The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently launched the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in different parts of the country. Basically, the program aims to protect minimum wage earners from the effects of high inflation.
In this article, we will learn more about AKAP — its objectives, target beneficiaries, and the different types of assistance it provides. We will also discuss how people can apply for the program.
Image Credit: DSWD Field Office 1 / Facebook
What is AKAP?
As the name says, “Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program” (AKAP) provides financial aid to minimum wage earners falling under the low-income category, who are severely affected by rising inflation.
The main legal basis of AKAP is the “General Appropriations Act of 2024, Special Provision No.3, DSWD Budget,” which authorized the funding for the program. The Act mandated that an amount of PHP 26.7 billion shall be used to implement the program.
Target Beneficiaries
Who are qualified to join AKAP? These are individuals who belong to low-income category, i.e. those whose income does not exceed the statutory minimum wage.
On the other hand, people who are already receiving regular assistance from DSWD are not qualified for AKAP. These include:
- Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); and
- Indigent senior citizens who receive PHP 1,000 monthly social pension.
Meanwhile, those who have received aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the AKAP shall be government by the limitation and rules on the frequency of availment of assistance (more on this below).
Modalities of the Program
The program shall be carried out in two modalities: (a) directly by the DSWD through the Crisis Intervention Units/Sections (CIU/S) at the Central and Field Offices and Social Welfare and Development Satellite Offices (SWAD Offices) nationwide; and (b) through DSWD’s partners such as Local Government Units (LGUs).
1. Through CIU/s and SWAD Offices
Under this modality, AKAP beneficiaries can expect to receive food assistance, medical assistance, funeral assistance, and cash relief assistance in the form of outright cash. The amount ranges from PHP 1,000 to PHP 10,000 — subject to the assessment of the DSWD social worker. For amounts above PHP 10,000, a Guarantee Letter approved by the DSWD Secretary or his representative will be given.
2. Through LGUs
When implementing the program through LGUs, the financial assistance is called “rice assistance” because it will be used for purchasing rice. Prior to this, the DSWD and the LGU shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which presents details on the transfer of funds and its liquidation.
The amount of rice assistance that can be given to beneficiaries hall be equal to half of the cost of 25 kilograms of rice, based on the suggested retail price from the Department of Agriculture.
NOTE: The financial assistance from AKAP may complement any support given by the LGU, government agencies, and non-government organizations (NGOs).
How to Apply for AKAP
To apply for AKAP, you need to prove that you are a minimum wage earner. Hence, you must submit any of the following documents issued within three (3) months:
- Contract of Employment duly signed by the parties;
- Certificate of Employment with Compensation (COE) indicating the full name and signature of any issuing officer;
- Income Tax Return (ITR) BIR Form 2316/Audited Financial Statement with full name and signature of any issuing officer, or Certificate of Tax Exemption (if applicable); or
- Other documents that show that the client’s income does not exceed the statutory minimum wage.
Image Credit: DSWD Field Office 1 / Facebook
Implementation of the Program
The AKAP program may be implemented onsite or within DSWD Offices (CIU/SWAD Offices). It may also be implemented offsite or outside DSWD offices, especially in the cases of remote areas.
Here are the steps for onsite and offsite program implementation:
1. Onsite Implementation or Assessment of Individual Clients
- Screening
- Interviews and Assessment
- Review and Approval of Assistance
- Releasing of Assistance
2. Offsite Implementation or Assessment of Individual Clients
- Validation
- Interview and Assessment
- Review and Release of Assistance
Rate of Assistance and Frequency of Availment
As mentioned earlier, the implementation of the program shall be government by the limitation and rules on the frequency of availment of assistance. Below is a list of the types of assistance given, the range of costs, and frequency of availment:
- Rice Assistance – No more than half of the cost of 25 kg of rice based on the SRP from DA; may be availed once every three months;
- Medical Assistance – PHP 1,000 to PHP 150,000; may be availed once every admission (except for chronic diseases);
- Funeral Assistance – PHP 5,000 to PHP 50,000; may be availed per beneficiary or incident of death;
- Food Assistance – PHP 2,000 to PHP 10,000; may be availed once every three months; and
- Cash Relief Assistance – PHP 2,000 to PHP 10,000; may be availed once for every applicable incident.
NOTE: Any type of assistance shall be subject to the availability of funds.
Video: News Report on Launching of AKAP Program
The AKAP program was launched nationwide on May 18, 2024. Here is a news report on the event, as featured by TV Patrol:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions about the program:
1. What is AKAP?
“AKAP” stands for “Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program,” a program that provides financial assistance to low-income, minimum wage earners who are severely affected by rising inflation.
2. Who are its target beneficiaries?
The target beneficiaries of the program are individuals whose income does not exceed the statutory minimum wage.
3. What are the modalities of the program?
The program is carried out in two modalities: (a) directly through the DSWD CIU/S at Central and Field Offices and Satellite Offices; and (b) through partners such as LGUs.
4. How to apply for the program?
To apply, you need to submit document(s) proving that you are a minimum wage earner (e.g. Contract of Employment, Certificate of Employment with Compensation, etc.).
5. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about AKAP by visiting the nearest DSWD Office in your area.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
For questions or concerns about the AKAP program, you can also get in touch with the DSWD Central Office. Here are its address, contact details, and location map:
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8952-0697 or (02) 8931-8101, local 513
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) is a timely response to the needs of low-income Filipinos, who are earning the minimum wage, but are not members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or other similar initiatives. Thanks to this program, minimum wage earners can get much-needed support amid rising inflation.