July 17, 2024 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Wednesday that more than 3.7 million qualified senior citizens nationwide have received their increased social pension for the first half of 2024.
"A total of Php21.8 billion was disbursed to 3,723,323 indigent senior citizens from January to June this year," said DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao. "This reflects the implementation of the raised monthly stipend from Php500 to Php1,000."
Previously mandated by Republic Act No. 9994, the Social Pension program provided Php500 monthly to help indigent seniors meet their daily needs. However, Republic Act 11916, enacted in July 2022, doubled the stipend starting January 2024. The Php1,000 aid is distributed semestrally, with each payout amounting to Php6,000 covering a six-month period.
"To qualify for the social pension," clarified Dumlao, "senior citizens must be 60 years old and above, with frailty, sickness, or disability. They should also lack a permanent source of income, regular support from family, and any pension from other government agencies."