- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is offering financial assistance to qualified students from elementary through college under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Educational Assistance program.
- Assistance ranges from ₱1,000 for elementary students to ₱4,000 for college and vocational students.
- Applications are processed at the nearest DSWD Field Office – check your regional office’s Facebook page first for walk-in or online procedures.
You don’t need a high GWA or a special course to qualify for this one. If your family is struggling financially and you’re enrolled in school, DSWD may be able to help.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is currently accepting applications for its Educational Assistance Program under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) framework. It covers students from elementary all the way through college and vocational programs and the process is more accessible than most people realize.
Here’s what you need to know before heading to your nearest DSWD office.
How much can you receive?
The financial assistance amount varies by education level:
| Education Level | Assistance Amount |
|---|---|
| Elementary | ₱1,000 |
| High School | ₱2,000 |
| Senior High School | ₱3,000 |
| College or Vocational | ₱4,000 |
These amounts are based on information from parents who have previously inquired at DSWD offices. For the most current and confirmed amount, verify with your nearest DSWD Field Office amounts can be updated per DSWD guidelines.
Who can apply?
The DSWD Educational Assistance is intended for financially challenged students, specifically:
- Working students
- Students enrolled in vocational and technological schools
- Students enrolled in State Colleges and Universities (SUCs)
- Families who are victims of displacement or relocation
- Repatriated Overseas Filipinos (OFs) those who have been brought back from abroad
- Deported Overseas Filipinos
What documents do you need?
Prepare all of these before going to the DSWD office. Place them in a single A4 brown envelope:
Identity documents:
- Valid ID of the applicant
- Photocopy of the student’s ID must be stamped Certified True Copy (CTC)
- Photocopy of the parent’s or guardian’s ID must also be stamped CTC
Enrollment documents:
- Enrollment or Assessment Form OR Certificate of Enrollment or Registration stamped CTC
- Validated school ID of the student
- Statement of Account (for college students only)
Community document:
- Certificate of Indigency or Certificate of Residency from your barangay
Always bring your originals. Even though photocopies go into the envelope, DSWD staff will need to see your original documents for verification. Don’t leave them at home.
How to apply for DSWD Educational assistance
Step 1: Check your nearest DSWD Field Office first
Before going in person, check the Facebook page of the DSWD Field Office in your region (see full list below). Some offices have shifted to online or appointment-based systems walking in without checking may mean a wasted trip.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Gather everything on the list above. Make sure all photocopies are properly certified. Put them all inside an A4 brown envelope.
Step 3: Go to the DSWD Field Office
Bring your complete documents originals and photocopies to the DSWD Field Office that covers your area. If you are far from the central or regional office, try visiting the nearest DSWD satellite office or municipal social welfare office and ask if they also process Educational Assistance applications.
Step 4: Submit and get your reference number
After submitting your documents, make sure you receive a serial number or assigned reference number. This is your proof that your application was received and is being processed. Do not leave without it.
Step 5: Wait for your payout schedule
Once your application is approved, you will be given a payout date. Check your assigned DSWD Field Office for the payout schedule in your area.
DSWD Field Office Facebook pages
Different regions handle DSWD applications separately. Check the Facebook page of your regional office for the latest instructions, application schedules, and payout dates:
| Region | Facebook Page |
|---|---|
| Field Office I (Ilocos) | facebook.com/dswdfo1 |
| Field Office II (Cagayan Valley) | facebook.com/DSWDDos |
| Field Office III (Central Luzon) | facebook.com/dswdfo3 |
| Field Office IV-A (CALABARZON) | facebook.com/dswdfo4a |
| Field Office IV-B (MIMAROPA) | facebook.com/dswdfomimaropa |
| Field Office V (Bicol) | facebook.com/dswdfo5 |
| Field Office VI (Western Visayas) | facebook.com/dswd06 |
| Field Office VII (Central Visayas) | facebook.com/dswdfo7 |
| Field Office VIII (Eastern Visayas) | facebook.com/dswdeasternvisayas |
| Field Office IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) | facebook.com/dswdfo9 |
| Field Office X (Northern Mindanao) | facebook.com/dswdfo10 |
| Field Office XI (Davao) | facebook.com/dswdfo11 |
| Field Office XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) | facebook.com/people/DSWD-XII/100069260497757/ |
| Field Office NCR (Metro Manila) | facebook.com/dswdfoncr |
| Field Office CAR (Cordillera) | facebook.com/dswdfocar |
| Field Office CARAGA | facebook.com/dswdcaraga |
Tips before you go
Call or message the office first: Procedures vary by region and can change. A quick message on their Facebook page can save you a full day of waiting in line.
Go early: DSWD offices process applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning gives you the best chance of being attended to the same day.
Bring extra photocopies: Having two sets of your documents both stamped CTC means you won’t be sent home if an extra copy is needed.
Bring the whole family if possible: If multiple family members are applying (for different education levels), coordinate the documents beforehand so everything is in order before you arrive.
Source: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
