The Social Pension (SocPen) was crated under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. The program is being implemented in all regions across the country. SocPen is a needs-based program that provides a monthly stiped of P500.00 to indigent senior citizens who are 60 years old and above. To be eligible for the program, senior citizens must not be receiving any form of pension from the government, must not be employed, and must not have any source of regular income. Recipients must also be residents of the Philippines. The money can be used for any purpose, such as buying food, medicines, or other necessities.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is responsible for protecting and promoting the social welfare and development of all people, especially the most vulnerable members of society. One of the department’s programs is the Social Pension Program which is a financial aid to senior citizens who are indigent, needy, and poor.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO GET DSWD SOCIAL PENSION CASH ASSISTANCE

  • Must be at least 60 years old.

  • Must be able to prove Filipino citizenship and residency in the Philippines for at least 6 months

  • Must not have been convicted of any moral turpitude crime

  • Without a pension from the Social Security System (SSS), the government insurance systems GSIS, or any kind of pension.

  • Lacking a stable source of income

  • Lacking consistent assistance from family or friends to meet their basic necessities

  • Finally, they must present a valid ID card issued by the Philippine government upon availing of the benefits and privileges.

HOW TO ENROLL SOCIAL PENSION CASH ASSISTANCE

  1. To apply, seniors must first collect the required documents. Seniors can then submit their applications to the nearest DSWD office.
  2. The application form can obtained from your local DSWD office.
  3. Once the application has been received, a caseworker will review the information and determine whether the senior is eligible for assistance
  4. If approved, the senior will receive a monthly stiped that can be used to cover essential expenses.