for delivery.

A completed Solo Parent ID application

Contact your city or province’s social welfare and development office for a copy. Also prepare a 2×2 ID photo.

Solo Parent ID FAQs

1. Is a Solo Parent ID considered a valid ID?

Solo Parent IDs are more privilege IDs. In the case of passports and visas, the Solo Parent ID does work as a valid government-issued identification card. As a valid ID, it can be used when applying for a national ID, taking the Civil Service Examination, and transacting with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

2. Does the tax exemption apply to solo parents?

Not at all. Solo parents are not exempt from taxes because of their status. They can, however, get a 10% discount on milk and medicine with a valid Solo Parent ID.

3. Can solo parents take maternity leave?

Yes, of course. The law does not specifically provide for maternity leave under R.A. No. 8972. However, solo parents who have worked for a year and are eligible for SSS maternity benefits may enjoy an additional 15 days of paid leave. Alternatively, they can extend for another 30 days without pay.

4. I am a stay-at-home mother. Is it still possible to apply for a Solo Parent ID?

Yes, of course. With a Solo Parent ID, stay-at-home parents can improve their skills and generate income through services they can access. If they meet the other requirements, any parent can apply for a Solo Parent ID, whether they are employed or unemployed.

5. What government agencies provide assistance to solo parents?

The following agencies can provide assistance to solo parents:

The Department of Health (DOH)
The National Housing Authority (NHA)
Leave of absence (Employer, DOLE, CSC)
The Department of Education (CHED, TESDA)

6. When will I receive my Solo Parent ID?

After applying at DSWD, you will be able to claim your Solo Parent ID within 30 days.

7. Does the government automatically provide financial assistance to solo parents with medical bills?

The city or municipal social welfare department can provide financial assistance for solo parents’ medical bills. The reimbursement or discount will, however, depend on the local government’s policies. Depending on the city, financial aid may differ, and reimbursements may take a while.

8. Is it necessary for employed parents to submit an ITR in order to apply for a Solo Parent ID?

Employees’ annual income is reflected in their ITRs. Single parents with incomes below the poverty threshold may qualify for NEDA assistance.

9. How long does it take for someone to be declared a single parent due to abandonment?

Under the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, it has been reduced from one year to six months.

Conclusions

Solo parenting requires patience, faith, and love. Especially in these challenging times, parenting without a spouse can be challenging and demanding. Nevertheless, knowing there is help somewhere is reassuring.

Solo parents with limited budgets can benefit from the Solo Parent ID, which offers benefits and discounts. Additionally, professional, medical, and psychological assistance will be provided to hardworking, often stressed single parents.

Get a Solo Parent ID and enjoy these new and improved benefits. The card is free and valid for a year.