How to register as a solo parent and claim DSWD benefits

Being a solo parent means wearing every single hat—you are the provider, the decision-maker, and the one handling the daily grind entirely on your own. It can feel overwhelming to manage it all, but you don't have to carry the load with just family support alone.

Eligible single parents in the Philippines can also get a helping hand through government assistance under Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

Your first move? Register as a solo parent and get your Solo Parent ID.

Here's what to know about the registration process and the benefits you can get.

Who qualifies as a solo parent?

You might think RA 11861 only applies to single moms or dads who never married, but the law actually covers a lot more than that. It’s for anyone who's raising kids on their own—whether your spouse passed away, is incarcerated, incapacitated, or if you’re separated, annulled, or abandoned.

It also extends to unmarried parents carrying the load alone, legal guardians, adoptive and foster parents, relatives stepping up as primary caregivers, and even some spouses or family members of OFWs.

Pregnant women who provide sole parental care and support for their unborn child or children may also qualify.

However, qualification is not automatic simply because someone is raising a child alone. The applicant must meet the requirements under the law and undergo the LGU's assessment and verification process.

Where can you register?

Solo parents can register with the Solo Parent Office or Solo Parent Division of the city or municipality where they reside. If their LGU does not have a dedicated office, they can coordinate with its Local Social Welfare and Development Office.

According to DSWD's implementing rules, applicants need to fill out an application form, submit the documents required for their specific solo-parent category, and undergo an assessment by a social worker. They must also attend a Solo Parents Orientation Seminar before their SPIC is issued.

After verifying the complete documents, the SPO or SPD will issue the SPIC and booklet within seven working days. Both documents remain valid for one year.

What documents do you need?

The requirements depend on the reason a person qualifies as a solo parent. A solo parent whose spouse has died may need to submit the child's birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate of the spouse, and a sworn affidavit declaring that they have sole parental care and support and are not cohabiting with a partner or co-parent.

For an unmarried parent who is raising a child alone may need the child's birth certificate, a Certificate of No Marriage, a barangay affidavit, and a sworn affidavit.

Other categories, such as legal guardians, adoptive or foster parents, and relatives who assume parental care, have their own documentary requirements. Applicants seeking the income-tested subsidy and discounts may also need to provide proof of income, such as an Income Tax Return, affidavit of no employment, social case study, or other verifiable proof of income.

Because requirements vary depending on your circumstances, it is best to check with your LGU's Solo Parent Office, Division, or social welfare office for the documents applicable to your case.

What benefits can solo parents get?

Qualified solo parents may access several benefits under RA 11861, although some are subject to income requirements, eligibility rules, and the availability of programs through the concerned agency or LGU.

P1,000 monthly subsidy

Solo parents earning the minimum wage or below may receive a P1,000 monthly cash subsidy from their city or municipal government. The subsidy is means-, pension-, and subsidy-tested, and is subject to the other conditions under the law, including that the beneficiary is not receiving another government cash assistance or subsidy. 

10% discount and VAT exemption

Solo parents earning less than P250,000 annually may receive a 10% discount and VAT exemption on certain essential goods for their child, including baby's milk, food and micronutrient supplements, sanitary diapers, prescribed medicines, vaccines, and other medical supplies.

The benefit applies from the child's birth until they turn six years old, subject to the requirements under the law.

PhilHealth coverage

Registered solo parents and their children or dependents are automatically covered under the National Health Insurance Program administered by PhilHealth. The national government pays the premium contributions, while contributions for solo parents in the formal economy are shared equally by their employer and the national government

Educational assistance

Solo parents and their children may also be prioritized for scholarships, livelihood training, employment services, and other poverty-alleviation programs offered by agencies such as DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DOLE, DTI, and DMW, subject to the programs' eligibility requirements.

Housing assistance

The law also provides for the prioritization of solo parents in government low-cost housing projects, particularly those who meet the applicable qualifications.

Workplace benefits

Solo parent employees who have rendered at least six months of service are entitled to up to seven working days of paid parental leave each year. They may also be given priority for flexible work arrangements, while employers are encouraged to provide child-minding centers and breastfeeding support in the workplace.

Social safety assistance

During disasters, calamities, pandemics, and other declared public health crises, solo parents and their children may receive social safety assistance such as food, medicines, and financial aid for home repairs, subject to DSWD guidelines.

You may view the full list of benefits, rules, and regulations here.