Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) is a social protection program administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This program aims to provide immediate financial aid to individuals and families who are facing crises.
Crises can encompass a wide array of circumstances, including medical emergencies, natural calamities, loss of employment, death of a family member, and other unexpected events that disrupt the normal functioning of daily life.
The AICS program is designed to extend help to those who need it most, providing a safety net for Filipinos who might otherwise struggle to cope with these challenging situations. Through this initiative, the DSWD fulfils its mandate of promoting welfare and protecting the rights of all Filipinos, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Program’s Objective
The main objective of the AICS Program is to provide timely assistance to our less fortunate countrymen who are undergoing crisis situations. These crises may arise from various circumstances such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events that cause significant disruption to their lives.
Through the AICS program, the DSWD aims to help these individuals meet their immediate needs, alleviate their suffering, and assist them in restoring their capacity to regain stability in their lives. The ultimate goal is to empower these individuals and families, helping them overcome their crisis situations and improve their overall quality of life.
Types of Assistance Provided by AICS
The AICS program provides a range of assistance to individuals and families who are facing crisis situations. The types of assistance provided are designed to address the immediate needs of those in crisis, helping them to cope with their situation and regain stability.
Here are the different types of assistance provided by the AICS:
1. Medical Assistance
- This includes financial aid for hospital bills, medication, laboratory tests, and other medical-related expenses. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have been hospitalized or are dealing with serious health conditions.
To access complete details regarding DSWD Medical Assistance, please click HERE.
2. Funeral Assistance
- The AICS program provides financial assistance for funeral and burial expenses. This assistance aims to alleviate the financial burden on families who have lost a loved one.
To access complete details regarding DSWD Funeral Assistance, please click HERE.
3. Educational Assistance
- Financial aid is provided to help cover education-related expenses such as tuition fees, school supplies, and other necessary costs related to schooling.
To access complete details regarding DSWD Educational Assistance, please click HERE.
4. Transportation Assistance
- This provides financial support to individuals who are stranded due to emergencies or those who need to travel for medical treatment, work, or education but lack the means to do so.
To access complete details regarding DSWD Educational Assistance, please click HERE.
5. Food Assistance
- For individuals or families in dire circumstances, the AICS program provides assistance for food. This ensures that despite their crisis situation, they will have access to nourishment.
6. Cash Assistance for Other Support Services
- Apart from the specific types of aid mentioned above, the AICS program also provides cash assistance for other support services. This could include transportation costs for those who need to travel for medical treatment, or other unique needs depending on the individual’s situation.
The goal of these assistance options is to provide comprehensive support to individuals in crisis, addressing not just one aspect of their needs, but offering help in various areas where they may be struggling due to their crisis situation.
Benefits of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) to Filipinos in Need
- Immediate Financial Aid: AICS provides immediate financial help to Filipinos who are experiencing crisis situations. This aid can be used to cover a range of costs, from medical bills to funeral expenses, food supplies, and educational fees.
- Ease of Access: With DSWD Field Offices and Malasakit Centers located across the country, AICS is accessible to Filipinos wherever they may be. This ensures that help is available to those who need it most, regardless of their location.
- Timely Assistance: The AICS program understands the urgency of crisis situations and strives to provide aid as quickly as possible. This timely assistance can make a significant difference during emergencies.
- Comprehensive Support: Beyond financial aid, AICS offers comprehensive support to individuals in crisis. This includes assistance with processing applications, guidance on other available resources, and follow-up support to ensure the individual or family is able to recover from the crisis situation.
- Empowerment: By providing financial aid during times of crisis, AICS helps empower Filipinos to overcome their challenging circumstances. This assistance not only meets immediate needs but also helps individuals and families regain stability and work towards a better future.
- Promotion of Welfare and Dignity: AICS promotes the welfare and dignity of every Filipino by ensuring that even in times of crisis, they have access to the resources they need. By doing so, AICS embodies the spirit of ‘malasakit’ and solidarity that is inherent in Filipino culture.
AICS plays a critical role in providing a safety net for Filipinos in crisis situations, offering them immediate financial aid and comprehensive support to help them navigate their challenges and regain stability.
