COVID-19 Financial Support: Everything you need to know

Millions of Filipinos are struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, the government is providing Filipinos with the financial support they need. Take a look at the list of cash aid programs available.

The president signed Republic Act 11469, also known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, into law last March 25. It addresses the current situation in the country by providing support to Filipinos heavily affected by the pandemic.

Under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide social amelioration measures to Filipinos most affected by the COVID-19 situation. Cash aid between PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 will be given to the most vulnerable sectors.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases released a list of target beneficiaries for government cash assistance.

DSWD, in coordination with local government units, will give out Social Amelioration Card (SAC) forms on a house-to-house basis, observing proper safety protocols and social distancing when distributing the emergency cash aid to families.

The SAC will be the basis for the government to provide support and will serve as proof that beneficiaries received the cash aid.

1. The head of the family will fill up 2 copies of the SAC form. The information must be complete and written in capital letters.
2. Submit one copy to the LGU’s authorized personnel while the other copy must be kept by the household.
3. Once approved, cash aid from DSWD will be distributed by your local government unit.
4. Beneficiaries may be asked to show proof of status, such as senior citizen’s ID for senior citizens, or barangay certification for homeless persons

On March 29, 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the Supplemental Amelioration Program. The program will provide financial or in-kind assistance to families or individuals affected by the stricter Enhanced Community Quarantine in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that the cash assistance is only P1,000 per person and P4,000 for each family with 4 members, regardless of the number of people in the family. The funds will be released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the local government units for the distribution of in-kind assistance.

One of the Philippine cash aid programs is from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The department will help affected employees and provide one-time cash assistance of PHP5,000 to formal and informal workers who have flexible working arrangements or those working for companies that are temporarily closed.

DOLE implemented emergency employment assistance called Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers – #Barangay Ko Bahay Ko (TUPAD BKBK) Program. The program aims to help underemployed, self-employed workers, and displaced workers affected by the pandemic and will be carried out by the barangays or local government.

Interested workers can inform their barangay or LGUs, such as the city hall, that they want to work under the TUPAD Project.

LGUs must submit the needed documents to the nearest DOLE field offices:

• Letter of Intent
• Work Program
• List of Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries under the program will disinfect their houses and vicinities, in coordination with the local health offices, and will receive a daily minimum wage for 10 days. They will also get personal accident insurance, personal protective equipment, and a cleaning kit.

Under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Program (CAMP), DOLE will provide support to affected employees working in companies that adopted a flexible working environment or have been temporarily closed.

Employers must submit the necessary documents via email:

• Establishment Report on the COVID-19
• Company Payroll for February or earlier (before the implementation of flexible working arrangements or temporary closure)

It must be submitted to the appropriate DOLE-NCR field office with the email subject: APPLICATION FOR COVID-19 AMP. You can check the contact details here. The application will be evaluated and recipients will be notified if it’s approved or denied via email or SMS.

The department also announced last March 31 that employees can apply for CAMP on their own. DOLE will send the money via money remittance service.

OFWs who have lost their jobs will be given a one-time cash aid of PHP10,000. Affected OFWs must submit their Certificate of Employment from their agencies and will be evaluated by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).

1. Fill up the application form for special cash assistance from POLO
2. Submit the form and the following documents to the nearest POLO office.

• A copy of passport or travel document
• Proof of overseas employment
• Proof of loss of employment due to the coronavirus outbreak
• For the undocumented: Proof that the OFW is involved in a case like case reference number or case endorsement stamped by POLO

3. POLO will evaluate the documents within 5 working days and the applying OFW will be updated within 5 working days.
4. Once approved, OFWs will receive the money through bank transfer or cash remittance.

OFWs who are still abroad are advised to get in touch with POLO in their country to avail the assistance.

We hope that this COVID-19 financial support list helps you during this crisis. Stay safe mga kababayan!