How to Apply for SPISC 2025 | Complete Guide

The DSWD provides financial aid to eligible senior citizens through the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC).

This article covers the program’s key details, including qualifications, requirements, cash assistance amount, how to apply for SPISC, and more.

Keep reading to see if you or a loved one can benefit from this program.

What is the SPISC?

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) is a government assistance program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

It provides financial support to help indigent seniors with their daily needs and medical expenses.

This program is available nationwide, ensuring that eligible seniors across the Philippines receive the assistance they need.

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Qualifications for SPISC

To be eligible for the Social Pension Program, a senior citizen must meet the following criteria:

• Must be 60 years old and above.
• Frail, sickly, or with a disability
• Without pension from SSS, GSIS, or PVAO, or a regular source of income, compensation, or financial assistance from the relatives to support his/her basic needs.

Requirements for SPISC

Eligible senior citizens must submit the following documents to apply:

1. A Social Pension Application Form.
2. A photocopy of their National ID. If the National ID is unavailable, they may provide an Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) ID or any other government-issued identification that verifies their identity and date of birth.

In the absence of a National ID or OSCA ID, applicants may submit a photocopy of their birth certificate. If the birth certificate is unavailable, they may present any government-issued ID that indicates their date of birth.

Additionally, other related documents may be accepted in the absence of any valid IDs, such as a marriage certificate or a certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, including a Certificate of Tribal Membership or a Certificate of Ancestry, among others.

How to Apply for SPISC

Follow these simple steps to apply for the Social Pension Program:

Step 1: Get an Application Form

• Visit the nearest Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or DSWD Field Office.
• You can also get the form from your Barangay Senior Citizens Association (BSCA).

Step 2: Submit the Required Documents

• Fill out the Social Pension Application Form completely.
• Provide a photocopy of either a National ID, valid OSCA ID, Birth Certificate, or any government-issued ID that shows your date of birth. (See the requirements above for guidelines.)

Step 3: Undergo the Evaluation Process

• The DSWD and Local Government Unit (LGU) will check if you qualify.
• The Regional Social Pension Unit (RSPU) will conduct a validation process, which may include a home visit.

Step 4: Wait for Approval & Notification

• If approved, your name will be added to the list of beneficiaries.
• The OSCA or LSWDO will inform you about the payout schedule.

Pension Amount for Indigent Senior Citizens

Indigent senior citizens now receive a monthly pension of PHP 1,000, increased from PHP 500 under Republic Act No. 11916. This started in January 2024.

Since July 1, 2024, the semestral (every six months) payout has been discontinued. Seniors now receive their pension monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly, depending on feasibility.

This change ensures that seniors get their financial support more frequently, helping them with daily expenses and medical needs.

Additional Information:

• Regular Validation: The DSWD conducts regular validations to ensure that only eligible senior citizens receive benefits.
• Modes of Payment: Beneficiaries can receive their pensions through various methods, including cash payouts, door-to-door delivery, digital payments, money remittance, and other modes.
• Unclaimed Pensions Due to Beneficiary’s Death: In the event of a beneficiary’s death, unclaimed pensions can be received by an authorized family member. Required documentation typically includes the deceased’s OSCA ID, a photocopy of the ID, the PSA-certified true copy of the death certificate, a government-issued ID of the representative, and a barangay certification verifying the relationship between the beneficiary and the representative.

WATCH: Here are some of SPISC’s payout schedules across different regions for 2025.

Conclusion

The Social Pension Program provides much-needed financial relief to indigent senior citizens who have no means of support. If you or someone you know qualifies, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible to benefit from this government assistance.

For more details, visit the nearest DSWD office or check their official website and social media pages for updates.

References

1. Department of Social Welfare and Development. (2025). Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2025. https://www.dswd.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MC-No.-06-S-2025.pdf
2. Sampang, D. (2024, August). Poor senior citizens can now receive monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly pension. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1978166/poor-senior-citizens-can-now-receive-pension-monthly-bi-monthly-quarterly
3. SOCIAL PENSION FOR INDIGENT SENIOR CITIZENS – DSWD. (2023, December 25). DSWD – Bawat Buhay Mahalaga Sa DSWD. https://www.dswd.gov.ph/elementor-1575/
4. Republic Act No. 11916. (n.d.). Lawphil.net. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2022/ra-11916-2022.html

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