Persons with disabilities (PWD) confront a variety of challenges during their daily lives. Indeed, society should give them as much aid as possible. Luckily, there is a PWD ID card that allows persons with disabilities to access crucial services and resources for free. In this ultimate guide to PWD ID in 2024, we will walk you through the basic information about the PWD ID and introduce how to apply for one and the benefits it brings to the disabled.
What Is PWD ID?
In the Philippines, the PWD ID is the accepted form of identification for people with disabilities (PWDs). The cardholder’s residence’s social welfare and development office or the Persons with Disability Affairs Office issues it. As required by legislation, this ID card can be used to receive PWD discounts and other benefits.
Is a PWD ID a Valid ID?
Yes. A PWD ID in the Philippines is seen as a valid form of identification. It is accepted by the government and private transactions.
Who Are Qualified for PWD ID?
For a PWD ID, any Filipino who is permanently disabled may apply. “Long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments” that impede a person’s capacity to interact with others in society are classified as disabilities.
List of Disabilities for PWD ID Philippines
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the following categories of disabilities qualify a person for a PWD ID:
- Psychosocial disabilities: Bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other persistent and recurrent mental or behavioral disorders are all considered psychosocial disabilities.
- Chronic illness-related disability: This category includes blindness from diabetes, orthopedic disability from cancer, and other chronic disease-related disabilities.
- Learning disabilities: Processing issues that make it difficult to acquire math, reading, writing, and other fundamental skills are referred to as learning disabilities.
- Visual disability: Poor eyesight alone does not qualify a person for a PWD ID unless the visual impairment cannot be remedied. Individuals with such impairments must produce a medical certificate from their ophthalmologist indicating that they have no functional limitations due to poor vision.
- Orthopedic disabilities: People with dwarfism with amputated hands or feet are classified as having an orthopedic (musculoskeletal) disability. People who have scoliosis can also apply for an ID.
- Mental or intellectual disability
- Hearing disability
- Speech impediment
- Multiple impairments
Documents for PWD ID Application
To apply for a PWD ID, you must get ready for the following documents:
- Two current 1×1 PWD ID photos that have your thumbprint and name on the back. Be aware that certain towns want 2×2 ID pictures in their place.
- One legitimate government identification card, such as a barangay clearance, professional license, or voter’s ID.
- Evidence of your disability. This could be your most recent school report card, a medical certificate, or a certificate of disability.
📚 Read Also: Philippine 1×1 Picture: Size, Printing & Applications
PWD ID Application Process
How to get a PWD ID? The following procedures must normally be followed to apply for a Person with Disability Identification Card (PWD ID) in the Philippines.
Prepare for the paperwork
Usually, these consist of:
- Identity verification, such as a current government-issued ID or birth certificate
- Evidence of residency, such as a utility bill or barangay certificate
- A medical certificate or assessment stating the extent of your condition from a government hospital or licensed physician
- Two or three recent 1×1 photos that have thumbprints or autographs on the back（Some cities require 2×2 ID pictures）
- A filled-out PWD ID application form (obtainable from accredited sources such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Council on Disability Affairs website, or page 6).
Submit a PWD ID application
You can obtain the PWD ID application form by walking on or downloading it online.
Your application forms are available at the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or its national counterpart, the DSWD offices, as well as cooperating organizations that have memorandums of agreement with the Department of Health (DOH).
Correctly complete the application form and include the necessary supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate and identification evidence.
By filling out the application online, you can visit the PWD-RF website to register online. Create an account on the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability maintained by the Department of Health.
Enter the necessary PWD ID details after creating an account. The completed PWD ID registration form should be printed.
Pay a visit to the PDAO during business hours
Find the closest Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) or comparable office in your city or municipality that handles PWD ID applications. Send the PDAO your filled-out application form and the necessary supporting documentation. The personnel will check the accuracy and completeness of your documents and application. The card is often issued the same day the application is submitted, or in less than an hour.
Fee & Process Time for PWD ID Application
The PWD ID is free to apply for the first time. The whole process will be completed within 15-30 days after you apply.
Validity & Renewal of PWD ID
The validity of a PWD ID card is five years. After five years, you have to renew your PWD ID to keep it valid. To renew your PWD ID, you can follow these steps.
Renew PWD ID in Person
Step 1. Fill out the application form.
The National Council on Disability Affairs is where the applicant must go to renew a Person with Disability (PWD) ID. The concerned officer will give the applicant an application form.
The application form must be completed in its entirety by the applicant. Verify that the applicant has attached every document listed in this page’s “Required Documents” section. These are the required documents for PWD ID renewal:
- Application form
- Proof of medical condition or impairment documented.
- Proof of address Passport-sized photos
- Citizenship card/ Old ID
- Non-Visible Disability Medical Certificate: Private or Public Health Practitioner with Licensure.
Step 2. Submit your application.
When submitting, the applicant must include photocopies of the necessary paperwork with the application form. Send the completed form and all supporting documentation to the relevant official.
Step 3. Obtain the renewed PWD ID.
The application will then undergo additional processing. The applicant’s cellphone number will receive SMS updates on the status of their application. The applicant receives a call from the office regarding their application after the process is finished. The office will provide the applicant with an ID card within 15-30 days.
Renew PWD ID online
An online application must be submitted via this website to renew a Person with Disability (PWD) ID.
All required information must be filled out on the application form by the applicant.
After finishing, press the “Submit” button. Additionally, upload the files that are included in this page’s “Required Documents” section.
The relevant authority will examine the submitted application and document set. The application will be approved if things are in order. The applicant’s cellphone number will receive SMS updates on the status of their application.
What to Do with a Lost/Damaged PWD I
You can get in touch with the local government unit (LGU) office or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to replace your PWD ID.
PWD ID Benefits
With the PWD ID, you are eligible for the following advantages and privileges as per Republic Act No. 10754:
- A minimum of twenty percent (20%) off various products and services. This covers prescription drugs, medical care, travel expenses by land, air, and sea, as well as funeral and burial rites. You may be already aware of the 20% restaurant discount!
- Support with education, given that the PWD satisfies the minimal entry standards.
exclusive savings on necessities. - Express lanes within buildings.
- Benefits from GSIS, SSS, and Pag-IBIG will continue.
- Incentives are also available in the Philippines for those who look after a PWD. PWDs may be considered a taxpayer’s dependents.
- The exceptional rights provided by the Code can thereafter be enjoyed by the aforementioned taxpayer.
FAQs about PWD ID
👉 How to spot a fake PWD ID?
The PWD ID can be verified on the Department of Health’s Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability website. Just input the PWD ID number to check the status.
👉 How to get a PWD ID for poor eyesight?
A person is not automatically eligible for a PWD ID if they have simple low vision unless their visual impairment is irreversible. A medical certificate from their ophthalmologist stating that they are free from functional limitations resulting from low vision is required for those with such disorders.
👉 How to add your PWD ID in Grab?
To add a PWD ID in Grab for an extra discount, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Grab official website and log in with your Grab account.
- Select your PWD identity.
- Fill out the needed information, provide the required documents, and submit.
- Grab will verify your application via email and offer you a special code for a discount.
👉 Can cancer patients avail of a PWD ID?
Yes. Individuals with disabilities (PWDs) also include cancer patients, survivors, and those living with cancer.
The Bottom Line
Now you may be clearer about what is a PWD ID card and how to apply for it. A PWD ID card will provide you with several benefits and discounts in daily life. Follow the steps mentioned before, prepare related documents, and start your application if you are eligible for a PWD ID.
Dolores Xiao