AICS stands for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations by DSWD, which is a kind of social safety net or emergency plan designed to help people and families recover from unforeseen crises like illness or the death of a family member. The AICS program provides immediate financial assistance to help individuals and families meet their basic needs during times of crisis. This program aims to alleviate the burden on those who are experiencing temporary setbacks and ensure their well-being and stability.
The Crisis Intervention Unit acts as the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking assistance through the AICS program. They are trained professionals equipped to handle a wide range of crises, including mental health crises, domestic violence, substance abuse issues, and homelessness.
The unit works closely with community partners and service providers to ensure that individuals receive the necessary resources and support to overcome their immediate challenges. Along with this, the CIU works with the DSWD Social Welfare and Development Teams in the various province clusters around the region. These teams take in target clients who are classified as walk-in, rescued, or referred clients.
Types of Assistance Provided under AICS
Under the AICS programs, you may be able to ask for some financial or non-financial assistance. Financial assistance provided under AICS includes direct monetary aid to individuals and families facing crises. This assistance can help cover essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and food.
Non-financial assistance, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of support services aimed at addressing the unique needs of individuals and families. This can include medical assistance, counseling services to help cope with emotional distress, and referrals to relevant agencies for specialized assistance.
- Medical Assistance – provide individuals and families with access to necessary healthcare services, such as medical consultations, treatments, and medications. This helps ensure their physical well-being during times of crisis and improves their chances of recovering from any health-related issues they may be facing.
- Burial Assistance – to help individuals and families cover the costs associated with funeral and burial expenses. This support is crucial during times of loss and can alleviate financial burdens for those who may not have the means to afford a proper burial for their loved ones.
- Educational Assistance – can come in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans, enabling individuals to pursue their educational goals without added financial stress.
- Other Assistance – Transportation Assistance, Food Assistance, Cash & Other Assistance
Eligibility and Requirements for Availing AICS
To avail themselves of the various forms of assistance from AICS, clients must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They must also be in a crisis, as defined by the DSWD guidelines, which include situations such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, and personal emergencies. It is also important for clients to provide accurate information and submit the requirements, as this helps the DSWD assess their needs and provide appropriate assistance.
Requirements:
Medical Assistance
- Medical summary or health documentation (medical certificate)
- Doctor’s prescription, request for laboratory tests, and hospital invoice
- Proof of barangay indigency or residency for the claimant
- Official identification of the claimant (valid ID)
- Comprehensive Social Case Study Report (SCSR) provided by the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (required for hospital bills)
Burial Assistance
- Officially authenticated copy of the death certificate (certified true copy)
- Agreement for funeral services
- Verification of barangay indigency or residency for the claimant
- Valid identification of the claimant (valid ID)
Educational Assistance
- Application form or Enrollment Certificate
- Officially verified student identification card
- Proof of barangay indigency or residency for the claimant
- Valid identification of the claimant
Transportation Assistance
- Valid ID and any of the following documents as to purpose:
- Police Blotter/Certification (for victims of theft, illegal recruitment, etc.)
- Death Certificate
- Medical Certificate (fit to travel)
- Court Order/Subpoena/Referral
Food Assistance
- Valid ID and any of the following documents as to purpose:
- Referral letter
- Medical Certificate
Cash & Other Assistance
- Valid ID and any of the following documents as to purpose:
- Police Blotter or report
- Bureau of Fire Protection Report
- Passport or Travel Documents
- Certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office for Victims of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children
- Referral letter/Endorsement
- Incident Report
- SPOT Report
- Death Certificate
- Certification from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
- Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC)
- Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee Certificate
- Medico-legal
Process of Availing AICS
To avail yourself of any of the services or assistance mentioned above, you must complete the three procedures that include screening, assessment and interview, and release. Once you have completed the necessary screening, assessment, and interview processes, the DSWD and other related agencies will evaluate your application and determine the level of aid you are eligible to receive.
Step 1. SCREENING
New and walk-in applicants may directly go to the DSWD office for inquiry and screening. After which, you will be given ample time to prepare the required documents for the assistance you want to avail and set a schedule for assessment and interview.
Those applicants, who submitted their request via phone or email, will undergo the screening process via conference call. If their request for assistance is beyond the services offered by AICS, they will receive a referral letter to the agency that best suits their need. All they have to do is reach out to the CIU/CIS/SWAD Office to follow up on their referral.
It is important to note that the screening process is a crucial step in determining the eligibility of applicants for the assistance they are seeking. During this stage, the applicants will have the opportunity to provide additional information and clarify any details regarding their request. This ensures that the CIU/CIS/SWAD Office can accurately assess the applicant’s situation and determine the best course of action.
Once the screening process is complete, the applicants will be informed of the outcome and provided with further instructions on how to proceed, including setting an appointment to proceed to the next step. This appointment may involve a more in-depth interview or assessment to gather more information and fully understand the applicant’s circumstances.
Important Note: The CIU/CIS/SWAD Office needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the applicant’s situation first to ensure that the assistance provided is tailored to their specific needs. Through the screening process, the office can allocate resources efficiently and effectively, providing the necessary support to those who truly require it.
Step 2: ASSESSMENT AND INTERVIEW
Only those applicants who successfully pass the screening process shall proceed to Step 2. Here, they will go to the office on the day of their appointment and bring the required documents with them. After this, the DSWD social worker will assess them and the documents they brought with them.
The assessment and interview process is crucial for the DSWD social worker to determine the type of assistance they want to avail of and to know if they qualify for the program. The social worker will carefully review the documents and ask relevant questions to ensure that the assistance provided is tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Once the assessment and interview process is completed, the social worker will then discuss the available assistance options with the individual. This may include financial aid, medical assistance, educational support, or other forms of assistance, depending on their circumstances. The social worker will explain the eligibility criteria and any additional requirements that need to be fulfilled to qualify for the program. They will also provide information on the duration of the assistance and any limitations or conditions that may apply. Throughout this process, the social worker will maintain a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, ensuring that the individual feels heard and understood.
Step 3: RELEASING
Once you qualify for the assistance you applied for, you will be able to receive either financial or material assistance, depending on your needs. The DSWD understands that each individual’s situation is unique and may require different types of assistance. Once you have qualified for the program, the social worker will work closely with you to determine whether financial or material assistance is more suitable for your specific needs.
It is important to communicate and coordinate effectively with the DSWD to ensure that you receive the appropriate support. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to them, as their main goal is to serve and assist you in the best way possible.
Important Note: The timelines for processing applications and disbursing assistance may vary depending on the number of applicants and the availability of resources.
Video: AICS – Educational Assistance to Mark Philip Lapinig
This video features one of the beneficiaries of AICS Educational Assistance. In the video, Mark shares his experience of applying for and receiving educational assistance from AICS. He explains how the financial support allowed him to buy his school supplies and uniform and support himself with the allowance he received.
Mark emphasizes the transformative impact that AICS had on his life, enabling him to escape the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for himself and his family. His story is just one example of the many success stories that demonstrate the significant positive impact of AICS on empowering individuals and improving their lives.
Conclusion
The AICS project of DSWD aims to provide comprehensive assistance to individuals and families in need. Through its screening, assessment, and interview processes, applicants are carefully evaluated to determine the level of aid they are eligible for. The project offers various forms of assistance such as financial aid, medical support, educational assistance, and more.
It is important for applicants to go through the necessary steps and requirements in order to receive the appropriate support. The DSWD social workers are dedicated to helping individuals and families in need, providing compassionate and non-judgmental support throughout the entire process.