Indigent senior citizens in the Philippines who are beneficiaries of the Social Pension program can look forward to an increased monthly stipend starting in February 2024. This positive development was announced by Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday.
According to Lopez, the distribution of the social pension, which has been increased under Republic Act (RA) 11916, will commence in February 2024. The funds for the implementation of this act, also known as the “Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens,” have already been included in the agency’s 2024 budget.
RA 11916, which came into effect in July 2022, aims to address the challenges faced by indigent senior citizens by doubling their monthly stipend from P500 to P1,000. The increase is intended to help them cope with the rising inflation and ensure that they have enough to cover their daily sustenance and medical expenses.
The social pension program, which provides a biannual payout of P6,000, is specifically designed to support eligible and qualified indigent senior citizens. The stipend serves as an augmentation to their daily subsistence and helps address their medical needs. This assistance is particularly crucial for senior citizens who are weak, unwell, or disabled, as well as those who have no permanent source of income and rely on frequent help from family or relatives.
To be eligible for the program, senior citizens must not receive pensions from other sources such as the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc., or any other private insurance company. This ensures that the social pension is targeted towards those who truly need it.
In 2024, the social pension program is set to benefit a total of 4,085,066 poor seniors who qualify for the monthly stipend. This significant coverage reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society and ensuring their well-being.
The increased monthly stipend for indigent senior citizens is a welcome development in the Philippines. It provides much-needed financial assistance to those who are most in need, enabling them to have a better quality of life and access to essential resources. The inclusion of these funds in the agency’s 2024 budget demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving the welfare of senior citizens and addressing the challenges they face.
As we look towards the implementation of the increased social pension program in February 2024, it is important to recognize the positive impact it will have on the lives of indigent senior citizens. The additional financial support will help alleviate the burden of daily expenses and medical costs, allowing them to live with dignity and security.
In conclusion, the increased monthly stipend for indigent senior citizens in the Philippines is a significant step towards providing better support for the most vulnerable members of society. By ensuring that funds are allocated to those in need, the government is taking proactive measures to address the challenges faced by indigent senior citizens and improve their overall well-being.
Source: The Manila Times