13 Benefits You Didn’t Know You Could Get with Your Solo Parent ID Last updated September 07, 2022 Raising your children without the help of a spouse or partner is challenging. The most difficult part of single parenting is overcoming the financial challenges and working with budget constraints, especially during this pandemic, which triggered job losses and increased prices of commodities. As such, financial aid from the government and private institutions can help. Having a Solo Parent ID can also come in handy. The improved coverage of the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 (RA 8972)[1] and the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861)’s recent lapse into law can ease the struggles of an estimated 14 million Filipino moms or dads[2] rearing their children alone. What is a Solo Parent ID, and what privileges can you get from it? In this article, find out what benefits you and your kids can enjoy and how to apply for a Solo Parent ID. What is a Solo Parent ID? A Solo Parent ID is a government-issued ID for solo or single parents in the Philippines. Solo parents who carry this ID can enjoy certain government discounts and benefits. It aims to provide different kinds of support and ease financial difficulties faced by a parent working alone for their children. These privileges and the Solo Parent ID are valid for one year, but you can renew your Solo Parent ID every year. RA 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act: Important Things to Know The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which grants more benefits to single parents, lapsed into law on June 4, 2022.[3] It amends some provisions of RA 8792 and mandates enhanced solo parent benefits in the Philippines. For one, it expands the definition of a solo parent. Under the new law, spouses and family members of OFWs who belong to the low or semi-skilled category and live outside of the Philippines for an unbroken period of 12 months are now considered solo parents.[4] It also includes grandparents, guardians, and other family members who bear full responsibility for taking care of the child. Moreover, the new law entitles solo parents to a ₱1,000 cash subsidy per month if they're earning minimum wage and below. The local government unit (LGU) will allocate this subsidy. What else can solo parents expect from this new law? If the solo parent earns less than ₱250,000 a year, they will be entitled to a 10% discount and exemption from the value-added tax. Their purchases, such as diapers, infant milk and food, prescription medicines and vaccines, and micronutrient and medical supplements from birth until six years old, will be VAT-exempt. Solo parents will also be granted seven days of parental leave regardless of their employment status. They will be prioritized in a telecommuting program as well. There's also a section in the new law that declares the third week and third Saturday of April of each year as Solo Parents Week and National Parents Day, respectively. Other solo parent benefits in the Philippines under this new law include the following: Automatic PhilHealth coverage Apprenticeship programs at the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for qualified single parents and their children Right of a solo parent to receive benefits until their child is 22 years old In addition, solo parents who have children in school will be prioritized in the selection of new Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, as long as they’re earning below or within minimum wage. Solo parents can also apply for livelihood assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Sustainable Livelihood Program. According to DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, a technical working group will work on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to implement the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act. The agency is looking at a period of 90 days for the IRR to be finalized. This way, solo parents in the Philippines can enjoy their enhanced benefits as soon as possible. To avail of these solo parent benefits, you must present your valid Solo Parent ID, which you can apply for or renew at your LGU’s Solo Parent Office. Solo Parent ID Benefits in the Philippines Not many Filipino solo parents know the benefits one can enjoy from having this type of ID. If you don’t have a Solo Parent ID, get one to enjoy the following privileges: 1. Parental Leave Solo parents in the Philippines are entitled to an additional seven days’ leave every year. Leaves are non-cumulative, not convertible to cash, and only provided to solo parents who have been working with their employer for at least one year. Solo parent employees can avail of the benefit within the current year after getting the Solo Parent ID. In addition, solo parent employees may only use their parental leave under the following circumstances: Attend to personal milestones of their children (birthday, graduation, etc.) Perform parental obligations such as enrollment and attendance in school programs Attend to the medical, social, spiritual, and recreational needs of their children Other similar circumstances Can You Apply for a Parental Leave for All Your Children? Parental leave is granted to solo parents of children below 18 years old or children 18 years old and above who can’t support themselves or have a disability. Do You Need to be a Regular Employee to Qualify for Parental Leave? No. You can avail of the parental leave benefit immediately after securing your Solo Parent ID regardless of your employment status—as long as you’ve rendered service to your employer for at least one year. Can You Use Parental Leave on a Staggered Basis? Yes. You can use it for seven consecutive days or on separate occasions as long as you have the approval of your company’s human resource department. When Should You Apply for Parental Leave? Apply for parental leave at least one week before your planned date or earlier. Emergencies will be allowed as long as you notify your employer immediately. Read more: SSS and PhilHealth Maternity Benefits Every Parent Needs to Know Paternity Benefits in the Philippines: A Father’s Guide to Paternity Leave . 3. No Work Discrimination As stated in the Solo Parent Act, “No employer shall discriminate against any solo parent employee with respect to terms and conditions of employment on account of his/her status.” Solo parents, married or not, shouldn't be disadvantaged in any situation due to their status. They shouldn't be deprived of the rights, privileges, and benefits couples enjoy while rearing their children. 4. Additional Support and Assistance, If Applicable Solo parents whose income is below the poverty threshold set by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) can avail of educational, housing, and medical assistance from the government. This solo parent benefit can be requested from the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TESDA, and/or the National Housing Authority (NHA). 5. Skills Training Solo parents and their children can undergo skills training and participate in various entrepreneurial activities and livelihood, training, and poverty alleviation programs from different government agencies like TESDA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), CHED, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).[5] This way, parents who aren't employed may use their skills to earn a living. 6. Livelihood Support Service Solo parents can undergo free training on basic business management and livelihood skills. In some cases, they may also be eligible for job placement assistance or the provision of business capital. 7. Counseling Service Solo parents can avail of counseling services to improve their relationship with their children and other family members and to help resolve any conflicts with them. 8. Parent Effectiveness Services This program aims to improve parent effectiveness in terms of childhood development, health care, behavior management, and fulfillment of solo parents’ duties to their children. 9. Special Projects Some special projects for solo parents include legal assistance, temporary shelter, crisis management, and spiritual enrichment. 10. Educational Benefits Solo parents can consult privileges tied with government educational agencies like the DepEd, CHED, and TESDA. Upon assessment, solo parents and their children can avail of scholarship programs endorsed by these agencies. 11. Housing Benefits Solo parents in the Philippines are also entitled to an allocation in government housing projects. They will be given easy payment options if they fall below the poverty line, as mandated by NEDA. 12. Medical Assistance Solo parents can enjoy comprehensive health programs developed by DOH, which will be implemented in medical centers, municipal hospitals, provincial hospitals, and rural health units. 13. Psychosocial Services Solo parents and their children can benefit from psychosocial services to help them fulfill their roles and responsibilities to their families and communities. These psychosocial privileges will include opportunities for solo parents to: Identify and resolve loneliness, frustrations, grief, and other feelings that may affect their role as parents Improve skills, attitude, and understanding of their responsibilities in raising children and managing the home Get skills training to help address their financial needs Have access to available resources to enjoy other support services Organize and mobilize support systems and growth groups within the community to strengthen coping mechanisms Who Can Apply for a Solo Parent ID? Any single parent in the Philippines can apply for a Solo Parent ID. Republic Act No. 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000[6] considers the following individuals single parents: 1. Women who give birth as a result of rape or other crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender, provided that the mother keeps and raises the child 2. Parents left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to the following circumstances: o Death of spouse o Spouse is detained or serving a sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one year o Physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner o Legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one year, as long as they're entrusted with the custody of the children o Declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by court or church, as long as they're entrusted with the custody of the children 3. Unmarried mothers/fathers who preferred to keep and rear their child/children instead of having others care for them or giving them up to a welfare institution 4. Any other persons who solely provide parental care and support to a child or children 5. Family members who assume the responsibility of the head of the family as a result of the abandonment or disappearance of parents or solo parent As earlier mentioned, spouses and family members of OFWs who've been outside the Philippines for more than 12 months straight and belong to the low/semi-skilled category are now also considered solo parents. Solo Parent ID Requirements Photo: @mysteriouscarol (Instagram) Before applying for a Solo Parent ID, prepare the following documents: 1. Barangay Certificate Get a barangay certificate to prove that you’ve resided in your barangay for the last six months and to certify your situation as a single parent. Bring a valid government-issued ID to verify your home address and cash for the processing fee. 2. Proof of Financial Status If you’re an employed solo parent, secure a copy of your Income Tax Return (ITR) through your company’s HR Department or the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). On the other hand, work-from-home parents must also present a document that will validate their income level to the DSWD. 3. Supporting Documents/Certificates Prepare documents and certificates that can prove your solo parent status. This can be a spouse’s death certificate, declaration of nullity of marriage, or medical certificates. 4. Birth Certificate/s of Your Child/Children You may request this online from the PSA. Settle the payment and arrange for it to be delivered to your home. 1. Is a Solo Parent ID considered a valid ID? The Solo Parent ID is more of a privilege ID. But yes, the non-digitized Solo Parent ID works as a valid government-issued identification card when applying for a passport or a visa. It's also accepted as a valid ID when transacting with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), applying for a national ID, or taking the Civil Service Examination. 2. Are solo parents exempted from tax? No. Solo parents don’t enjoy tax exemption due to their status. But with a valid Solo Parent ID, they can enjoy a 10% discount on basic commodities like milk and medicines. 3. Are solo parents qualified for maternity leave? Yes. Although there are no specific provisions on maternity leave under R.A. No. 8972, solo parents who are employed for a year and eligible for SSS maternity benefit can enjoy an additional 15 days of paid leave. They may also opt to extend for another 30 days without pay. 4. I'm a stay-at-home mom. Can I still apply for a Solo Parent ID? Yes. Stay-at-home moms and dads can apply for a Solo Parent ID and avail of services to improve their skills, which they can use to generate income. 5. Which government agencies provide assistance to solo parents? Solo parents can inquire regarding assistance at the following agencies: Health Services (DOH) Housing (NHA) Parental Leave (Employer, DOLE, CSC) Educational Services (CHED, TESDA) 6. How long should I wait for my Solo Parent ID? You can claim your Solo Parent ID 30 days after applying at DSWD. 7. Is the Solo Parent ID applicable to non-working parents only? No. The Solo Parent ID can be granted to any parent, employed or unemployed, who is qualified based on the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000. And with RA 11861 lapsing into law, more people can apply for the Solo Parent ID and enjoy its enhanced benefits. 8. Can solo parents automatically get financial assistance from the government for their medical bills? Solo parents can seek financial assistance for their medical bills through the city or municipal social welfare. However, the reimbursement or discount shall depend on the local government’s policies. Remember that financial aid may differ from one city to another, and reimbursements may take time. 9. Why are employed parents required to submit an ITR upon application for a Solo Parent ID? The ITR reflects every employee's income annually. Solo parents whose income falls below the poverty threshold may be entitled to a help package from the NEDA. 10. What’s the period before someone can be declared a single parent due to abandonment? From the current one year, it has now been reduced to six months under the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act. Final Thoughts Being a solo parent is a test of patience, faith, and love. Parenting without a spouse is challenging and can be very demanding, especially in these difficult times. But knowing that there’s help somewhere can be a relief. The Solo Parent ID will soon offer more benefits and discounts that can be very helpful for solo parents who need some wiggle room in their monthly budget. With its enhanced benefits, hardworking and often stressed single parents will receive financial assistance and professional, medical, and even psychological help. Apply for a Solo Parent ID and take advantage of these new and improved benefits. Getting one is free, and it's valid for a year.