Requirements Needed for AICS Program
1. Requirements for AICS Medical Assistance
- Valid ID
- Medical Certificate
- Clinical Abstract
- Discharge Summary
- Certificate of Confinement
- Alagang Pinoy Tagubilin Form
For Hospital Bill Payment
- Temporary/Final Hospital Bills/Statement of Account (Outstanding balance)
- Certificate of Balance/Promissory note
For Medication
- Prescription
- Treatment Protocol
For Medical Procedures/Surgery
- Laboratory Request
- Laboratory Protocol
- Doctor’s Order
- Official Price Quotation
For Therapy and Other Specific Treatments
- Treatment Protocol
- PhilHealth Certification
- Prescription
- Doctor’s Order
- Quotation
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist Certification
Please note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s crisis situation.
2. Requirements for AICS Funeral Assistance
Requirements for AICS Funeral Assistance
For individuals seeking funeral assistance from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, the following documents are required:
- Valid ID
- Death Certificate: This can be with or without a civil registry number.
- Certification: This could be from a hospital/doctor, authorized medical practitioner, Imam (for Moro communities), or a tribal chieftain or leader of indigenous groups.
- Funeral Contract: This document outlines the agreement between the family and the funeral home regarding the funeral services to be provided.
- Statement of Account: This document should show the detailed costs associated with the funeral services.
- Barangay Certification: This is a document issued by the local barangay certifying the residency and/or indigency of the deceased or the applicant.
- Promissory Note or Certificate of Balance: If there is still an outstanding balance with the funeral home, this document is required.
- Transfer Permit: This is needed if the deceased will be transferred to a province.
Please note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s crisis situation.
3. Requirements for AICS Educational Assistance
If you are seeking educational assistance from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, the following documents are required:
- Valid ID
- Certificate of Enrollment or Registration: This document from the school confirms that the student is officially enrolled for the current academic term.
- School ID: The student’s identification card issued by their school.
- Statement of Account: This document shows the detailed costs associated with the student’s tuition and other school fees.
- Any document issued by the school as proof of the student’s registration or enrollment: This could be an official receipt of tuition payment, class schedule, or any other document that can verify the student’s enrollment status.
Please note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s crisis situation.
4. Requirements for AICS Transportation Assistance
- Valid ID
- Police Blotter/Certificate: This is required for victims of theft, illegal recruitment, and similar incidents. This document serves as official proof of the incident.
- Death Certificate: This could be from a hospital/doctor, authorized medical practitioner, Imam (for Moro communities), or a tribal chieftain or leader of indigenous groups.
- Medical Certificate (Fit to Travel): If the assistance sought involves travel (for medical treatment, for example), a certificate from a doctor stating that the individual is fit to travel may be required.
- Court Order/Subpoena/Referral: These documents may be required if the assistance sought is related to a legal matter or if the individual has been referred by another agency, barangay, or Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO).
Please note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s crisis situation.
5. Requirements for AICS Food Assistance
- Valid ID
- Any document or record proving that the beneficiary is in need of assistance: This could be a certification of indigency, a letter of referral from a social worker or other official, or other relevant documentation.
- Referral Letter from the local government: This document should indicate that the local government unit endorses the individual’s application for food assistance.
- Any document or record proving that the individual is stranded or unable to leave a certain location: In situations such as calamities or lockdowns where individuals may be stranded, proof of their situation may be required.
- For patients and their representatives, any document or record proving that the beneficiary is admitted to a hospital, like a Medical Abstract/Certificate: This document provides evidence of the patient’s current medical condition and hospitalization status.
Please note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s crisis situation.
6. Requirements for AICS Cash Assistance for Other Support Services
- Valid ID
- Police Report/Blotter: This provides an official record of incidents such as theft, violence, or other crimes.
- Bureau of Fire Protection Report: This document is needed if the assistance is related to a fire incident.
- Passport/Travel Documents: Or certification from The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration/Philippine Overseas Labor Office/Department of Migrant Workers or barangay. This is needed if the assistance is related to overseas work or travel.
- Certification: From the Local Social Welfare and Development Office for victims of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children or violence against women and children.
- Referral Letter/Endorsement: From the Department of Justice, non-governmental organizations, local government units (LGU), or other agencies referring the individual for assistance.
- Incident Report from LGU: This provides an official record of an incident that occurred within the jurisdiction of the LGU.
- Spot Report: From the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or Philippine National Police. This provides an official account of an incident or event.
- Death Certificate of a relative: If the assistance is related to the death of a family member.
