The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) by the DSWD provides aid to low-income earners and those affected by inflation.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for AKAP, including the requirements, qualifications, rate and frequency of assistance, and other essential details to help you secure the support you need.

Read on to find out how you can apply!

What is AKAP?

The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) is a financial aid program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines. It helps minimum wage earners and low-income workers affected by rising inflation.

AKAP provides cash assistance to support daily needs like food, transportation, and other essentials.

This program aims to ease the financial burden of those struggling with the high cost of living.

Who Can Apply for AKAP?

The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) provides direct financial assistance to individuals whose income is below the minimum wage rate set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) and who are affected by inflation.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Formal or informal sector workers with incomes below the minimum wage.
  • Self-employed individuals earning below the minimum wage set by the RTWPB.

This program aims to support low-income earners struggling with the rising cost of living.

Who Are Not Qualified for AKAP?

Individuals who are already receiving regular assistance from DSWD are not qualified for AKAP.

These include:

  • Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
  • Indigent senior citizens who receive a PHP 1,000 monthly social pension.

Requirements for AKAP

Applicants must submit the following documents based on the type of assistance required:

Rice Assistance

Requirements:

  1. Valid Identification Document
  2. Proof of Low Income
    • Contract of Employment duly signed by the parties; or
    • Certificate of Employment with Compensation (COE) indicating the name and signature of any issuing officer; or
    • Other documents that would show that the individual’s income is below the minimum wage set by the RTWPB (Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board).
Food Assistance

Requirements:

  1. Valid Identification Document
  2. Proof of Low Income
    • Contract of Employment duly signed by the parties; or
    • Certificate of Employment with Compensation (COE) indicating the name and signature of any issuing officer; or
    • Other documents that would show that the individual’s income is below the minimum wage set by the RTWPB (Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board).
Medical Assistance

Requirements:

  1. Valid Identification Document
  2. Proof of Low Income
    • Contract of Employment duly signed by the parties; or
    • Certificate of Employment with Compensation (COE) indicating the name and signature of any issuing officer; or
    • Other documents that would show that the individual’s income is below the minimum wage set by the RTWPB (Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board).
  3. Any of the following:
    • Medical Certificate or Abstract (issued within the last 3 months).
    • Discharge Summary (issued within the last 3 months).
    • Certificate of Confinement (issued within the last 3 months).
    • Alagang Pinoy Tagubilin Form (issued within the last 3 months).
    • Referral Letter from Malasakit Center issued by an assigned DSWD social worker or Medical Social Worker.

The client must submit any of the following additional requirements based on the purpose of the medical assistance, along with the basic requirements above.

If Payment for Hospital Bill:

  1. Temporary/Final Hospital Bill or Statement of Account (Outstanding Balance) with complete name and signature of the billing clerk.
  2. Certificate of Balance or Promissory Note (if the patient has been discharged).

If for Medicines/Assistive Devices:

  1. Prescription with date of issuance, complete name, signature, and license number of the attending physician (issued within the last 3 months).
  2. Treatment protocol with date of issuance, complete name, signature, and license number of the attending physician (issued within the last 3 months).

If for Medical Procedures:

  1. Laboratory requests (issued within the last 3 months).
  2. Laboratory protocol (issued within the last 3 months).
  3. Doctor’s Order (preferably valid for 3 months).

If for Therapy or Special Treatment:

  1. Treatment protocol (issued within the last 3 months).
  2. PhilHealth certification that coverage is exhausted.
  3. Prescription with date of issuance, complete name, signature, and license number of the attending physician (issued within the last 3 months).
  4. Doctor’s order (preferably valid for 3 months).
  5. Quotation with full name and signature of any issuing officer.
  6. Psychiatrist or psychologist certification (issued within the last 3 months).
Funeral Assistance

Requirements:

  1. Valid Identification Document
  2. Proof of Low Income
    • Contract of Employment duly signed by the parties; or
    • Certificate of Employment with Compensation (COE) indicating the name and signature of any issuing officer; or
    • Other documents that would show that the individual’s income is below the minimum wage set by the RTWPB (Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board).
  3. Any of the following to prove the death of the individual:
    • Death Certificate
    • Certification from the Hospital, Doctor, authorized medical practitioner, Imam (for Moro), or Tribal Chieftain (for IPs)
  4. Any of the following as applicable:
    • Funeral Contract (except for Moro and IPs performing customary practices)
    • Statement of Account
    • Certification from the Barangay stating that the family made the casket but still has debt for materials and expenses
    • Transfer Permit (if assistance for the transfer of the cadaver is requested separately or with other funeral assistance items)
  5. Certificate of Balance or Promissory Note (if funeral expenses remain unpaid).

Special Consideration:

  • If the funeral is due to a disaster, calamity, or critical event resulting in one or multiple casualties within the family, the closest immediate relative may request outright cash assistance. This is subject to the assessment of the DSWD Social Worker, without needing an SCSR.
Cash Relief Assistance

Requirements:

  1. Valid Identification Document
  2. Proof of Low Income
    • Contract of Employment duly signed by the parties; or
    • Certificate of Employment with Compensation (COE) indicating the name and signature of any issuing officer; or
    • Other documents that would show that the individual’s income is below the minimum wage set by the RTWPB (Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board).
  3. Proof of Financial Hardship (any document showing the applicant was affected by inflation, such as proof of layoff or displacement from work at the time of application).

How AKAP Provides Financial Assistance

Financial help is given to eligible individuals in two ways:

  1. Directly by DSWD: Through the Crisis Intervention Unit/Sections (CIU/S) at the Central Office, Field Offices (FO), and Social Welfare and Development Satellite Offices (SWAD) nationwide.
  2. Through DSWD Partners: Such as Local Government Units (LGUs), especially for rice assistance.

In both cases, the assistance follows specific guidelines.

Rate and Frequency of Assistance Under AKAP

The AKAP provides various forms of financial aid with specific limits and frequencies to ensure consistent and fair support for those in need.

Note: All types of assistance are subject to the availability of funds.

1. Rice Assistance:

  • Purpose: Food subsidy for individuals/families.
  • Cost: Up to the cost of 12.5 kg of rice based on the latest PSA retail price.
  • Limit: Maximum of Php 20 million per fund transfer to LGUs.
  • Frequency: Once every three months.

Note: This can be given in addition to other assistance.

2. Medical Assistance:

  • Hospital Bills:
    • Cost: Php 1,000 to Php 150,000.
    • Frequency: Once per admission or discharge.
  • Medicines:
    • Cost: Php 1,000 to Php 150,000.
    • Frequency: Once every three months.
  • Laboratory Procedures & Special Treatments:
    • Cost: Php 1,000 to Php 150,000.
    • Frequency: Once every three months.

3. Funeral Assistance:

  • Funeral Expenses:
    • Cost: Php 5,000 to Php 50,000.
    • Frequency: Per client or per incident of death.
  • Transfer of Cadaver (Disaster/Calamity):
    • Cost: Up to Php 10,000.
    • Frequency: Per client or per incident of death.

Note:

  • One client may avail of both funeral and transfer services simultaneously.
  • Subject to the recommendation of DRMB at the Central Office or their counterparts at Field Offices.

4. Food Assistance:

  • Purpose: Food subsidy for individuals/families.
  • Cost: Php 2,000 to Php 10,000.
  • Frequency: Once every three months.

5. Cash Relief Assistance:

  • Purpose: To cover other essential needs.
  • Cost: Php 2,000 to Php 10,000.
  • Frequency: Once every three months.
  • Exception: Every applicable incident where families are affected by natural or human-induced disasters.

How to Apply for AKAP

Applying for the AKAP program involves a structured process to ensure qualified individuals receive the appropriate assistance.

