DSWD to distribute social amelioration card (SAC) in preparation for COVID-19 cash aid between P5K-P8K

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be distributing social amelioration cards in preparation for the distribution of cash assistance between P5K-P8K amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The cash aid will benefit vulnerable sectors of society such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant mothers, homeless persons and workers in informal sectors, the DSWD said.

The cash assistance program is in accordance  with the newly signed law, Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which seeks to address the threats and impact of COVID-19 in the country.

Those who want to avail of the financial aid must fill out and submit the social amelioration card to be included in the local government's list of beneficiaries, the DSWD said.

According to the department, the card records the family profile and is supposed to be filled out by the head of the family. It contains details such as the number of individuals in the household, his or her occupation and average income.

Beneficiaries may be asked to show proof of status, such as senior citizen’s ID for senior citizens, or barangay certification for homeless persons, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.

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She said the DSWD will be giving out the cards to local government units, which in turn will distribute them to the barangay levels.

The PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 worth of social amelioration programs is based on the maximum subsidy per region determined from the region's minimum wage levels as these are close approximations to the amount needed to buy basic food, medicine, and hygiene essentials. It will be given to an eligible family in cash and in kind by various national government agencies.