The Solo Parent’s Welfare Act (RA 8972): What It Is

WHAT IS THE SOLO PARENT’S WELFARE ACT?

RA 8972 or the Solo Parent’s Welfare Act provides for benefits and privileges to solo parents and their children. It aims to develop a comprehensive package of social development and welfare services for solo parents and their children to be carried out by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the lead agency, various government agencies including NSO and other related NGOs.

WHO ARE CONSIDERED AS SOLO PARENT?

Solo Parent is any individual who falls under any of the following categories:

1. A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender, provided that mother keeps and raises the child.

2. Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to the following circumstances:

a. Due to death of spouse.

b. Spouse is detained or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year.

c. Physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner.

d. Legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one (1) year, as long as

he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children.

e. Declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children.

3. Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear her/his child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare institution.

4. Any other person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children.

5. Any family member who assumes the responsibility of head of family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent.

 

 

Source: National Statistics Office, Gender and Development Committee