To better support persons with disabilities (PWDs) in society, the Philippine government has created a program specifically tailored to address their needs. Under Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, the PWD ID enables PWDs and their caregivers to enjoy various privileges and benefits.
Here is everything you need to know about the PWD ID, its requirements, and the possible financial assistance you are entitled to.
Am I Eligible for a PWD ID?
Any person with a permanent disability is eligible for a PWD ID in the Philippines. PWDs are divided into 2 main groups: those with apparent disabilities, and those with non-apparent disabilities.
Apparent disabilities can be seen by the obvious presence of physical impairment and impaired mobility or function such as being totally blind, missing limbs, and limping, to name a few.
Non-apparent disabilities, on the other hand, are disabilities that are not manifested physically like deaf/hard of hearing, intellectual disability, learning disability, mental disability, psychosocial disability, non-apparent visual disability, non-apparent speech and language impairment, non-apparent cancer, and non-apparent rare diseases. This kind of disability usually requires a medical confirmation to confirm its existence.
If you have cancer or are a cancer survivor, you are also a PWD as provided under the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. Additionally, “cancer patients, persons living with cancer, and cancer survivors” are all regarded as persons with disabilities, according to Section 25 of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).
What is the NICCA?
Republic Act No. 11215 or the NICCA was created to serve as the framework for all cancer control activities of the Philippine government. Its enactment aims to strengthen cancer control in the country, increase cancer survivorship, and reduce disease burden on families and cancer patients.
How to Apply for a PWD ID Card
Applying for a PWD ID card in the Philippines can be accomplished in just 2 easy steps:
- Prepare the PWD ID Requirements
It is important to prepare all of the PWD ID requirements beforehand for a smooth application process. Prepare the following:
- Proof of identity (e.g., valid government-issued ID or birth certificate)
- Proof of residency (e.g., barangay certificate or utility bill)
- Medical certificate or assessment from a licensed physician or government hospital indicating your disability and its severity
- 2 to 3 recent passport-size photos with signatures or thumb marks at the back of the picture
- Completed PWD ID application form
You can get the PWD application form online, from authorized sources such as the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), or the Department of Health (DOH) website, from your local City/Municipal Hall, Barangay Hall, and participating organizations authorized to distribute PWD application forms.
Now that you have your accomplished PWD application form, the next step is to file it.
- File the PWD Form
The accomplished PWD form can be filed 2 ways: manually or online.
- Manual PWD ID Registration
Visit the nearest Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) with your completed documents. After reviewing your application, the office may issue your PWD ID on the same day or within a few days, depending on their processing time.
- Online PWD ID Registration
Alternatively, you can fill out the Online Application Form provided on the DOH’s Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability. Keep in mind, however, that full online PWD ID registration is not widely available across the Philippines. Kindly check with your LGU if such services are available.
If your LGU is covered by the Online PWD ID registration, all you have to do is enter your personal details, including the type and cause of your disability, educational and employment background, residential address, and contact details. You will also need to include your blood type, relevant government ID numbers, and the names of your parents or guardians, as applicable.
Once the form is complete, print it, attach your ID photos, and submit it along with the required documents for verification. Upon confirming your medical condition or disability, you will receive a unique PWD ID number.
For bedridden individuals with disabilities who cannot visit the Municipal or City Social Welfare Development Offices, there are alternative options. They can authorize a trusted family member or caregiver to act on their behalf. This representative can bring the necessary documents to the office, complete the application steps, and manage any other required tasks.
Additionally, some social welfare offices may offer home visits for those unable to travel due to their condition. Contact your local office to ask if home visits are an option, as they can provide guidance on completing the application from home.
After submitting your form, all you have to do is wait. Then, if there are no issues with your application, you should be able to receive your PWD ID.
What Are My Benefits As A PWD?
You’re now a PWD ID holder!
Here are the many benefits associated with your card:
- 20% Discount and Value Added Tax (VAT) Exemption on the following:
- Food, Beverages, and Consumable Food Items
- Medicines and Medical Supplies
- Medical and Dental Services
- Professional Fees of Attending Physicians
- Domestic Air and Sea Travel
- Land Transportation Fares
- Services in Hotels, Restaurants, and Recreational Centers
- Admission Fees to Theaters, Cinemas, and Concert Halls
- Funeral and Burial Services
Remember that PWDs are unable to combine discounts. If there are 2 discounts, PWDs can choose which to apply.
Only PWDs or those making purchases on their behalf, such as for medications or medical services, are eligible for the non-transferable discount and VAT exemption.
- 5% Special Discount on Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities
- Basic Necessities:
- Rice, corn, bread, and fresh, dried, or canned fish and other marine products
- Fresh pork, beef, and poultry, as well as their fresh, dried, or canned forms
- Fresh dairy products, such as milk, eggs, and cheese
- Coffee, sugar, and cooking oil
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Garlic and onions
- Fresh and dried root crops
- Prime Commodities:
- Processed milk, powdered milk, and infant formula
- Salt and laundry soap
- Instant noodles and other similar items
- Meat products, such as corned beef and luncheon meat
- Canned pork, beef, and poultry
- Soy sauce, vinegar, and other condiments
- Dried or processed fruits and vegetables
- Bottled water
- Basic Necessities:
- Mandatory Coverage Under SSS/GSIS, National Health Insurance, and Pag-IBIG
- Additional PWD Benefits:
- Tax Benefits
- Educational Assistance
- Employment assistance
- Express Lanes for PWDs
- Priority privileges
- City-Specific PWD ID Benefits
- Utility Discounts
PWDs may receive other benefits such as DSWD cash assistance or similar financial assistance, depending on their locality. Please check with your LGUs for any policies and projects in place for PWDs.
How Long Is My PWD ID Valid For?
The PWD ID is valid for 3 years, and is free for the initial application. However, renewal due to expiration, loss, or damage has an equivalent minimal fee.
How Can I Renew My PWD ID?
Once your card has expired, you can renew it by simply going through the application process again. Do not forget to attach your expired PWD ID before filing it. Prepare your 2×2 photos, and then pay the minimal renewal fee.
Know Your Rights as a PWD
The PWD ID provides official recognition of a person’s disability and grants you access to extensive benefits. With a PWD ID, you are eligible for discounts on essential goods, transportation, educational assistance, and even healthcare. Those living with cancer, especially, can benefit from the proper PWD benefits afforded to patients & survivors.
The PWD ID’s significance extends to more than just these discounts and exemptions. It serves to empower PWDs to participate more fully in society and enhancing their quality of life, in line with the Philippine government’s commitment to supporting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. Thanks to rights such as these, we are able to spread #HopeFromWithin for every Filipino.
For more information on the benefits and application process, consult your local Municipal or City Social Welfare Development Office or visit the DOH’s PWD page.
PH-NON-01068
