The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has a regular program that specifically caters to the “poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged” sectors of society. It’s called “Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations” (AICS).
Under the AICS program, there are currently four different types of financial assistance offered: educational, medical, burial, and transportation assistance. This article focuses on medical assistance and how you can avail of this program.
What is AICS Medical Assistance?
As the term says, this type of assistance refers to medical aid for Filipinos who need it the most. The amount to be given differs on a case-to-case basis, depending on the specific medical need, as well as the assessment of the Social Welfare Officer.
Requirements
To apply for medical assistance, applicants are required to submit a Valid ID, together with ANY of the following documents:
- Medical Certificate / Clinical Abstract;
- Discharge Summary;
- Death Summary; or
- Alagang Pinoy Tagubilin Form.
NOTE: The Medical Certificate / Clinical Abstract, Discharge Summary, or Death Summary must indicate the date it was given; the full name, license number, and signature of the doctor; and it must have been issued within the past three (3) months. The Alagang Pinoy Tagubilin Form should also state all of these, along with the patient’s diagnosis.
Furthermore, the following additional documents are required for specific cases:
For Paying Hospital Bills
- Temporary or Final Hospital Bill / Statement of Account (Outstanding Balance) (including the complete name and signature or the billing clerk; or
- Certificate of Balance / Promissory Note (if the patient has been discharged).
For Buying Medicines
- Doctor’s Prescription; or
- Treatment Protocol.
NOTE: The above documents must indicate the date it was given, together with the full name, license number, and signature of the doctor
For Medical Procedures / Operations
- Laboratory Request;
- Laboratory Protocol; or
- Doctor’s Order.
NOTE: The above documents should include the date it was given, together with the full name, license number, and signature of the doctor. Also, it should have been issued within the past three (3) months.
For Therapy and Other Forms of Treatment
- Treatment Protocol (indicating the date it was given; full name, license number, and signature of the doctor);
- PhilHealth Certification (stating that the member has used up his/her PhilHealth benefits;
- Quotation (including the full amount to be paid, with the full name and signature of the issuing officer); or
- Psychiatrist / Psychologist Certification (indicating the date it was given; full name, license number, and signature of the doctor).
Procedure
Applicants who would like to avail of medical assistance are encouraged to go to the nearest DSWD office in their area. Those in the National Capital Region (NCR) can go to the DSWD Central Office, while those in the provinces can go to the DSWD Field Offices, which are located all over the country. The department also has satellite offices in every Local Government Unit (LGU), where you can inquire as well.
The DSWD office will provide instructions on how you can apply for the specific type of financial assistance that you need. There are three major steps:
- Screening. The first step involves the submission of documentary requirements.
- Assessment. A Social Welfare Officer will interview you and assess your application. He/She will determine the type of assistance based on your needs.
- Payout. Upon approval, the financial assistance will be released to the applicant.
Video: DSWD Region III Comes to Patient’s Aid
The following video features a case where the applicant urgently needed money for a CT Scan. Fortunately, it was immediately addressed by DSWD Region III. The video was shared by Serbisyong Bayanihan, a program of UNTV Public Service:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are several commonly asked questions and answers about DSWD’s AICS program:
1. What is DSWD’s AICS program?
The “Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations” (AICS) is a regular program of DSWD. It offer financial aid to poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged persons. At present, the program features four types of financial assistance: educational assistance, medical assistance, burial assistance, and transportation assistance.
2. How can I avail of financial assistance from DWSD?
To avail of financial assistance from DSWD, you can go to the nearest DSWD office in your area, be it the DSWD Central Office in NCR, a DSWD Field Office in your region, or a satellite offices in your Local Government Unit (LGU). The office will provide you with further instructions on how you can avail of financial aid.
3. What are the required documents?
The required documents will depend on your specific need. If you are applying for medical assistance, then be sure to prepare documents like the hospital bill, doctor’s prescription, medical certificate, laboratory request, and other related documents.
4. When will I receive the financial assistance?
Generally, financial assistance below PHP 10,000 may be released within the day. On the other hand, financial assistance worth PHP 10,000 and above may be released within three (3) to five (5) days. Furthermore, assistance worth PHP 10,000 and above may be released through a “Guarantee Letter,” particularly in the case of medical assistance.
5. Who can I call to ask about the program?
If you have any inquiries, concerns, or even complaints regarding the programs and services of DSWD, you can call their 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.
Summary
Indeed, it is good to know that for our medical concerns, there is a government agency that we can turn to, especially if we have urgent needs. DSWD’s AICS program, which includes the provision of medical assistance, is certainly a big help to our kababayans who truly need financial aid and support.
DISCLAIMER: The above guide is presented for general, information-sharing purposes only. For more information about DSWD’s medical assistance program, please visit the agency’s official website and Facebook page.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
If you are based in the NCR, you can get in touch with the DSWD Central Office through the following contact details. Your concern will be addressed by the 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/
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:
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