Good news for Filipino solo parents who are working!
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has confirmed that the national government will cover the employee share of PhilHealth contributions for qualified working solo parents.
This means eligible employees can keep more of their monthly salary instead of having their PhilHealth share deducted from their pay.
The policy follows Republic Act No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, and PhilHealth Circular No. 2026-0015.
Government to Cover Solo Parents’ Salary Deductions
PhilHealth announced that the government will pay the employee portion of contributions for qualified solo parents, regardless of their salary.
Employers must continue paying their required share.
However, the employee’s contribution should no longer be deducted once their PhilHealth membership record has been properly updated and tagged.
Solo parents should coordinate with their company’s human resources or payroll department to apply the change.
Documents Working Solo Parents Must Submit
Employed solo parents should prepare the following documents:
- Completed PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF).
- Photocopy of the front of their valid Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC).
- Photocopy of the back of the same identification card.
These documents must be submitted to the employer’s HR or payroll office for processing.
Those without a Solo Parent ID should first visit their city or municipal social welfare and development office.
Applicants must undergo the local government’s assessment to confirm their eligibility.
Self-Paying Solo Parents Also Qualify
The government-funded benefit is not limited to employed individuals.
Self-paying solo parents who qualify under the law may also be exempt from paying their PhilHealth premiums.
Their membership records must first be updated and classified under the appropriate solo parent category.
An approved certification from the local government may be accepted while the Solo Parent ID is being processed, subject to PhilHealth requirements.
Children Up to Age 22 May Be Covered
Under the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, children aged 22 and below may qualify as PhilHealth dependents.
They must be unmarried, unemployed, living with the solo parent, and dependent on them for support.
Parents should ensure their children’s information is correctly recorded in their PhilHealth membership details.
What Solo Parents Should Do Now
Qualified solo parents should secure a valid Solo Parent ID, update their PhilHealth records, and coordinate with their employer if they are working.
For official instructions, visit PhilHealth or your nearest PhilHealth office.
The benefit is not simply an automatic removal of deductions for everyone raising a child alone. Proper registration and verification are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can employed solo parents qualify even if they earn a high salary?
Yes. PhilHealth confirmed that the employee-share benefit applies to qualified working solo parents regardless of income.
2. Do solo parents need a valid Solo Parent ID?
Yes. They must secure an SPIC through their local government. Eligible applicants whose IDs are still being processed may present an approved certification, subject to PhilHealth’s requirements.
3. Can self-employed solo parents stop paying premiums?
Qualified self-paying solo parents can receive government-funded contributions once their records are correctly updated and tagged.
4. Are all children under 23 automatically covered?
No. Children aged 22 and below must also satisfy the eligibility conditions, including being unmarried, unemployed, and dependent on the solo parent.