The death of a loved one is always a difficult time. But it can be even more difficult when you’re struggling to cover the funeral’s costs financially. Thankfully, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offers death and burial assistance to help ease the burden.
The DSWD Death Assistance or DSWD Burial Assistance is a cash aid grant that aims to assist indigent families with funeral expenses. It is part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations and it is available to all Filipino citizens, regardless of age, gender, or religion. To apply, you will first need to be qualified for the program.
Also Read: How to Apply DSWD Educational Assistance Cash Aid
The post will go over what is needed for a person to apply for said assistance and what the benefits are should one be approved. It’ll also touch on how much DSWD buries an individual and what it covers funeral-wise so that families know exactly what they’re getting into before making an application. Hopefully, this post will provide some much-needed clarity during a difficult time.
Table of Contents
What Is DSWD Death And Burial Assistance
The Death and Burial Assistance program is a Social Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It provides financial aid to low-income families for the burial expenses of their deceased loved ones. The program is for needy Filipino citizens who die due to natural causes, such as illness, and not due to violence or crime.
The assistance is in the form of a cash grant that can be used to cover funeral expenses such as the cost of the coffin, transport, food, and other related expenses. To be eligible for this assistance, applicants must be residents of the Philippines and provide proof of indigence or poverty. They must also provide proof of the individual’s death, such as a death certificate or obituary notice.
The DSWD Death and Burial Assistance is one way that the government supports those struggling to make ends meet. It helps to ease the burden of funeral costs and allows families to focus on grieving during this difficult time.
What Are The Benefits Death and Burial Assistance from DSWD
The DSWD Death and Burial Assistance Program provides a one-time payment of PHP 10,000 to help with funeral expenses. This can be used for items such as a casket, funeral services, wake, burial plot, interment fees, transportation, etc.
What Are The Requirements for Death and Burial Assistance from DSWD
- One of the requirements for DSWD death and burial assistance is a death certificate. This should be obtained from the hospital or doctor who pronounced the death. A certificate from the imam is also required if the deceased is a Muslim.
- The funeral contract is another requirement for DSWD death and burial assistance. This document outlines the arrangements made for the funeral, including the date, time, place, and cost. It should be signed by both the funeral home and the deceased’s family.
- A statement of account from the funeral home is also required. This document itemizes the costs associated with the funeral arrangements.
- In addition, a certificate from the barangay is needed to apply for DSWD death and burial assistance. This document certifies that the deceased was a resident of the barangay and that their bereaved family members are also indigent residents. A transfer permit from their previous barangay is also required for those who died outside of their residence. For deaths due to COVID-19, a quarantine permit from their place of isolation is needed instead of a transfer permit.
- A promissory note may also be required in cases where there are remaining expenses after DSWD death and burial assistance have been paid out. This document signifies that the bereaved family agrees to repay any remaining balance within six months from the date of the release of funds.
- Lastly, a social case study report (SCSR) prepared by a trained social worker is needed to assess eligibility for other forms of social protection services provided by DSWD.
How To Process the Death/Burial Assistance Program
Please follow these simple steps in terms of the procedure for getting death and burial assistance from DSWD:
Step 1: Screening – Screening is the first step in applying for the DSWD Death/Burial Assistance Program. During this phase, you will be required to submit certain documents so the agency can determine if you are eligible for assistance.
Step2: Assessment – The social worker will ask for basic information about the deceased and the family’s socio-economic status. Once the social worker has the necessary information, they will determine if the family is eligible for the program.
Step 3: Payout – The final step is the payout, which a Cashier does. The Cashier will issue a check to the authorized representative of the family, who can then use it to pay for funeral expenses.
Video: REQUIREMENTS 2022 FOR MEDICAL/HOSPITALIZATION, BURIAL, AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
This video is all about the different requirements that the Department of Social Welfare and Development has for those who need medical assistance, hospitalization, or burial services and those who need help with their education. If you need any of these services, be sure to watch this video to know exactly what you need to do to get the help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about the burial assistance program and death assistance from DSWD:
1. Where Can I Get Burial Assistance In The Philippines?
In the Philippines, several government-run programs provide financial assistance for burial expenses. The most well-known of these is the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) funeral assistance program. Under this program, eligible indigent families can receive up to PHP 10,000 to help cover funeral costs.
2. How Do I Avail DSWD Burial Assistance?
DSWD provides funeral and burial assistance to needy individuals through its various programs. To avail of this assistance, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Funeral Agreement.
- Certificate of Registered Death.
- Transfer permission/Health clearance (for transfer of cadaver)
- Letter of Referral (if applicable)
- Certificate of Indigence from the Client’s Barangay.
- Any legitimate client ID.
3. What Is Burial Assistance?
Burial assistance is a type of financial assistance that helps cover the costs of a funeral. In the Philippines, burial assistance is provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Assistance can be used to cover the costs of a coffin, transportation, food, and other expenses.
4. How Do I Claim Senior Death Benefits In The Philippines?
To claim senior death benefits in the Philippines, you must visit your nearest DSWD office. You will need to bring the deceased senior citizen’s identification card and death certificate. Only the beneficiary or the one who took care of the deceased can claim the benefits. Once at the office, you must fill out a form. After filling out the form, you will then be able to claim the benefits.
5. When Will I Receive The Death And Burial Financial Assistance”?
DSWD will release the death and burial financial assistance in one day if the amount is less than 10,000 PHP. If the amount is more than 10,000 PHP, DSWD will release the death and burial financial assistance in 3 to 5 days. DSWD will release the death and burial financial assistance through bank or cash.
6. Who Can I Call To Ask About The DSWD Death And Burial Assistance Program
If you are interested in learning more about this program, you can call the DSWD hotline at 0943 464 8026 or 0932 933 3251. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and DSWD staff will be able to answer any questions you have about the program. You can also visit the DSWD website for more information.
7. What Are The Qualifications For The DSWD Death And Burial Assistance Program?
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria: The deceased must be a Filipino citizen.The death must have occurred in the Philippines.The family of the deceased must be indigent.The funeral must be held within seven days of the death.
8. How Much Does The DSWD Death And Burial Assistance Program Provide?
The DSWD provides up to 10,000 PHP for funeral expenses. This money can be used to cover the costs of a coffin, transportation, food, and other expenses.
9. What Are The Documents Needed For The DSWD Death And Burial Assistance Program?
To avail of this assistance, you will need to submit the following documents: Funeral Agreement, Certificate of Registered Death, Certificate of Indigence from the Client’s Barangay, Any legitimate client ID.
Summary
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides death and burial assistance to the families of qualified beneficiaries. The program offers a maximum amount of PHP 10,000.00 for funeral expenses. Funeral assistance may be used to cover costs such as a casket, embalming, grave digging, flowers, and other related expenses.
The agency should be contacted as soon as possible after a family member’s death so they can provide financial assistance for the funeral. DSWD will also investigate to assess the family’s need for assistance. If you need death or burial assistance, please contact your local DSWD office.