All You Need to Know About the Benefits of Owning a PWD ID

A friend who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer was granted a PWD ID card. This allows him certain privileges in establishments and government agencies such as discounts on purchases, prioritized transactions and filing, and parking privileges. He said he truly appreciates the PWD ID card as it helps him move around and accomplish his errands faster and more efficiently. This means a lot to someone like him who is immunocompromised and easily gets tired. Of course, the discounts he gets when purchasing food and medicines help a lot in managing his finances given the additional expenses he has for treatments.

That is why I decided to research more on the Persons With Disabilities (PWD) benefits: who are qualified, how to get the ID, and what significant benefits can a PWD enjoy.

Read on!

If you want to know how to get a PWD ID, you can read the blog I wrote about this topic here.

I was particularly interested to know who may qualify for a PWD ID. My curiosity stems from the fact that my friend who has cancer was granted one.  And why not? He is unable to perform his normal errands and functions because of his disease.  And although there is a big chance he will survive this, his “here and now” also demand special attention – he could not walk long distances especially after a treatment, he could not eat certain food, he gets tired easily. Without the PWD ID card, he will be made to wait in line like a normal, healthy individual his age should. He will be asked to pay for his purchases in full (which is a challenge at this point because he is also spending for his medicines and treatments), and a lot of other normal things that his new normal could not accommodate as of the moment.

So what types of sicknesses, illnesses, and disabilities can be granted PWD privileges and benefits?

The Department of Health considers the following types of disabilities as eligible for a PWD ID:

• Psychosocial disability such as:
  • Depression and bipolar disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Epileptic patients
  • ADHD
• Disability resulting from a chronic illness such as:
  • Orthopedic disability due to cancer
  • Blindness due to diabetes
  • Other disabilities resulting from a chronic disease.
• Learning disability such as:
  • Processing problems that hinder learning math, reading, writing, and other basic skills.
• Poor eyesight that could no longer be corrected and results in functional limitations.
• People with dwarfism, amputated hands or feet.
• Individuals with scoliosis.
• Mental disabilities
• Hearing disabilities
• Speech impairment
• Multiple disabilities

What benefits can PWD ID holders enjoy

RA 10754 provides the comprehensive list of discounts and privileges that PWD ID holders can enjoy. If a PWD does not have an ID but has an apparent disability, he or she may present his or her passport to avail of discounts.

1. VAT exemption and 20% Discount

The tax exemption and 20% discount shall apply for the purchase of the following essential products, services, and amenities:

• Room accommodations in lodging establishments and dormitories for students.
• Restaurants, fast food chains, food counter drive-throughs, and food deliveries.
• Cinemas, theaters, and other recreational centers.
• Medicines and food for special medical purposes.
• Medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees.
• Tickets for domestic and sea travel.
• Jeepney, bus, taxi, train, and TNVS transportation fares.
• Funeral and burial services for the death of a PWD.

A senior citizen who is also a PWD may use either the SC ID or the PWD ID to avail of discounts and tax exemptions. No double discounts 😊

2. 5% Discount on Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities

On top of the 20% discount and tax exemption, PWDs are also entitled to 5% special discount applicable to basic food and living necessities such as:

• Rice
• Meat
• Fresh fruits
• Drinking water
• Sugar
• Construction materials

2. Mandatory coverage under SSS/GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG

A working PWD is entitled to the same benefits from the SSS or GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

3. Express Lanes and Privilege Parking

Grocery, pharmacy, and public utility vehicle lines, parking slots, walkways, elevator and escalator access, and other types of waiting areas must be made available to senior citizens and PWDs at any time.

Not all PWD ID applications get approved.  An application goes through an evaluation process to ensure that the benefits and privileges are enjoyed by those who truly deserve it. It is common knowledge that a lot of people have tried to use and abuse these privileges even if they are not necessarily other-abled.  Should your application be declined, you may ask for the reasons for the disapproval from the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, city hall or municipal hall where you submitted your application.

I hope these bits of information helped you in any way.

Share this to your friends and family!

Reference:

How to Get PWD ID: Benefits and Application Guide

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