[Published: January 29, 2007]
This week we are featuring an old law (it was enacted November 7, 2000 and the Implementing Rules followed after two years) that should help not only the single moms but solo parents in general.
Yes, there is such a thing as the “Solo Parent Act”(RA 8972). The law aims to develop a comprehensive program of services for solo parents. Although there are no stated financial benefits it provides for extra parental leaves, educational benefits, medical and housing benefits among others.
The benefits are not limited to single mothers or unmarried solo parents – because under the law a “Solo Parent” could be any individual who falls under any of the following categories:
(1) A woman who gives birth as a result of rape or crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender: Provided, that the mother keeps and raises the child;
(2) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to death of spouse;
(3) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood while the spouse is detained, or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year;
The law applies to the spouses of prisoners, whether or not a final judgment has been rendered, provided they are in detention for a minimum period of one (1) year;
(4) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner;
(5) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one (1) year: Provided, that he or she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
(6) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church: Provided, that he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
(7) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of spouse for at least one (1) year;
(8) Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear his/her child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare institution;
(9) Any other person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children provided he/she is duly licensed as a foster parent by the DSWD or duly appointed legal guardian by the court;
(10) Any family member who assumes the responsibility of head of family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent: Provided, that such abandonment, disappearance, or absence lasts for at least one (1) year,
A change in the status or circumstance of the parent claiming benefits under the Act, such that he/she is no longer left alone with the responsibility of parenthood, shall terminate his/her eligibility for these benefits;
Anybody who qualifies as solo parent under the Act, may avail of some of the benefits provided by law. These privileges however are not automatically granted. Thus, any qualified solo parent would have to go through several processes before enjoying the benefits. Still despite going through the process, any solo parent for sure would appreciate extra Parental Leaves. The seven day leave shall be granted to any solo parent who has rendered service for at least one year. This leave shall not be cumulative but the leave is on top of the leave privileges under existing laws. Conditions for Entitlement of Parental Leave – A solo parent shall be entitled to parental leave provided that:
(a) He/She has rendered at least one (1) year of service whether continuous or broken at the time of the effectivity of the Act;
(b) He/She has notified his/her employer of the availment thereof within a reasonable time period; and
(c) He/She has presented a Solo Parent Identification Card to his/her employer.
53 comments
Comments feed for this article
July 12, 2007 at 2:47 am
susana c. castillo
Dear sir,
i am a government employee for 2 years. Please enlighten me if I am entitled to this Act as my husband is working abroad as a seafarer.
Thanks.
yours,
Susana C. Castillo
DOH
July 13, 2007 at 10:52 am
aryamarya
Dear Ms. Castillo,
As a general rule, physical separation per se is not enough to qualify as a solo parent.
So long as your husband faithfully sends in the the share of his benifits as prescribed by law (seafarers) directly to you and your family and your situation does not fall within any of the enumerated items above – (abandonment, de facto separation, physical or mental incapacity of spouse) – it can still be construed that your not a solo parent. If you can provide more info or if you have more questions feel free to email: manananggol@gmail.com
July 31, 2007 at 7:34 am
karen
Dear Sir,
I have separated from my husband (but not legally) since oct 2005. I am solo in raising my 9 y.o son.
Am i qualified as a solo parent? What are the benefits for solo parent?
Thank you so much.
Karen
August 1, 2007 at 12:10 pm
aryamarya
Karen,
Sa puntong ito, magandang linawin kung una (1) legally separated na ba kayo? Kung hindi naman -> (2) gaano na ba kayo katagal hiwalay? May isang taon na ba o higit pa? Kung hindi kayo legally separated pero, hiwalay na kayo ng di bababa ng isang taon AT nasa iyo pong pangangalaga o nasa poder mo ang mga bata – maari po kayong mag-file para sa mga pribelehiyo ng RA 8972.
You can be considered as a solo parent under RA 8972 provided you fall withing 3(5)
Section 3 – definitions
(5) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one (1) year, as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
Ilan sa mga benipisyo sa ilalim ng batas na ito ay ang pagkakaroon ng karagdagang 7 araw na leave. Labas pa ito sa mga sick leave at vacation leaves mo. Maaring pong balikan ninyo ang ilan sa mga artikulo sa blog na ito, para sa detalye ng mga benipisyo.
Goodluck
October 3, 2007 at 9:10 am
Scorpio Lady
Hi! I’m also a solo parent with a 4 year old son. Me and my estranged fiancee were not married. What proof can I present to the DSWD so I can be issued a Solo Parent ID?And what benefits can I get from having that card?
October 4, 2007 at 2:21 pm
aryamarya
Hello, the requirements in securing a solo parent ID are:
(1) Barangay certificate residency in the area (2) documents /evidence that the applicant is a solo parent (example, death certificate of spouse, declaration of nullity of marriage, medical certificate (if incapacitated) (3) ITR or certification for the brgy./municipal treasurer
Benefits:
Package of Services of the Comprehensive Program
The comprehensive package of programs/services for solo parents includes livelihood, self-employment and skills development, employment-related benefits, psychosocial, educational, health and housing services.
January 7, 2016 at 2:07 am
maricel leonar
Sir Goodmorning, im maricel also a solo parent. How can we avail the solo parents program of EDUCATIONAL,HEALTH, AND HOUSING services?. As a solo parents these are my main problem for my 2 kids, now age 9 and 7 years old.
April 27, 2008 at 1:44 pm
piscean
Peace! I am a mom with three wonderful kids, aged 15, 12 & 8. My eldest is going to be a 1st year college, the 2nd a 1st year high school and the 3rd a grade3 this coming schoolyear. My marriage has been ordered by the court as null and void, thus, my marriage has been annulled for almost 4 years now. My ex-husband sents his financial obligation with a minimal amount that would not be enough for the needs of my three children. I am seeking for a scholarship for my children but they need me to present a solo parent id. but the problem is, as my friends tell me even if i present an itr the people wont believe that i am indigent. my question is, does this act only for the indigent solo parents? how would you say that a person is indigent? i can consider myself as indigent because my salary can not support my three children plus me. please enlighten me and help me.
thank you.
August 25, 2008 at 7:02 am
vincent
pWeDe p0h bAng pAkI SAGUT P0H UnG HWK q0h:
mag bigay ng artikulo ng isang solo or single parents
At
anu ang mga kabutihang at di- kabutihang dulot ng pagiging single parents
ThNx p0h
August 25, 2008 at 7:05 am
vincent
plsss send nalang p0h sa email k0h
ThNx
December 17, 2008 at 1:49 am
milady27
Hello, i am a government employee for more than 10 years, single and just gave birth to a baby boy. For personal reasons, I decided not to marry the father of my son and raise the baby on my own. pwede ko po bang gamitin itong solo parents act as basis for my bosses not to discriminate against me in my work? Or for not filing administrative case against me since I gave birth out of wedlock? May legal implications din po ba ito sa akin as a government employee?
Please enlighten me po. thanks so much.
January 7, 2009 at 9:16 am
Darwin Dumo
Dear Sir,
Isa po sa mga benefits na matatanggap ay yung housing services. anong klaseng services po ba ang tinutukoy?
June 11, 2009 at 4:28 am
Liezl Ago
good am… na bigyan na po ako ng certification as a solo parent . ask ko lng po kung ano ano pa po ang mga benifits at priviledges ng isang solo parent. Thanks in advance.
August 6, 2009 at 9:10 am
narcolepticnat
hi. how and where can i get single parent ID?
thank you very much.
August 12, 2009 at 7:24 am
bhel
i am a teacher and a solo parent. I do have my i.d., currently im having problem in availing the leave priveleges as said by the law . they were saying since we are public school teachers we do not have the same leave benefits due to the paid summer vacation. Is this so? why?
September 8, 2009 at 2:02 am
Kawen
Question po ma’am, I am about to give birth in the province this October and I am working in Manila. I am single and plan to raise my baby alone. As listed in the requirements and documents regarding the residency, can I process my Solo Parent ID sa province where I will give birth, since permanent resident address ko is in the province? I am only renting an apartment in Manila. And by the time I get back to work again next year, can I use the ID in Manila, would it be valid? I am already working with the company for 2 years. Appreciate your reply.
Thanks,
Kawen
January 31, 2010 at 10:37 am
claudia
dear sir/madam
hi, just want to ask and please reply me also in my email,I have 2 children 13 and 5 yrs old but they are in the philipines and im here in italy,im annuled already with my filipino husband,and now im married with italian.one yr already,im planning to invite my children here in italy,but the embassy ask for the consent of father,my ex husband dont like to allowed my children to come here,what document i need to present,now his in arabia with her other girl but their are not married,because the girl is married also to othermen,what document i need to show in the embassy that the consent of father is no longer needed,and where can i get that certification,my exhuband send money only when he like,do i consider a solo parent?thanks
March 4, 2010 at 5:03 pm
ceejay
hi! i have a 2-year-old son and i am raising him alone. i had him out of wedlock. what supporting document/s should i present to appy for a solo parent ID and avail of the solo parent benefits? thank you.
August 15, 2010 at 7:00 am
venacrist c. tapsi
how can i avail for medical allowance? as provided by this act? i am a government employee of 4 kids.. i need this kind of benefit to augment my financial status..
August 15, 2010 at 7:03 am
venacrist c. tapsi
by the way , i’m a single parent since 1986 due to the death of my husband.. and I rear my children alone. as government employee , i already enjoy my 7 days parental leave. what i’m asking now is, how can i also avail the monthly medical allowance??
September 15, 2010 at 4:31 am
chalen
Good day!
I am a senior college student currently taking BS Development Communication. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions regarding the Solo Parent act. These questions may be about your views or perceptions about the bill.
–
Chalen
September 16, 2010 at 2:51 am
May
hi! I’m a single mom. I just would like to ask where is nearest location I can apply/get my solo parent ID if I’m residing in Laguna. Thanks
September 22, 2010 at 9:29 am
Bong
Greetings! How can I avail the housing benefit since I’m a holder of a solo parent ID? I’ve already asked the MSWD but was told to go directly to NHA. But before going I checked the website so I would know what to say and what to expect but there was none. Can you help me?
September 27, 2010 at 8:40 am
Ella
Hello! Im temporarily assigned to work in Australia for 1.5 years and im planning to bring my 2 kids to spend their Christmas vacation here for 2 weeks but my ex- husband doesn’t want to give his consent. We’re de facto separated for 4 years and it just got annulled this year. If i am going to apply for solo parent certification, do you think that is an acceptable document that i am the sole guardian of the children and the embassy will not require for his consent anymore? My children are begging me because this is their first time to travel abroad and they are so excited but my usual selfish ex would still not give in. Btw, he does not give financial support to the kids and he only visits them once in a while in my parents house. Hoping for your reply. Thanks!
October 2, 2010 at 8:47 am
karen
gudpm sir.i am a public school teacher.i am 7 mos. pregnant now.i am not married.ask ko lng po matatangal ba ako s serbisyo dhil d ako kasal?psend n lng po ng sgot s email ko.thanks!!!
December 6, 2010 at 5:18 am
aryamarya
Noted.
July 14, 2012 at 11:58 am
rik'z
ano po b sgot nio s tnong ni ms. karen? ng22ro dn po kc me now,my ank pero d kasal…against b s lrngan ng pg22ro ang gni2? s email ko nlng po reply,tnx!
November 3, 2010 at 8:30 am
Belle
Hello..
I’d like to ask if I can apply for Solo Parent ID even if my child is just 2 months old right now. I am unmarried and decided not to marry the father of my son because he is not stable in his job and is not giving any support to me and my son since I became pregnant until now.
What evidences or documents I can submit for being a solo parent (and unmarried)?
I hope you could help. Please send your answer to my email
Thanks!
February 26, 2011 at 3:37 pm
aryamarya
@belle check your email.
November 8, 2010 at 1:10 pm
melvz
i’ve been in the company for several years already and the management/owners are fully aware that i have been separated for 11 years already. my one and only daughter is with me. is parental leave given on top of the sick leaves and vacation leaves irregardless of the number of leave benefits? is there a need to provide an ID or certificate for this even if the management is fully aware the solo parent’s situation? is it right to let the solo parent avail the parental leave only when all vacation leaves are all used up? if it has been a practice in the past years, can the new HR manager require the solo parents in the company of the certificate to avail off said parental leave?
i would appreciate receiving your reply sent to my email.
thanks a lot! God Bless!!!
February 26, 2011 at 3:16 pm
aryamarya
Sec 19 of the IRR RA 8972 provides for that a solo parent shall be entitled to parental leave of provided that:
1) Parent has rendered at least 1 year of service
2) Notify employer of the availment thereof within reasonable time period; and
3) Parent has presented a Solo Parent ID to employer.
December 10, 2010 at 2:26 am
Mary Grace E. Miguel
I am a single mother, i gave birth out of wed. i just want to ask if a solo parent enjoys a tax free exemption, is it covered under a solo parent. pls reply in my e mail tnx
December 22, 2010 at 10:59 am
eunice
hi!
i just want to ask, im a single mom, unmarried because the father of my kid is already married before i met him. can i still avail the solo parent ID? the maintenance he’s giving to my child is on and off at namomroblema talaga kami ng malaki pag ganun. paano po kaya un?
please reply po…
January 3, 2011 at 2:17 am
lorrie
hi friends. i am also a single parent and i read this from a magazine and found it also online. I already filed and was able to use my laves when i was still working. not i discovered more benefits specially on purchasing milk, medicines and vitamins for our child.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/08/11/10/benefits-solo-parents-pushed
Thanks!
February 26, 2011 at 3:18 pm
aryamarya
Thanks for sharing the link!
January 14, 2011 at 9:06 am
sharon
hello. good day.
i am recently complying with the requirements for me to avail of the solo parent id card. i am a solo parent of a 10 year old child.
i am working in the government service as a teacher. may i inquire if i am also qualified to avail of the 7 day parental leave since teachers do not have leaves due to the 2 month vacation period (April-May) every school year.
if i am qualified to avail of the leave may you please give me as to what reference i must attach in my letter to my hr and superior so that my claiim will be grounded.
thank you so much.
February 18, 2011 at 9:27 am
doris
HELLO! and good day I’m i single parent with a daughter of 4yrs old since birth her father never recognized her. I would like to avail for the solo parent id. If i can avail of that, can I present it to my private employee for the benefit of the 7days leave? And what are the priveledge of my daughter in school and your criteria for the qualified solo parent who can avail of the benefits? thanks and hoping for the response.God bless!
February 26, 2011 at 3:32 pm
aryamarya
Yes to ID application and to parental leave. See Section 10 and Section 19 of the IRR of RA 8972.
March 2, 2011 at 3:37 am
dheim
katulad din po ng ibang guro sa paaralang pampubliko magagamit ko rin po ba ang 7day leave? ano po ang dapat na paraang gawin upang maaprubahan ito ng division na kinabibilangan nmin? thank you..
sa email ko na lang po kayo magreply..
April 12, 2011 at 3:43 am
Rosemarie B. Enrique
Hi,
For clarification purposes, I would like to verify if Managers and or any High ranking officials from privates companies are also entitled to avail the SOLO PARENTS Benefit? Please advise.
Thanks.
April 14, 2011 at 2:54 am
zzybug
I was married in 2003 and gave birth 2004. since late 2008, my husband has left my son and I and we’ve only seen him again Chirstmas last year (2010) only because a common friend of ours got married.
Am I considered a solo parent? My only concern is that when I apply for an ID – I have no document to prove this. We’re not legally separated, we’re not annulled, we’re still legally married and he’s not exactly dead.
Can I still apply for the ID? how/what documents can I provide?
