The Department of Social Welfare and Development clarified Thursday that indigent senior citizens are not required to present a National ID when claiming their Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said beneficiaries may present any valid government-issued identification card, including a senior citizen ID, during pension payouts.
The clarification followed a viral social media post claiming that the agency was requiring indigent senior citizens to present a National ID before receiving their monthly pension.
Dumlao said the DSWD only encourages senior citizens to obtain a National ID because it may be used by government agencies as a primary identification document when accessing public services and assistance programs.
She also urged senior citizens and their families to rely on official DSWD channels for verified information on payout schedules, requirements and other social protection programs.
The SPISC provides financial assistance to qualified indigent senior citizens aged 60 and above who have no regular income or pension and lack sufficient family support.
Under Republic Act 11916, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to a social pension of Php 1,000 per month.
