A must-have for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines is their PWD ID. What is it, you may ask? A PWD ID serves as the primary identification of a person with disabilities in the Philippines.
With it, they are allowed to avail of special perks and privileges available only to them and their caretakers. The Persons With Disabilities Office or City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office is responsible for issuing PWD IDs to eligible applicants.
The issuing of PWD IDs is under Republic Act No. 9442. This law is an amendment of Republic Act 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and For Other Purposes.
If you don’t know how to apply for a PWD ID, here’s a guide to get one. This guide includes the PWD ID requirements in the Philippines, how to do online registration for a PWD ID, its perks, and who is eligible to apply for one.
What are the Benefits of Having a PWD ID?
Having a PWD ID entitles you to several benefits unique to PWDs. After all, a disability can significantly hamper one’s ability to live a regular life. So these benefits aim to provide as much help to PWDs as possible.
Its most significant benefits include:
- A twenty-percent (20%) discount and Value Added Tax (VAT) Exemption. This covers the following:
- Food and beverages.
- Medicine and medical supplies.
- Medical and dental services.
- Professional fees when attending physicians in all private healthcare facilities.
- Fares for all land transportation.
- Fares for domestic air and sea travel.
- Funeral and burial services for the death of a PWD.
- Services in hotels, restaurants, and other recreation centers.
- Admission fees in theaters, cinemas, concert halls, etc.
- A five-percent discount on all basic necessities and prime commodities.
- Educational assistance.
- Express lanes for PWDs.
- Continuance of the same benefits and privileges given by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG, and Social Security System (SSS).
Who Can Avail of a PWD ID?
Before applying for a PWD ID, you should check whether your condition qualifies as a disability. Republic Act No. 10754 defines PWDs as:
“those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. For purposes of these Rules and Regulations, persons with disability shall be classified by the Department of Health (DOH) through an issuance.”
Additionally, an administrative order from the Department of Health (DOH) gives a list of disabilities eligible for an ID:
- Disabilities caused by chronic illness: Refers to those whose chronic disease (cancer, diabetes, arthritis) has worsened and permanently damaged the body. An example of this is the loss of a limb due to diabetes.
- Hearing disabilities.
- Vision disabilities. Note that poor eyesight isn’t counted here. The disability must be uncorrectable.
- Learning disabilities.
- Orthopedic and physical disabilities.
- Intellectual and learning disabilities.
- Mental and psychosocial disabilities: Includes bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression, and other long-term and recurring mental or behavioral disabilities.
PWD ID Application Requirements.
When you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for a PWD ID, you need to prepare the following:
- Two recent 1×1 ID pictures with your name and thumbprint at the back. Do note that some municipalities require a 2×2 instead.
- One valid government ID, such as a voter’s ID, professional license, or barangay clearance.
- Proof that you have a disability. This could be a medical certificate, disability certificate, or even your latest school assessment.
Filling Out and Submitting Your PWD Application Form.
Once you have all the requirements, it’s time to accomplish your PWD application form. You can download and fill in an online copy of the form here. Or you can register via the DOH online registration system here.
You can also get a physical copy on any PWD registration sites, such as:
- Office of the mayor.
- Office of the barangay captain.
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) office near you.
Once you’ve finished filing your form, you can submit it on one of the above sites. Afterward, wait a few hours for the office to process your request. And then you’re done! You now have a PWD ID.
If you can’t personally go to the city/municipal social welfare development office because of your disability, don’t worry. Your designated guardian can do so in your stead. Just provide an authorization letter to them on your behalf.
How Long is It Valid?
A PWD ID is valid for five years and can be renewed if it expires. To do so, simply follow the same steps you did to get one, and don’t forget to bring your old ID.
Assistance for those in Need.
There are plenty of challenges that PWDs face both at work and in their daily lives. Fortunately, they’re not without the means to overcome them. And one of their most valuable tools is the PWD ID.
And if you think it’s something difficult to obtain, think again. As you can see from the guide above, getting one is simple and easy enough to do. So what are you waiting for?
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