Know Your PWD Benefits and Privileges: A Quick Guide

Posted on by Leia Bartolome

A Person with Disability (PWD) is someone with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that may limit their ability to perform everyday tasks or participate fully in society compared to able-bodied individuals.

Understanding these benefits and privileges is crucial for every PWD in the Philippines, as they are entitled to rights aimed at supporting their daily needs, enhancing accessibility, and fostering inclusivity.

Please note that what I’ve covered here isn’t everything—many local communities offer extra support and programs for PWDs.

Keep an eye out for updates and new initiatives in your area. These benefits are here to make life easier and more inclusive for you, so don’t hesitate to take full advantage of them!

Click here to know if you qualify as a PWD and how to obtain a PWD ID to access these benefits

PWD 20% Discount + VAT Exemption

  • Medicines
  • Medical & Dental Services
    Covers diagnostics, lab fees, and professional fees in public/private medical facilities
  • Food & Beverages
    Applies to dine-in, take-out, delivery, and online purchases 
    Click here for My How to Apply for PWD or SC  on Grab
  • Domestic Fares
    Includes land, air, and sea fares, baggage allowances, and ride-hailing apps
  • Accommodations
    Valid for hotels, resorts, and other lodgings
  • Cinemas & Recreational Centers
    Covers amusement parks, museums, internet cafes, concerts, fees for use of facilities and equipment, and more
  • Funeral & Burial Services
    Applies to caskets, embalming, morgue services, and body transport
Click here and here for more details on PWD 20% discount and VAT exemption privileges

PWD 5% Discount

  • Basic Necessities
    • Rice, corn, and bread
    • Fish and other marine products, as well as their fresh, dried, or canned forms 
    • Fresh pork, beef, and poultry, as well as their fresh, dried, or canned forms
    • Fresh vegetables, fruits, and other fresh produce
    • Fresh dairy products, such as milk, eggs, and cheese
    • Salt, sugar, and cooking oil
    • Coffee and creamer
    • Laundry Soap
    • Firewood, candles, charcoal, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
  • Prime Commodities
    • Flour
    • Processed meat products
    • Condiments like vinegar, patis (fish sauce), and soy sauce
    • Bath soap
    • Fertilizer, pesticides, herbicide, animal feed, veterinary products
    • School supplies
    • Selected construction supplies like nipa shingles, cement, clinker, GI sheets, hollow blocks, plywood, plyboard, construction nails, electrical supplies, steel wire, and batteries (excluding mobile phone and automotive batteries).

Click here for more details on PWD 5% discount privileges

PWD Educational Assistance

  • Scholarships, grants, subsidies, and other incentives
    Applicable at all levels—primary, secondary, tertiary, post-tertiary, and vocational/technical education.
  •  Additional support
    Allowances for books, learning materials, and uniforms (where feasible).

PWD Conveniences

  • Express Lanes
    Access exclusive priority lanes in government offices, banks, grocery stores, and other establishments for faster transactions and reduced waiting times.
  • Reserved Parking 
    Special parking spaces are designated for PWDs near building entrances to ensure easier and more convenient access.
  • Dedicated Restrooms
    Accessible restrooms are provided in malls, offices, and other public spaces. These facilities are designed with wider doors, handrails, and other features to accommodate wheelchairs and assistive devices.
  • Travel Assistance
    Get assistance during travel, such as priority boarding in airports, terminals, and stations. Staff in these facilities are trained to help PWDs with their luggage, seating, and other travel needs.
  • Designated Seating
    These seats are usually located in easily accessible areas to ensure comfort and convenience.

PWD Cash Assistance

PWD Mandatory Coverage

  • Mandatory Coverage
    Automatic inclusion in SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

For more details: