Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022

Did you know that the Philippines has the world’s largest population of solo parents? A single parent heads one out of every ten families. This often leaves these parents struggling to make ends meet. But there may be hope on the horizon. Earlier this year, Congress passed the Expanded solo parents welfare act of 2022. This new law will provide more support to solo parents in the Philippines. It goes into effect in 2022, so there is still time to prepare. Please keep reading for more information about the new law and what it means for solo parents in the Philippines.

What is the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022?

The Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022 is a law that provides benefits and assistance to solo parents and their children. The expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022 will improve the lives of solo parents and their children by providing them with access to benefits and assistance that can help them meet their needs.

The law was designed to help solo parents with parenting duties, financial support, and other needs.

Benefits of Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act Of 2022

Parenting support:

The law provides solo parents access to parenting support services, such as counseling, mentoring, and educational programs.

Work Discrimination:

The law prohibits employers from discriminating against solo parents in hiring, promotion, or other employment opportunities.

Childcare Support:

The law provides financial assistance for childcare expenses and access to free or discounted childcare services. It includes breastfeeding in the workplace.

Leave Benefits:

The law provides solo parents with up to seven days of leave with pay regardless of their employment status. Solo parents must render service for at least six months.

Financial Assistance:

The law provides financial assistance to solo parents through cash grants, subsidies, and loans.

Educational Support:

The law provides academic support to solo parents through scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance programs.

Other benefits:

The law provides additional benefits to solo parents, such as legal aid and housing assistance.

Monthly allowance of one thousand pesos (1,000) for those earning below minimum wage.
Ten percent (10%) discount and exemption from value-added tax (VAT) on baby’s milk, food, and other medical supplements up to the age of six years.
Automatic coverage under National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) is to be shared equally by their employer and the National Government.
Giving priority to the solo parents and to their children in finding jobs.

How To Apply Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act Of 2022

Solo parents can apply for assistance under the law by contacting the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or the Solo Parents Welfare Assistance Program (SPWAP).

To avail of these benefits, a solo parent must apply for a Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC). Here are the following requirements:

Birth of a child as a consequence of rape:

Birth Certificate of a child
Complaint Affidavit
Medical record on the incident of rape
Affidavit

Death of a spouse:

Birth Certificate of a child
Marriage certificate
Death certificate of the spouse
Affidavit

Detention of the spouse:

Birth Certificate of a child
Marriage certificate
Certificate of detention of the spouse
Affidavit

Divorce or annulment of marriage:

Birth Certificate of a child
Marriage certificate
Judicial decree of nullity or annulment
Affidavit

Abandoned spouses:

Birth Certificate of a child
Marriage certificate
Affidavit of two disinterested persons to testify the abandonment of the spouse
Police or barangay record of abandonment
Affidavit

Unwed mothers:

Birth Certificate of a child
Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
Affidavit of a Barangay Official testimony
Affidavit

Who Can Qualify For Assistance Under The Law

A parent who provides sole parental care and support for the child qualifies for this assistance. Any single or solo parents can be eligible for service as long as they meet the categories of solo parents.

Birth of a child as a consequence of rape: The law assists solo parents who are victims of rape.
Unwed mothers: The law assists unwed mothers in raising their children alone.
Abandoned spouses: The law helps left spouses in raising their children alone.
Death of a spouse: The law assists solo parents whose spouse has died.
Divorce or annulment of marriage: The law helps solo parents who are divorced or have had their marriage annulled.
Detention of the spouse: The law assists solo parents whose spouse is detained for at least three months or served a sentence for a criminal conviction.

Conclusion

The expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022 is a law that provides financial, healthcare, educational, and other forms of assistance to solo parents and their children. The law aims to help solo parents struggling to support their children. To avail of the benefits under the law, a solo parent must apply for a Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC). The law assists solo parents who are victims of rape, unwed mothers, abandoned spouses, divorced or annulled couples, and those whose spouse is detained. Finally, this law prioritizes solo parents and their children in finding jobs.