Thanks,
April 24, 2011 at 4:47 pm
raci
Just want to share this site about House Bill# 6037…
Click to access HB6037.pdf
June 29, 2011 at 4:07 am
Irene Joy R. Lugtu
hi! i have been a single mom to my daughter for almost 7 years. i will be leaving for another country but before i do, i’d like to process my solo parent id which is a requirement to get a travel clearance for my child if she’s traveling with her guardian. where can i get it? how long does it take to secure it? what proof can i show for the 2nd requirement{(documents /evidence that the applicant is a solo parent (example, death certificate of spouse, declaration of nullity of marriage, medical certificate (if incapacitated)} if my daughter’s father is present but we are not married. i only need to process the id not for the benefits but only as a requirement for the travel clearance.
thank you very much… please send response to my email address. truly appreciate the information!
irene
August 12, 2011 at 4:24 am
Kate
Hi, I need your help with my situation. I have 2kids, just gave both to my youngest last January. Their father acknowledge them, so they’re using his surname. We are not living in together, eversince my eldest was born 4yrs ago. Im raising them alone though their father is giving them financial support, not all the time. Im living with my parents. I applied for solo parent id so I could use another 7days leave to accompany my daughter on her school activities. but local dswd here in Malabon says I might be disqualified for it since they’re not sure if my kids’ father and I doesnt have any communication or not seeing each other, which is impossible because he is visiting the kids atleast once a week and we’re still on good terms. I went to dswd a week after and gave me the same reason for disqualification. I already submitted my requirements INCLUDING the affidavit stating we’re not living in together. Can you give me some advice regarding ? TIA
September 1, 2011 at 5:25 am
soya
Hello..
I’d like to ask if I can apply for Solo Parent ID even if my child is just 7 months old right now. I am unmarried and decided not to marry the father of my daughter because he is not stable in his job and is not giving any support to me and my daughter since I became pregnant until now.
What evidences or documents I can submit for being a solo parent (and unmarried)?
I hope you could help. Please send your answer to my email
Thanks!
January 6, 2012 at 2:07 am
grace burton
hi,just want to ask regarding this solo parent leave..can u pls elaborate it for me kz confused ako..it sez on art. 8 that we have a leave every year?is that every year na twing magpapalit ang taon o every year na mrrenew un id>
July 14, 2012 at 11:52 am
rik'z
hi! ask ko lang po sna kung d ba ubrang mgturo ang isang teacher dhil lng s may ank ito at di kasal? di b tanggap ang pgiging single parent s larangan ng pagtuturo? s email ko nlng po reply,tnx! Godbless!
August 30, 2012 at 12:51 am
Jhay Ann
hello po! Gusto ko lang pong itanong kung pwede po ba ako maka-avail nitong benifits as a solo parent. I’m a mother of a 4 year old child. I’m not married. My boyfriend left me after I gave birth. Hindi siya nagbigay ng suporta sa so I support my daugther on my own. As of this moment I’m still working here in cebu and my child is at my parents custody dahil nahirapan akong maghanap ng yaya para magbantay sa kanya while i’m at work. So my parents help me by taking care of my child in my behalf but every payday I send money to support my child’s needs. About the father of my child, he never supports me from my child conception until now. Actually he is a military man under the Philippine Marines. Ang gusto ko lang pong itanaong ay kung pwede ba akong mag apply as solo parent at paano po mag-apply.
May 20, 2013 at 8:59 pm
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May 30, 2013 at 7:34 am
lyn dela cruz
Hi! i would just like to know if the solo parent leave is also applicable or can be use by public school teacher….. thanks….
January 16, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Lana
Hello po. It seems that a lot of barangay offices are not yet aware of this Solo parent ID and do not have any sample of certification. DSWD local office on our place only require the brgy certification and my son’s birth certificate. Is there any way we can get sample of that Brgy certification for solo parent residency?
August 9, 2014 at 11:13 am
Johnf599
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January 28, 2015 at 10:14 am
mich
HI GOOD DAY!
I just want to ask, if unmarried parents living together however
the hsuband odes not have work.So technically speaking the mother is the
one who working and providing all the childrens need.Is she will be able to
qualify for solo parent?
Hope you can tell us information.and hope you can send me an email regarding this. Thanks