Solo parents, time to celebrate! A bill that aims to grant more perks and benefits to solo parents is now turned into law that is Republic Act (RA) 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which amends several provisions of RA 8972.
Photo from @bruno_nascimento on UNSPLASH
The perks of this new law include less strict requirements for work leaves, cash aid, discounts, and even scholarship. It also entitles a solo parent to a monthly cash allowance of PHP1,000 per solo parent who is earning a minimum wage and below, to be allocated by the government.
According to the Philippine News Agency, “a solo parent who is earning less than PHP250,000 annually with a 10-percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax on infant milk, food, micronutrient supplements, and sanitary diapers purchased, duly prescribed medicines, vaccines, and other medical supplements purchased from birth and until six years of age.”
The law also states that employees who are single parents can now get a 7-day paid leave if employed regardless of their employment status, and will be prioritized in telecommunicating programs.
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act has educational benefits as well! One child under 22 years old can get full scholarships (if qualifications are met) and solo parents can also avail scholarship programs from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
National Health Insurance Program through PhilHealth, with premium contributions to be paid by the national government, is also one of this new law’s benefits for solo parents.
Senior citizens or persons with disability acting as solo parents can also avail of the discounts on top of their personal benefits.
To avail all the perks, A Solo Identification Card should be presented. Need one? You can get a solo parent ID from your local government unit’s Solo Parent office.
Want to spread the good news to your friends who are single parents? Let us know!
(Also read: Solo Parents In Makati To Receive Financial Aid Amid COVID-19 Quarantine)
