The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Funeral or Burial Assistance Program is one of the initiatives aimed at providing financial support to bereaved families during the challenging period of burying their deceased loved ones. This program, under the AICS program, seeks to alleviate the financial burden associated with funeral expenses, ensuring that grieving families can give their departed family members a dignified farewell.
This assistance program not only addresses immediate financial needs but also acknowledges the emotional toll of losing a family member. The empathetic approach of the DSWD, coupled with a transparent and accessible application process, makes it a lifeline for those navigating the difficult journey of saying goodbye to a family member.
Eligibility Criteria & Requirements
To avail of the Funeral or Burial Assistance, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria typically include factors such as income level, civil status, and other socio-economic indicators. Documentation requirements, such as a death certificate and proof of indigency, are often necessary for the application process.
- The deceased person must be a Filipino citizen.
- To demonstrate the passing of the deceased, you should submit the death certificate, with or without a civil registry number. Alternatively, certification can be provided by a hospital, doctor, or authorized medical practitioner; an Imam (for Muslims); a Tribal Chieftain or leader (for Indigenous Peoples); or a funeral contract from any registered funeral home.
- Include an Invoice or Billing Statement (Statement of Account) as part of the application.
- A Barangay Certificate, outlining family expenses related to the casket, is also required.
- For cases involving the relocation of the deceased, provide a Transfer Permit or Quarantine Permit.
- Eligibility to apply extends to immediate family members, such as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.
- The family’s gross income, not surpassing the poverty threshold set by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), is a determining factor. This threshold ensures that the assistance is directed to those who are in the greatest need.
Additional requirements:
- Document confirming the outstanding balance or a commitment to pay (promissory note) (if there are unresolved expenses)
- Social Case Study Report (SCSR) or Case Summary (if the financial aid to be given exceeds Php 10,000)
Notes:
- The most recent poverty rate reported by the government stands at 13.2 percent of families. The benchmark for this rate is an income threshold of approximately P15,000 per month for a family comprising five members.
- The Social Case Study Report (SCSR) is a document prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines. It is a comprehensive assessment that delves into the social, economic, and psychological aspects of an individual or a family seeking assistance. The purpose of the SCSR is to provide a thorough understanding of the applicant’s circumstances, helping social workers and DSWD officials make informed decisions regarding the provision of social services and financial assistance.
For Transfer of Cadaver Requirements:
- Basic requirements along with the Transfer of the Cadaver Permit
- Barangay Certificate/Barangay Indigency/Certificate of the Client stating the client’s needs for assistance, as deemed necessary
Additional Information:
- It constitutes aid to cover funeral and associated costs, encompassing, but not restricted to, expenses incurred in transporting the deceased’s remains to their residence and burial site, in adherence to the established customs of the family, particularly among Indigenous Peoples and Moros.
- In situations such as disasters, calamities, or critical events resulting in family casualties, the surviving family members will receive immediate cash assistance amounting to Php 10,000 for each casualty. This support is provided without the necessity for a detailed case study report.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for the DSWD Funeral or Burial Assistance
Step 1: Prepare the required documents, including the death certificate of the deceased, a valid ID, and proof of residence such as a barangay certificate. Additional supporting documents may be necessary, such as income certificates or tax returns, barangay certification demonstrating financial obligations related to funeral expenses, a promissory note or certificate of balance, and a transfer permit if relocating the deceased to their province.
Step 2: Visit the nearest DSWD office in your locality. Find their contact information and address on the official DSWD website. Feel free to call and inquire about specific requirements and procedures from DSWD staff or social workers.
Step 3: Present all necessary documents to the DSWD office. Social workers will assess your eligibility based on the provided documentation.
Step 4: The DSWD office will conduct a comprehensive verification and assessment of your application to determine eligibility for assistance.
Step 5: Upon approval, you will receive financial assistance from the DSWD, aimed at covering various costs associated with the death and burial of your loved one. It’s crucial to note that financial aid from the DSWD Crisis Intervention Division should be disbursed in full, and no employee or staff member is authorized to deduct or impose any tax or fine from the assistance.
Notes:
- For any additional inquiries, contact the DSWD at inquiry@dswd.gov.ph or co@dswd.gov.ph. You can also reach them through their hotlines at 8962-2813/8951-7344. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.
- For a comprehensive list of their satellite offices, refer to the following link: https://aics.dswd.gov.ph/list-of-fos-swad-satellite-offices/
Coverage and Benefits
The program provides financial assistance to cover funeral and burial expenses. The amount granted may vary, and it is intended to help defray the costs associated with caskets, burial plots, transportation, and other funeral-related expenditures. Beneficiaries need to be aware of the program’s coverage and any limitations on the assistance provided.
Filipinos who wish to avail of the DSWD burial assistance program may obtain benefits amounting to a maximum of Php 10,000. This sum is intended to address various costs, including:
- Costs related to casket and funeral services
- Expenses associated with the wake, burial plot, or interment
- Transportation fees for conveying the deceased’s remains
Video: DSWD Cash Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations ‘Open to All’
This video is a news update from the ABS-CBN News channel about the DSWD cash aid for its AICS program. Here, Secretary Rex Gatchalian discusses in detail the scope of this program as well as who may avail of it.
He emphasizes that not only those poor individuals are encouraged to apply, but all Filipino individuals who are in a crisis and need assistance. He added that the AICS program is open to all, and the DSWD social worker will assess each individual’s eligibility for the cash aid.
Summary
For Filipino families who have lost a family member, the DSWD burial assistance program provides financial aid to help cover funeral and burial expenses. The Social Case Study Report (SCSR) is an integral part of this process, providing a thorough assessment of the applicant’s circumstances. The application process involves preparing necessary documents and submitting them to the nearest DSWD office for eligibility assessment. Upon approval, the DSWD will provide financial assistance to cover various costs associated with the death and burial of the deceased.