GUIDE: How students can get cash aid through DSWD's educational assistance program
ICYDK, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is offering cash aid to students who need help with finances for school supplies, school fees, uniforms, and other essentials.
The DSWD's Educational Assistance Program has already started providing aid on Aug. 20 and will continue to distribute to indigent students and their parents every Saturday until Sept. 24.
Who can apply for cash aid?
According to the DSWD, the following students can apply for the Educational Assistance Program:
- Breadwinner
- Working student
- Orphaned/living with relatives
- Children of solo parents
- Children of parents who are unemployed
- Children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
- Children of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
- Children of HIV victims
- Victims of abuse
- Victims of calamities
The eligible students will receive an educational assistance payout of P1,000 for those in elementary, P2,000 for those in high school, P3,000 for those in senior high school, and P4,000 for those in vocational/college.
Only three students per family can receive the cash aid.
Requirements and application
If a student is eligible, they must present necessary documents including proof of enrollment, authorization letter (if the applicant is not available), and valid ID of parent/guardian/students in college/taking a vocational course.
Those who wish to avail of the assistance can apply via walk-in at the DSWD Central Office in Batasan Complex, Quezon City, or at DSWD Field Offices. They can also email a request to [email protected].
On the first day of distribution last Aug. 20, the DSWD Central Office was crowded, with some individuals failing to receive their cash aid. In Zamboanga, 29 individuals were injured due to a stampede during the payout.
The agency has advised the public to register first through the provided QR code to avoid overcrowding at their offices. After registering, applicants must wait for a text confirmation from DSWD about when they can visit the office.
However, it's best to regularly check DSWD's website and social media accounts for any changes. Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said on Monday, Aug. 22 that the DSWD and and Local Government (DILG) will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will task local government units (LGUs) to help in distributing financial aid.
“Magkakaroon kami ng memorandum of agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government para tulungan tayo ng mga LGU, para 'di na kayo pupunta dito sa amin (central office). Doon na kayo mismo sa inyong mga lungsod, munisipyo magkakaroon ng payout,” Tulfo said in a briefing.
He added that while local government units will provide manpower support in the aid disbursement, DSWD personnels will still manage the distribution.
The distribution of the educational assistance payout will be happening on Aug. 27, Sept. 3, 10, 17, and 24. The Central Office will start processing at 7 a.m. while Field Offices will start at 8 a.m.