Below are the step-by-step guidelines for both onsite and offsite implementations:

Onsite Implementation

A. Onsite Implementation or Assessment of Individual Clients within the DSWD Offices (CIU/CIS/SWAD Offices):

Step 1: Queuing

  1. The DSWD staff verifies the client’s valid ID.
  2. They issue a queuing number.

Step 2: Interview and Assessment

  1. Review of Documents
    • The DSWD personnel check the completeness and validity of the client’s documents.
  2. Conduct of Interview and Assessment
    • The DSWD social worker interviews the client and assesses their documents.
  3. Recommendation
    • If the client qualifies for assistance, the social worker recommends the appropriate aid.

Step 3: Releasing

  1. The DSWD staff forwards approved requests to the SDO/RDO/DSWD personnel.
  2. The designated disbursing officer processes financial aid based on the mode of assistance.
  3. They complete the following tasks:
    • Check signatures and attachments for accuracy.
    • Approve documents for payment.
    • Release cash assistance.
    • Update client records.

Offsite Implementation

B. Offsite Implementation or Assessment of individual clients outside DSWD offices (CIU/CIS/SWAD/Satellite Offices):

Step 1: Validation

  1. The DSWD personnel check the client’s valid ID.
  2. They verify if the ID matches the information in the master list.
  3. If correct, the client proceeds to the next step.

Step 2: Interview and Assessment

  1. The DSWD social worker interviews the client.
  2. They assess the client’s eligibility for assistance.
  3. They complete the GIS and CE forms.

Step 3: Release of Assistance

  1. The DSWD personnel determine if the documents are correct and complete.
  2. If approved, they release the assistance based on the client’s eligibility.

WATCH: AKAP Requirements Paano Kumuha ng Ayuda Cash Assistance AKAP DSWD by HowToPaanoTo.

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Conclusion

The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) provides vital financial assistance to low-income earners struggling with inflation.

By offering support for food, medical needs, funeral expenses, and cash relief, the program helps ease the financial burden on qualified individuals.

Understanding the application process and requirements ensures eligible applicants can access the aid they need.

If you meet the criteria, follow the steps outlined in this guide to apply and receive assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Who is qualified for AKAP?

The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), a targeted social assistance program, is designed for low-income individuals and minimum wage earners who are affected by inflation and may not qualify for regular assistance programs. 

How to avail AKAP?

AKAP beneficiaries from the informal economy must present one of the following: a certification from a direct employer, a certification from government offices recognizing specific sectors or groups, an association certification, or a business permit or barangay certification for small business owners.

What is the AKAP DSWD 2025?

The AKAP DSWD 2025, or Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program, is a financial assistance program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It aims to support individuals whose income falls below the statutory minimum wage and who are severely affected by rising inflation, as mandated by the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2025.

Who are the AKAP beneficiaries?

AKAP beneficiaries are individuals who meet either or both of the following qualifications: those who are affected by inflation and/or those earning below their respective minimum wage.

How much is the DSWD AKAP program?

Eligible beneficiaries received PHP5,000 in cash assistance under the program. To qualify, families must have an income below the poverty threshold and must not be receiving aid from other government programs.

Who initiated AKAP?

The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) is a social assistance initiative launched by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support individuals who may not qualify for traditional welfare programs. It specifically targets vulnerable individuals who are not classified among the poorest but still need financial assistance.

What is the objective of project AKAP?

The objective of Project AKAP is to provide cash assistance to minimum wage earners and near-poor Filipinos to help them cope with the effects of inflation.

What does AKAP stand for?

AKAP stands for Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program, a financial assistance initiative by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) aimed at supporting individuals with incomes below the minimum wage or those severely affected by inflation.

Who implemented AKAP?

AKAP is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..

Reference

  1. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (2025). Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2025-01: 2025 guidelines of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program [PDF]. DSWD. https://www.dswd.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Joint-Memorandum-Circular-No.-2025-01-2025-Guidelines-of-the-Ayuda-sa-Kapos-ang-Kita-Program.pdf

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