How to Qualify and Apply for PWD ID in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide

WHAT IS A PWD

First off, what does PWD mean? 
PWD stands for Person with Disability.

It refers to individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that hinder their ability to fully and effectively participate in society on an equal basis with others.

The Philippine government provides PWDs with benefits and privileges to support their needs and improve their quality of life and one way to access these benefits is by obtaining a PWD ID.


How to Qualify as a PWD

To qualify for a PWD ID, you must belong to one or more of the following categories:

1. HEARING DISABILITY
Refers to individuals with hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe, including those with little or no hearing. This condition is characterized by a complete or partial loss of the ability to hear in one or both ears
Examples: Deafness, any hearing impairment that requires hearing aids

2. INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY 
A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, learn, and apply new skills, often manifesting from an early age.
Examples:
Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays

3. LEARNING DISABILITY 
Refers to individuals with normal sensory, emotional, and intellectual abilities but who experience difficulties with perception, listening, thinking, writing, spelling, and arithmetic.
Examples: Dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

4. MENTAL DISABILITY 
Disability resulting from organic brain syndrome or mental illness, including both psychotic and non-psychotic disorders.
Examples: Schizophrenia, mood disorders

5. PHYSICAL DISABILITY 
A restriction of ability due to physical impairments that affect mobility, function, endurance, stamina, dexterity, and quality of life. Causes can be hereditary or acquired through trauma, infection, surgery, or medical conditions.
Examples: Amputations, cerebral palsy, arthritis, scoliosis, Parkinson’s disease

6. PSYCHOSOCIAL DISABILITY 
Acquired behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or social impairments that limit activities necessary for effective interpersonal transactions and daily living.
Examples: Depression, anxiety disorders

7. SPEECH & LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT
One or more disorders related to voice, articulation, rhythm, and/or difficulties with receptive and expressive language processes.
Examples: Muteness, speech delays, cleft palate

8. VISUAL DISABILITY
Partial or complete loss of vision. This includes poor vision that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery, as well as legal blindness, where visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in the better eye, even with correction.
Examples: Blindness, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease

9. CANCER
Refers to a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Cancer is characterized by the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, invade adjoining parts of the body, and spread to other organs. Other terms for cancer include malignant tumors and neoplasms.
Examples: Breast cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, colon cancer.

10. RARE DISEASE
Refers to disorders such as inherited metabolic disorders and other diseases with rare occurrences, as recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) upon the recommendation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This excludes catastrophic forms of more frequently occurring diseases that are life-threatening, seriously debilitating, or chronic.
Examples: Cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease

Please note that the examples provided above are not the only qualifying conditions for PWD. Consult your doctor for a proper assessment.

How to Apply for a PWD ID

The application process may vary slightly depending on your city or municipality, but here are the general steps and requirements:

Requirements:

  1. Proof of Citizenship & Residency
    • Must be a Filipino citizen and a registered voter or resident of the city/municipality
  2. Valid Government-Issued ID
    • Original and photocopy showing date of birth
  3. Medical Certificate
    • Must indicate:
      • Type of disability
      • Physician’s remark stating you qualify for a PWD ID
  4. Barangay Certificate
    • Proof of residency
  5. Additional Document for Married Women
    • Original marriage contract
  6. Photo
    • One (1) 2×2 photo with a white background
  7. Personal Appearance
    • Required unless the PWD is bedridden (a guardian can represent them with proper authorization)

Some areas may have additional requirements, such as a full-body photo and blood type information. It’s best to check with your local government unit (LGU) for the specific requirements in your area.

Where to Apply:

  • Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) at the City or Municipal Hall
  • Social Welfare and Development Office
  • Health Office or satellite clinics
  • Barangay Captain’s Office
  • National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) (for urgent cases)

Process:

  1. Submit your documents to the designated office.
  2. Wait for your application to be reviewed and approved.
  3. Receive your PWD ID and booklet/s (medical and grocery).

Benefits of Having a PWD ID

PWDs are entitled to numerous benefits, including:

  1. Discounts

    • 20% off on:
      • Food and drinks (even online purchases!)
      • Medicine and healthcare services
      • Admission fees to cinemas, theaters, and leisure activities
      • Transportation fares for air, sea, and land travel, covering public utility vehicles (PUVs) like jeeps, buses, taxis, trains, and ride-hailing services
      • Lodging establishments like hotels and inns
      • Funeral and burial services
    • 5% VAT exemption on basic necessities and prime commodities
  2. Education Assistance

    • Scholarships and financial aid for PWDs or their children
  3. PhilHealth, GSIS, SSS, & PAG-IBIG Benefits

    • Mandatory coverage 
  4. Express Lanes

    • Priority service in government offices and establishments
  5. Local Government Incentives

    • Free movie admissions or cash assistance (varies by city)
Click here for more details on PWD Benefits and Privileges

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the PWD ID a valid ID?
Yes, it can be used as a valid government-issued ID.

2. What if the PWD cannot personally apply?
A guardian can represent the PWD by presenting an authorization letter, valid ID, and all other requirements.

3. What if the PWD ID or booklet is lost?
Secure a notarized Affidavit of Loss and present it to the PDAO along with a valid ID and any remaining booklets.

4. Can a person who is both a PWD and a senior citizen use both IDs for discounts?
If you are both a PWD and a senior citizen, you can use either your Senior Citizen ID or PWD ID to avail of the 20% discount, but not both. Choose whichever ID offers the best discount for you.

5. Can I combine the PWD discount with other promotions?
No, you cannot combine the 20% PWD discount with any other promotional offers. You can only use one, whichever gives you the bigger discount.


Additional Resources

For more detailed information on PWD rights and benefits, visit: