For the poorest, most vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors of Philippine society, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has a program that offers much-needed financial aid. This program is known as “Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations” or simply, AICS.
At present, there are four different types of financial aid provided through DSWD’s AICS program: educational assistance, medical assistance, death/burial assistance, and transportation assistance. In this article, we will talk about the requirements and procedures for availing of death/burial assistance.
What is AICS Death/Burial Assistance?
As the term suggests, this type of assistance is given to poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged Filipino families who have just lost a loved one. DSWD’s AICS program offers financial aid to help them with funeral and burial expenses.
Requirements
To apply for death/burial assistance due to the death of a family member, you’ll need to prepare a Valid ID (i.e. government-issued) and ANY of the following documents:
- Death Certificate (may or may not have civil registry number);
- Certification from Hospital, Doctor, Authorized Medical Practitioner, Imam (for Muslims), or Tribal Chieftain (for indigenous peoples);
- Funeral Contract (stating the cost and services rendered, full name, and signature of the funeral service provider — except for Muslims and indigenous peoples who may have their own funeral practices);
- Statement of Account;
- Certificate from Barangay (stating expenses made by the family in buying a casket); or
- Transfer Permit / Quarantine Permit (if the deceased needs to be transported to another place).
Additional Requirements
Aside from the above requirements, the following additional documents must also be presented for certain cases:
- Certificate of Balance / Promissory Note (in case there are any remaining expenses that must be fulfilled); or
- Social Case Study Report / Case Summary (in case the financial assistance to be given is more than PHP 10,000.00).
Procedure
If you need to apply for death/burial assistance due to the death of a family member, simply head to the nearest DSWD office in your area. For instance, those in the National Capital Region (NCR) can go to the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, whereas those in the provinces can go to the nearest DSWD Field Offices in their area. You can also visit a DSWD Satellite Office in your Local Government Unit (LGU).
The DSWD office in your area will instruct you on how you can apply for death/burial assistance. Typically, the process involves three major steps:
- Screening. This involves the submission of documentary requirements.
- Assessment. A Social Welfare Officer will interview you and assess your application, before determining the type of assistance that you need.
- Payout. Upon approval of your application, the financial assistance will be released.
Video: DSWD Gives Aid to Victims of Earthquake
Last July 2022, a huge earthquake hit Northern Luzon, and many families had been affected. In the following video reported by PTV News, we learn about how DSWD came to the aid of the earthquake victims, including the provision of death/burial assistance to relatives of the deceased:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, below are some frequently asked questions — and answers — about the AICS program of DSWD:
1. What is DSWD’s AICS program?
AICS stands for “Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations,” a regular program by DSWD that provides financial assistance to the poorest, most vulnerable, and disadvantaged Filipinos. Currently, the program offers four types of financial aid: educational assistance, medical assistance, burial assistance, and transportation assistance.
2. How can I avail of financial assistance from DWSD?
To apply for financial assistance, simply head to the DSWD Office nearest you. There’s the DSWD Central Office if you are based in the NCR, as well as DSWD Field Offices located in every region of the Philippines. Moreover, your LGU may also have a DSWD Satellite Office. You can go there to inquire about availing of financial assistance.
3. What are the required documents?
The required documents will be based on your particular need. In the case of death/burial assistance, for example, you’ll need to submit a Death Certificate, Certification from a Hospital or Doctor, and Funeral Contract, whichever may be available… along with a Valid ID.
4. When will I receive the financial assistance?
For financial assistance below PHP 10,000, the amount may be released within just one (1) day). Meanwhile, for financial assistance worth PHP 10,000, the amount may be released within three (3) to five (5) days.
5. How can I learn more about DSWD’s programs?
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about DSWD’s programs, do not hesitate to contact the department’s Agency Operations Center (AOC) through the following Hotline Numbers:
- Smart — 0943 464 8026 / 0943 464 8086 / 0932 933 3251
- Globe — 0995 715 3926 / 0995 715 3934
NOTE: The above numbers are available from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
If you are based in the NCR, you can get in touch with the DSWD Central Office through the contact details below. Your concern will be addressed by the department’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU), which manages the AICS program.
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8931 8101
Email: inquiry@dswd.gov.ph / ciu.co@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dswdserves/
Google Map Location
The DSWD Central Office is located at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Here is the office’s location on Google Maps, for your reference:
Summary
For the “poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged” members of Philippine society, a sudden death in the family is doubly hard. Aside from the emotional toll of losing a family member, there’s also the matter of funeral and burial expenses. Imagine having to worry about where to get money for these expenses, while grieving for the loss of your loved one. Fortunately, because of DSWD’s AICS program, you can avail of financial assistance during your most difficult times.
DISCLAIMER: We hope that the above guide has been helpful, especially for those who need burial assistance due to the death of a family member. Please notes that this guide is presented for general, information-sharing purposes only. For more information about DSWD’s death/burial assistance program, as well as other programs offered by the department, please visit their official website and Facebook page.
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