Are you suffering from any kind of disability? Whether it be visible or not, getting a PWD ID card should be on top of your to-do list. Not only could it serve as proof of your disability, but it could also bring you hundreds of privileges that you deserve to experience.
Here we have compiled a brief guide on how to get a PWD ID in the Philippines – and what you could get from having one.
Take a look.
What is a PWD ID?
The PWD ID is the standard identification card for persons with disability (PWDs) in the Philippines. It serves as proof that a person has a disability and needs special treatment as required by his or her condition.
Benefits of a PWD ID
Under Philippine law, PWDs are eligible for certain discounts and privileges. This includes the following.
- 20% Discount and VAT Exemption
PWD ID holders are eligible for 20% discount on lodging establishments, restaurants, recreational centers, hospitals and pharmacies, public and private transportation fares, and funeral and burial services.
- 5% Discount on Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities
Apart from the already mentioned 20% discount, PWDs can also get 5% discount on basic commodities. This includes rice, bread, meat, fruits, vegetables, milk, sugar, and water, among others.
To qualify, the total purchase of a person should not be more than PHP 1,300 per week.
- Mandatory Coverage Under SSS/GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG
- Educational Assistance
PWDs are eligible for scholarships, educational grants, subsidies, allowances, and other forms of financial support if they wish to apply in elementary, high school, college, post-graduate, vocational, or technical education in both public and private schools.
- Express Lanes dedicated for PWDs
Eligibility
Under Republic Act 10754, PWDs are described to be those “with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
From this definition, people suffering from any of the medical conditions listed below are eligible to apply for a PWD ID.
- Psychosocial disability – This includes people with diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other long-term and recurring psychosocial conditions
- Physical incapacity – This could be caused by amputation, spinal injury, post-polio, or any other conditions.
- Visual, speech, and hearing impairment – This covers people who are blind, mute, deaf, etc.
- Learning disability
- Multiple disabilities
For a more extensive eligibility list, you can check out the PWDPhil list here.
How to Apply
Here are the steps you must take to to get a PWD ID.
1. Visit any of the following sites and download the PWD ID application.
- National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or its regional counterpart
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offices
- Participating organizations with memorandums of agreement with the DOH
- Office of the Mayor
- Office of the Barangay Captain
- DOH website
2. Fill in all the required information in the PWD ID application form.
3. Gather all the required documents. This includes the following.
- Accomplished PWD ID application form
- Barangay Clearance, voter’s ID, or any valid government-issued ID
- Two 2×2 ID picture (for the application form), and one 1X1 ID picture (for the medicine booklet)
- Medical certificate or clinical abstract from a licensed physician
4. Submit all the required documents to any of the following offices.
- Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the city hall or municipal hall of your residence
- City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office
- City or Municipal Health Office or its satellite offices
- Office of the Mayor
- Office of the Barangay Captain
5. Upon approval, you will be given a PWD ID number.
6. The appointed officer will encode your personal information and submit the data to the Philippine Registry for PWD.
7. You can now proceed to claim your PWD ID card, along with purchase booklets.
Fees
Anyone who is eligible can apply for a PWD ID for free.
Contact
If you have any inquiry regarding PWD ID application, you can contact the department of health on (632) 651-7800, 5003-5004 (local) or via email at callcenter@doh.gov.ph. The head office is based at San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila Philippines 1003.
Conclusion
For many, having a disability might signal a difficult life ahead. However, through the help of a PWD ID card, anyone can now experience an improved lifestyle even in the smallest of ways.