5 Misconceptions About the Solo Parent ID
Being a parent is not easy. And doing it solo makes it harder.
No matter what’s the reason, a single parent can use a helping hand, especially for their children’s finances. This is why the Solo Parent Act was passed in 2000.
However, until now, there have been a lot of misconceptions about the Solo Parent ID. This became evident when I attended a seminar for solo parents in our barangay. There have been worries, misunderstandings, and hesitations about getting the Solo Parent ID.
It is a pity if you, as a single parent, can’t take advantage of the benefits especially offered to you.
Here are the top five misconceptions to clarify.
Misconception #1: All Single Parents are Qualified
The Solo Parent Act has clearly defined the eligibility for the Solo Parent ID. So who can apply?
The Solo Parent ID is offered to single parents who:
- got pregnant as a result of rape, and she decided to keep and raise the child;
- is widow or widower left alone to take responsibility for their children;
- has a spouse currently detained for at least a year for a criminal conviction;
- has a spouse with physical or mental incapacity of helping out (a public medical practitioner should certify the medical condition of the spouse);
- got a legal separation from spouse for at least one year;
- got annulled and kept the custody of the children;
- is unmarried and abandoned but has the children’s custody;
- any family member who had taken full responsibility for rearing the children; and
- any other person who may not be a parent but take care of and financially support the children.
These are the common circumstances of being a solo parent. The children do not have to be yours as long as you are taking responsibility for parenthood.
In addition, only single parents with children not more than eighteen (18) years old can apply.
Though you fit the description above, your kids are already over 18 years old and independent, and you are no longer eligible. This stands even if your children are still living with you at home, but they are no longer minors.
On the other hand, you can still remain eligible if your child is older than 18 but has a mental or physical disability.
Another fact is that the single parents described above are only considered a single parent if they take care of their children and the finances alone. This excludes the parents who have OFW spouses sending remittances regularly.
The Social Welfare and Development Office made it clear that they evaluate each case carefully before they approve the Solo Parent ID application. They are very particular that a single parent must fit any of the said solo parent descriptions for no less than a year.
Misconception #2: Get Your Solo Parent ID in One Day
The ID will be issued within 30 days after filing. This is to give the social workers time to evaluate the applicant’s eligibility.
What are the Single Parent ID requirements?
If you belong to the qualifications to apply, prepare the following solo parent ID requirements.
- Barangay certificate declaring your residency for the last six months
- Birth certificate of your child or children
- Proof of income such as Income Tax Return, Certificate of Employment, or indigency from the barangay
- Barangay certificate of solo parent proving that you are a single parent (free of charge)
- An affidavit of circumstances of being solo parent (free of charge in the municipal hall)
- Latest 1×1 picture
- Supporting documents:
- Death certificate of your spouse or Declaration of Nullity of Marriage
- If you are unmarried, you have to bring an affidavit certifying that you were left to take care of your child
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
- Medical certificate proving the incapacity of the spouse may it be physical or mental
How to apply for Solo Parent ID?
Once you have all the documents ready, follow these steps on how to get solo parent ID Philippines.
- Bring complete required documents to the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. In other municipalities, it is the Social Services Development Department (SSDD) office.
- The social worker will verify your documents. They may also ask for other supporting documents. You will then be logged in to the Registry of Solo Parents.
- Pick up your Solo Parent ID within 30 days. You must renew your ID every year unless you are no longer a single parent.
Misconception #3: Only for the Indigent
The Solo Parent ID is for single parents who fit the description of Republic Act No. 8972 or “The Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000. This is regardless if the parent is employed or not.
In fact, there is no required salary amount. You are encouraged to get your Solo Parent ID no matter how much you earn.
Misconception #4: Automatically Gives Health Benefits
Let’s say your child got hospitalized. You can’t just show your Solo Parent ID and expect an instant discount. Here are three facts about the Solo Parent Health Benefit:
- You need to take your bill to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. They will verify the bill before you can get a discount or reimbursement.
- Each municipality and city has its own ordinance about the health benefit of a single parent. What a single parent can receive in my city may not be available in another.
- The process may take time. It does not give cash as fast as your ATM.
Misconception #5: Employed Single Parents Have No Benefits
Employed single parents are entitled to have seven (7) days of parental leave. However, you must be employed for at least one (1) year in your current company.
This means you can take a leave to perform parental duties and responsibilities. You can freely attend school programs, homeroom meetings, and enrollment. Aside from this, you can take care of the medical, social, spiritual, and recreational needs of your child.
Another benefit is the flexible working hours. You may arrive or leave work at different times, provided that you follow the company’s core policy. Finally, you are protected from workplace discrimination based on your status as a single parent.
Take note that you can’t avail these benefits unless you have a Single Parent ID.
On the other hand, working single parents who earn under the poverty line can also enjoy benefits from DOH, CHED, TESDA, and NHA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get Solo Parent ID?
You can get your single parents ID from the City/Municipality Social Welfare and Development Office.
Can I apply Solo Parent ID online?
Applying for single parents ID online depends on the nearest DSWD office of your region’s LGU. Some LGUs process online applications where you can upload requirements and book appointments for an assessment. Unfortunately, not all LGUs follow this procedure. If you want to be sure about how to apply for solo parent ID Philippines, check the online services of your LGU. Being well-prepared with knowledge saves your trip from coming back and forth.
What is Single Parent Leave Act?
It is also known as Parental Leave. Solo parents have additional leave benefits to perform parental duties and responsibilities. It is usually granted when the physical presence of the single parent is necessary. It is under the provision of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 08. Series 2004.
What are Solo Parent ID Benefits Discounts?
A single parent earning less than Php 250,000 annually has a 10% discount and exemption from VAT. It includes purchases relevant to your child from birth until six years old. For example, infant milk and food, diaper, vaccines, prescription medicines, micronutrients, and medical supplements.
When do I need to renew my Solo Parent ID?
Solo parent ID benefits are valid for one year. Once it expires, you must renew it. The validity of all single-parent IDs is until December. So you have to renew it by every year, January to be exact.
How can I renew a Solo Parent ID?
Single parents ID renewal had the same procedure when you applied for it. You must submit a duly accomplished application form to your LGU. Also, you need to prepare the supporting documents together with your expired Solo Parent ID.
Is a Solo Parent ID a valid government ID?
A Solo Parent ID is more like your privilege card. Nonetheless, it comes in handy when you apply for a passport or visa. Also, it is acceptable on transactions with GSIS, Civil Service Examination, or national ID application.
How long before I receive my Solo Parent ID?
The processing period for a single parent ID is 30 days after your application at DSWD. It applies whether it is your first time or renewal.
Why should you get a Solo Parent ID?
In 2012, at least 13.9 million Filipinos were single parents. They took up parenthood on their own, and it is not easy. Financial needs are constant and not to mention the stigma that still exists. Single parents definitely need assistance no matter the reason for becoming one.
If you are a single parent, do not pass up the benefits and opportunities of the RA 8972. As single parents, we all want the best for our kids despite our unconventional setup.
Furthermore, by registering yourself as a single parent, you can give the government the idea that there is a big population of single parents in the community.
An established number of single parents can help the local government to establish more projects. This means more relevant benefits for us and our children.
We may be solo, but we don’t have to be always alone in everything. This is why the government has created a law to cut us some slack. Get a Solo Parent ID today.
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