- Certification from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office: This is needed if the assistance is related to a disaster or calamity.
- Disaster Assistance Family Access card (DAFAC): This is provided by the DSWD to families affected by a disaster or calamity to record the assistance they have received.
- Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee Certificate: This may be required for certain types of assistance.
- Medico-Legal: This document provides a medical opinion in the context of legal cases or proceedings.
Please note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s crisis situation.
NOTE: All financial aid from the Crisis Intervention Division of DSWD will be fully received by the beneficiaries and NO employee or non-employee of the agency is authorized to deduct or impose any financial charges from it.
How Walk-in Applicants Can Apply for AICS: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for DSWD Transportation Assistance typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Get a stub number and register the name with the guard on duty
- Person-in-charge: Guard on Duty
Step 2: Proceed to CIU (Crisis Intervention Unit) Office and wait for the number to be called for screening
- Person-in-charge: Screening Officer
Step 3: Interview/Assessment for the assistance needed
- Person-in-charge: Social Workers
Step 4: Recommendation/Action Taken for the assistance requested
- Person-in-charge: Social Workers
Step 5: Review and Approval of the Officer-in-Charge to the Social Worker’s recommendation for the assistance being requested by the client
- Person-in-charge: Officer-in-Charge, CIU Sub-Office
Step 6: The client will receive the approved assistance whether a financial/guarantee/referral letter
- Person-in-charge: CIU Officer-in-Charge (designated disbursing officer) for the financial assistance; Social Worker for the guarantee/referral letter
Step 7: The client to affix their signature as proof of the assistance given
- Person-in-charge: Disbursing Officer
Please note that these steps may vary slightly depending on the specific DSWD office you visit. Always consult with your local DSWD office for accurate information about the application process and requirements.
Processing Time for AICS Applicants
1. For cash outright
- Maximum of 45 minutes per client
2. For issuance of guarantee/referral letter
- Maximum of 15-20 minutes per client
3. For processing of check
- Three (3) to five (5) days
Please note that these processing times are approximate and may be subject to change due to factors such as high demand, limited resources, or unforeseen circumstances. It is recommended to stay in contact with your local DSWD office for updates and assistance throughout the process.
Video: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUAL IN CRISIS SITUATION | DSWD AICS
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program?
A: The AICS program is a social support initiative by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines. It provides timely and responsive financial or material aid to individuals and families in crisis situations.
2. Who is eligible to receive assistance from the AICS program?
A: The program is designed to assist Filipino citizens who are in a state of crisis, particularly those who are poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged.
3. Where can I submit my application for assistance under the AICS program?
A: Applications can be submitted at any DSWD office or Malasakit Center.
4. How long does it take for an application for assistance under the AICS program to be processed?
A: The processing time may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual’s situation and the type of assistance sought. It’s best to ask the DSWD office or Malasakit Center where you submit your application.
5. Can AICS assistance be availed more than once by the same individual or family?
A: Yes, as long as the individual or family is still in a state of crisis and meets the eligibility criteria, they can avail of AICS assistance multiple times.
6. What should I do if I encounter problems or have concerns regarding my application for assistance under the AICS program?
A: If you encounter any issues, it’s best to directly contact the DSWD office or Malasakit Center where you submitted your application.
7. Are there any charges or fees associated with receiving assistance from the AICS program?
A: No, all financial aid from the AICS program is fully received by the beneficiaries. No employee or non-employee of the agency is authorized to deduct or impose any financial charges.
8. Can non-Filipino citizens avail assistance from the AICS program?
A: The AICS program primarily serves Filipino citizens. Non-Filipino citizens may be considered in certain cases, but it’s best to consult with a DSWD office or Malasakit Center for specific information.
Summary
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been an indispensable aid to those in need through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. This program offers a range of different types of assistance to Filipino citizens who find themselves in various distressing circumstances, such as natural disasters, medical emergencies, or incidents of violence.
The AICS program provides practical assistance in the form of food, clothing, temporary shelter, transportation, and medical expenses. Additionally, the program also assists with psycho-social services, counseling, and assessment for victims of abuse situations. Truly, the DSWD’s AICS program offers a helping hand to Filipinos who need it the most, providing comfort and relief during times of crisis.
Contact Information
Contact Number: (032) 233 0261
Email: fo7@dswd.gov.ph
Website: fo7.dswd.gov.ph
