Here’s how you can apply for a PWD ID

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law expanding the benefits of persons with disabilities (PWDs) which exempts them from paying value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services. 

Under the IRR of Republic Act 10754 ot the law amending the benefits specified in the Magna Carta for PWDs, “PWDs are those with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.” (READ: Discounts, VAT exemptions now available to PWDs) 

These include those with visual, hearing, and speech impairments; physical disability; psychiatric disability; intellectual disability; cerebral palsy; and persons with autism, among others.

Before differently-abled persons can avail of their benefits, they must first get a PWD identification card that may be claimed through the National Council of Disability Affairs (NCDA) or in their local City or Municipal Welfare Office. (READ: FAST FACTS: What persons with disability are entitled to)

Here are the steps to get a PWD ID*:

Requirements:

1. Completed application form, either by applicant or care-giver. Forms are available in the following offices:

• Office of the Mayor

• Office of the Barangay Captain

• National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or its regional counterpart
• 
DSWD offices

• Participating organizations with memorandums of agreement with the Department of Health (DOH) 

2. Two 1×1 ID pictures

3. A duly-signed clinical abstract by any licensed private or government clinic, or hospital-based physician

Procedure:

1. Applicant or care-giver must fill up the application form, attaching the 2 1×1 ID pictures and signed clinical abstract.

2. Applicant, care-giver, or registration center personnel must bring or upload the application to the nearest City or Municipal Health Office or its satellite offices, or stations at the barangay for verification.

Note: If PWD is not ambulatory, the receiving health officer shall do a home visit to validate the entries and disability. Applicants who were disapproved shall be advised regarding the deficiencies and shall be allowed to reapply until requirements are complete. 

3. Once verified, the forms will be sent to the health officer of the Main City or Municipal Health Center. The health officer will then fill up a certification form, affix a control number, and upload the information to the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disabilities that can be downloaded from the DOH National Office Website.

4. Applicant must bring the duly approved application form and certificate of disability to the City or Municipal Social Welfare Office or NCDA for issuance of the identification card. 

For inquiries and feedback about issues of PWDs, the NCDA may be reached through the following channels: 

Telephone No: (632) 951-6033 and Fax No: (632) 951-5925

Email: council@ncda.gov.ph

Facebook: National Council on Disability Affairs

– Rappler.com 

*Requirements and procedure lifted from the Official Gazette