DSWD Educational Cash Assistance Requirements | How to Apply Student Financial Aid

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has an existing educational assistance as part of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, aiming to support students who face financial barriers in accessing education. Targeting families in crisis and financially incapacitated individuals, the program offers direct benefits that include monetary aid amounting to a maximum of PHP 4,000 per student. This cash aid can help cover education-related expenses such as enrollment fees, school supplies, uniforms, and transportation costs.

DSWD is making a difference in the lives of Filipino students through its education aid program. This educational cash aid is intended for the poorest families who are unable to provide for their children’s education. The assistance is designed to help students cope with the challenges that hinder their access to quality education.

So if you plan to apply for this project, keep in mind the eligibility criteria, requirements, and procedure. In general, to qualify for the education support, the applicant must be a Filipino citizen and enrolled in any public or private school from elementary to college level. The student must also come from a family facing an emergency situation such as natural disasters, fire incidents, family crisis, or illness.

educational aid
Credits: PNA

What is the DSWD Educational Assistance under AICS?

The Educational Assistance of the social welfare department is a component of the AICS program, designed to provide timely and responsive financial aid to support the school needs of eligible students facing crises. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden of school expenses, making it possible for students to continue their studies despite financial constraints.

Benefits

The benefits of this program are multifaceted:

  • Financial Support: It covers various educational expenses, such as tuition fees, school supplies, projects, and transportation.
    • Here are the details of the support provided at various educational levels:
      • Elementary Students: PHP 1,000 per student, intended to help with the purchase of school supplies and uniforms.
      • High School Students: PHP 2,000 per student, to assist with the cost of additional materials and activities required for secondary education.
      • Senior High School Students: PHP 3,000 per student, provided to help cover the costs of specialized academic or technical-vocational tracks.
      • Vocational/College Students: PHP 4,000 per student, aimed at offsetting higher expenses associated with tertiary education like tuition and lab fees.
  • Continuity of Education: Helps ensure that students in crisis can continue their education without interruption.
  • Empowerment: By supporting their academic journey, the program empowers students to improve their future employment prospects and contribute positively to society.

Eligibility / Qualifications

Who qualifies for this aid?

  • Families in Crisis: Those experiencing sudden financial difficulties due to situations like natural disasters, death, or illness in the family.
  • Financially Incapacitated Individuals: As per Republic Act 11463, individuals who cannot financially sustain their education are also eligible.

eligibility

Requirements

To avail of the agency’s Education Assistance, you need to prepare the following:

  • Valid ID of the person processing the application or attending the interview.
  • Authorization Letter (if applicable) if someone else is applying on behalf of the student.
  • Validated School ID of the student seeking help.
  • Enrollment Assessment Form, Certificate of Enrollment or Registration, or Statement of Account from the school.
Educational
Credits: DSWD AICS website

Step-by-Step: How to Claim Educational Financial Assistance from DSWD

Please follow the guidelines below as shared by the DSWD department about the procedures in claiming this form of cash aid for students.

Step 1: Screening of Documents

Begin by gathering and organizing all required documents for verification.

Step 2: Interview and Assessment

The applicant will undergo an interview by a social worker, who will assess the situation and recommend the necessary aid.

Step 3: Review and Approval

The social worker’s recommendation will be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by the authorizing officer.

Step 4: Releasing

Once approved, the aid will be disbursed or released to the applicant.

how to apply

Success Stories / Recent Updates

2,674 students in the Caraga Region received aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program

Under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a total of 2,674 students from across the Caraga Region have received support assistance for school. The payout was conducted over two Saturdays. The agency disbursed a total of ₱8.187 million for this program. Out of the mentioned number, 530 elementary students, 344 secondary students, 227 senior high school students, and 1,572 college and vocational course students benefited from this initiative. One Saturday, 2,012 individuals received the said benefit, with DSWD Caraga distributing ₱6.396 million. According to its Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, they also assisted walk-in individuals to register online. The process went smoothly, thanks to the systematic procedures implemented in collaboration with the Philippine National Police, local government units, and personnel.

 
 

No Additional Requirements for AICS and Other DSWD Social Protection Programs, Says Secretary Gatchalian

Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary REX Gatchalian assured the public that there are no additional requirements for clients seeking aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Speaking at the department’s 73rd Founding Anniversary celebration, Secretary Gatchalian emphasized that the program’s guidelines remain unchanged. The requirements that were in place before will continue to be the only requirements.

 

DSWD Educational Aid Registration Form Link

During the launch of this program, the DSWD department has tried to offer the cash ayuda help to Filipinos in their office branches across the Philippines. However, it caused a massive crowd due to the number of people who were seeking the assistance. To avoid inconvenience and prioritize people’s safety amid this pandemic, DSWD has developed an online platform for registration.

Take note that you have to visit the DSWD branch in your region to submit your application with the required documents mentioned above. The registration form can be accessed via this link through the official Facebook Pages of the DSWD central office and field offices listed below:

How to Get QR Code Once Approved

Please follow the guide below to get the QR code registration link.

  1. Access the link provided by the local DSWD office from their Facebook Page.
  2. Click on “Sign Up” if you are a new user.
  3. Input your details, such as full name, valid email address, and password.
  4. Once successfully registered, your application is filed into the system.
  5. You need to wait for advise from the local DSWD office regarding the status of your application.
  6. Once approved, the financial assistance will be released.
  7. Wait for further instructions via email or registered mobile number on how it will be released.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a text message with your unique QR code and instructions on how to proceed. This code will be used for verification when claiming the financial assistance from DSWD. Only one registration per family is allowed. If multiple applications are found under the same household, all applications will be deemed invalid.

Tara Basa Program

The educational aid budget is currently part of the Tara Basa Program. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), this program aims to help children learn how to read and improve their reading skills through fun and engaging activities. Under the Tara Basa project, 3rd and 4th year finishing students will get to tutor the youth. In return, they will receive an allowance Cash-for-Work stipend for their time and effort.

This is a good project as this allows finishing Pinoy studentsto give back and continue learning while helping the younger ones. It also promotes community involvement and cooperation among different generations. This project is a great opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills, communication skills, and social responsibility.

Video: AICS – Educational Assistance to Mark Philip Lapinig

Mark Philip L. Lapinig, a beneficiary of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) – Educational Assistance program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), hails from Suntor, Tanauan City, Batangas. As a solo parent, Mark’s mother earns a modest income by taking on side jobs, while Mark supports her by selling his artwork.

Mark expresses immense gratitude for the AICS-Educational Assistance program as it provides much-needed support for purchasing uniforms, bags, school supplies, and transportation fare to attend face-to-face classes. He is thrilled that the process has become faster and more accessible, allowing individuals like him to easily seek support from the department in times of need.

 

Conclusion

The DSWD AICS – Educational Assistance is one of the Philippine government’s commitment to its people, ensuring that education — a right and a stepping stone to opportunities — remains accessible even in the toughest of times. By following the steps outlined above, eligible families and individuals can navigate the application process with ease, bringing them one step closer to securing the school support they need. Remember, education is not just a path to a brighter future; it’s the foundation upon which we can build a stronger and more resilient nation.

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