Solo Parent Benefits, Requirements & Application in 2024

It is challenging for a solo parent to have a baby and raise them to be a good citizen, which can cost you a lot of money and effort. In the Philippines, if you are a solo parent, you can apply for a solo parent ID that allows you to claim benefits, discounts and other benefits for yourself and your child. With this card, you can reduce the pressure to raise a child. In this article, we will show you the benefits, and requirements, and how to apply for the solo Parent Card in the Philippines.

Who Is A Solo Parent in the Philippines?

According to the Philippine government, only single parents can receive benefits. You need to check if you are eligible to be a solo parent. If you are one of the following, you will be considered a solo parent under Section 3 of RA 8972.

• If you are a woman who gave birth to a child because of rape and other crimes against chastity,
• If you are left alone because of the death of the spouse, the abandonment of the spouse, the detention of the spouse for more than 1 year, the physical or mental incapacity of the spouse, or the nullity of the marriage.
• If you are an unmarried parent who wants to raise your child without giving custody to someone else.
• If you are the one supporting the child,
• If you are a family member who is responsible for the family due to the death, abandonment or absence of the parents,

What Is A Solo Parent ID?

If you are a solo parent, you can apply for a solo parent ID and benefit from social welfare in the Philippines. It is an identification card for unmarried single parents issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines. With it, the cardholder and their child can have many benefits from the government, such as leave allowances, discounted public transportation and other businesses.

Solo Parent ID Requirements & Qualification 2024

If you wish to apply for a Single Parent ID, you should meet the Single Parent ID requirements and prepare the necessary documentation in advance.

• A 2×2 inch Solo Parent ID Picture
• A completed application form
• Proof of Solo Parental Status, such as PSA spouse’s death certificate, prison records or detention certificate, medical certificate from a public medical practitioner, or legal declaration of separation, annulment, or invalidity.
• PSA birth certificates for your child to prove custody.
• Certificate of annulment/nullity of marriage from the PSA
• Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) to prove that you have not been married.
• Income Tax Return (ITR) to show income level
• Barangay Certificate to show your residential information.
• Proof of financial status, such as an ITR, to validate your income level.

📚 Read Also: 3 Ways to Get a PSA Birth Certificate: Step-by-step Guide

Proper Documentation for Solo Parent Application

You are required to show the proper documents when you submit the solo parent application.

• Proof of Solo Parenthood:
  • PSA spouse’s death certificate
  • Jail Record or Detention Certificate
  • Medical certificate from a public medical practitioner
  • Legal declaration of separation, annulment, or nullity

• Proof of Income:
  • Income Tax Return (ITR) or any document proving income

• Proof of Residency:
  • Barangay Certificate or any government-issued ID

• Proof of Custody:
  • PSA Birth Certificate

• Other supporting documentation

How to Get Solo Parent ID

If you are eligible for a Single Parent ID, you can follow the steps below and start the application.

• You need to confirm your eligibility to check if you can apply for a solo parent ID. You can refer to the information above.
• You must prepare all required documents as described above.
• You must visit the nearest DSWD office with your original and copies of supporting documents.
• Then you should fill out the application form and submit your application.
• If your application is approved, the DSWD will issue you your Solo Parent ID.

If you are in Quezon City, you can apply for a solo parent ID online.

• Visit Quezoncity.gov and fill out the solo parent application form online.
• Attach all required documents to your application.
• You will receive an email to make an appointment for your interview and assessment.
• Take your reference appointment number and original supporting documents with you and complete the application.
• Once approved, you will receive your solo parent ID.

Solo Parent ID Validity & Renewal Process

A solo parent ID is usually valid for one year. Therefore, if you don’t want to miss the benefits, you need to renew it when it expires. Here you can follow the steps below and complete the renewal process.

• You must visit the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
• Fill out an application form and complete the necessary details.
• Attach all necessary documents, such as Old Single Parent ID, Barangay Certificate and passport-size photos.
• You must provide copies of the documents and show the original to the officer concerned. 

Fee & Process Time for Solo Parent ID Application & Renewal

And the fee and processing time for a solo parent ID are different. Therefore, you can check the chart below:

Solo Parent Benefits

After you have been issued a solo parent ID, you can enjoy many benefits from the Philippine government. Here you can check the list of benefits below:

Parental Leave with Pay

A solo parent will be entitled to an additional seven days of parental leave with pay each year. And you need to know that it is not convertible into money.

National Health Insurance Coverage and Medical Assistance

You will benefit from automatic national health insurance coverage under the National Health Insurance Program. This can cover many health-related services, such as regular check-ups, medical procedures, and prescription medication from health centers, hospitals, and health units across the country.

Solo Parent Monthly Allowance

You will also receive a monthly allowance of Php 1,000 from your local city or municipality if you earn less than the minimum wage. 

Discounts and VAT Exemptions

One of the solo parent benefits is a discount and VAT exemption. They can enjoy the 10% discount and VAT exemption. However, they must meet the following requirements:

• The child of a solo parent should be six years of age or younger.
• The solo parent earns no more than P250,000 per year.

Therefore, when a solo parent buys a baby’s milk, food supplements, micronutrient supplements, and sanitary diapers from drug stores, pharmacies, or grocery stores, they can enjoy the discount and VAT exemption.

Scholarship Programs

You can take advantage of scholarship programs to pursue higher education, such as basic, tertiary and technical education. Your child will also receive a full scholarship.

Skills Training

A solo parent can benefit from training programs that can earn a living and provide possible income. There are some programs that you can try:

• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 
• Department of Education (DepEd)
• Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE)

Flexible Working Hours

A solo parent has the right to come to or leave work if it does not affect their core hours set by their employers.

Psychosocial Services

DSWD provides solo parents with psychosocial support to address grief, frustration and loneliness and to strengthen their ability to raise children and take on other roles at home.

Housing Benefits

If you earn less than the minimum wage, you can benefit from housing assistance and allocation for public housing projects.

FAQ about Solo Parent ID

👉 What is the difference between a solo parent and a single parent?

A single parent is someone who takes care of their children alone when their partner works elsewhere for weeks or months. While a solo parent is someone who is completely alone. Besides, if you are a single parent, you are not allowed to apply for a solo parent ID.

👉 How many days do solo parents leave in the Philippines?

When a solo parent is entitled to parental leave, they receive seven days of leave from work. And if they don’t use it, it won’t convert to cash or accumulate. In addition, before receiving this benefit, they must work with their employer for more than one year.

👉 How many solo parents are there in the Philippines?

According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) survey, there are 15 million solo parents in the Philippines.

👉 Is a Solo Parent ID considered a valid ID?

Yes. It is a valid government-issued ID that can be used to prove your identification for some specific purposes, such as applying for a passport, a national ID or a visa or taking the civil service examination.

👉 I’m a stay-at-home mom. Can I still apply for a Solo Parent ID?

Of course, yes. If you are a stay-at-home mom or dad, you can apply for a Solo Parent ID. Besides, it can help you to access various services and support programs which help you make some money.

Conclusion

All in all, it is beneficial for single parents to obtain a solo parent ID when they have met the requirements. And you can enjoy a lot of social benefits, such as subsidies, discounts and paid vacations, which may help you and your child live better in the Philippines.