The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has clarified that its social pension program (SocPen) for senior citizens remains open and with clear guidelines for availment.
DSWD Project Development Officer (PDO) Josie Ann Rivera of the Protective Services Bureau (PSB) said the SocPen applies only to the impoverished elderlies 60 years old and above.
“A senior citizen who is 60 years of age or older, does not have a permanent income or daily livelihood and does not have a pension from the SSS (Social Security System), the GSIS (Government Service Insurance System), the PVAO (Philippine Veterans Affairs Office), and other agencies can apply for the social pension program,” she explained.
Rivera also said the pensions are non-transferable and that only beneficiaries of the program can benefit from the SocPen program.
“The pension reserved for the beneficiary is only for him and cannot be passed on or transferred to another person. And if our beneficiary has been removed from the list and if he has a replacement, a new qualified beneficiary may receive it,” she said.
Rivera said there are only two requirements needed by senior citizens who intend to register–the completed social pension application form and a National ID or any government-issued ID.
“The submission of these requirements may be done through the local government units (LGUs) or the DSWD’s field offices (FOs),” Rivera said.
The DSWD has refuted claims circulating online that the monthly pension for indigent senior citizens has increased to P1,500, stressing that the pension remains at P1,000 per month.
“Any information should be verified only through the official social media pages of the DSWD to ensure accuracy,” Rivera said.
According to Rivera, representatives may claim the pension on behalf of elderlies who are unable to personally receive the assistance. Senior citizens with a small business or have unstable income may still qualify under the program’s poverty-related guidelines.
The DSWD gave assurance that its commitment to ensuring that indigent senior citizens continue to receive appropriate and timely support from the government.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “DSWD clarifies policy on social pension for indigent seniors”
