A Guide on Applying for a PWD Card in the Philippines

If you are a person with disability (PWD) who is living in the Philippines, there are many benefits available to you when you obtain a PWD card, a government-issued identification card which PWDs can use to avail of discounts.

PWDs with a PWD card are entitled to a slew of benefits and privileges, from 20% discounts on medication from all drugstores, medical and dental services, domestic air and sea travel fares, and land transportation fares to admission fees from theaters, cinemas, concert halls, and other places of culture, leisure, and amusement, as well as hotels, recreation centers, and restaurants, among others. You are also entitled to a 5% discount on groceries.

There are seven categories of disabilities as outlined on the Department of Health's Administrative Order No. 2009-0011: 1). Psychosocial and behavioral disabilities, 2). Chronic illnesses with disabilities, 3). Learning (cognitive or intellectual) disabilities, 4). Mental disabilities, 5) Visual or seeing disabilities, 6). Orthopedic or moving disabilities, and 7). Communication deficits.

Want to apply for a PWD card but don't know where to start? Here is a guide.

Step 1: Make sure you have all the requirements needed: 1x1 recent ID photos with your name and signature or thumbmarks at the back of each picture; a valid ID and a photocopy thereof, just in case; and a document, such as a medical abstract or certificate from your doctor, confirming your medical condition or disability.

Step 2: Get a copy of the PWD registration form from the Office of the Mayor, the Office of the Barangay Captain, the National Council on Disability Affairs or its regional counterpart, or Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offices.

You may also register online through the Department of Health.

Step 3: Fill up the PWD registration form with the accurate information and affix your ID picture on the accomplished form and another on your medical certificate or abstract. If you registered online, just print the accomplished form, attaching your photo on it and on your medical certificate or abstract.

Step 4: Submit your accomplished PWD registration form and other requirements to your City or Municipal Mayor, your Barangay Captain, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of your city or municipal hall, your city or municipal health office, or your city or municipal DSWD office. They shall verify your information and assign you a PWD ID Number, which they will affix on your registration form.

Step 5: From there, you will be given an ID card. Fill this up with your particulars, as this will now be your PWD ID card. If you are not issued a plastic card, have your card laminated immediately to avoid being damaged.

You will also be given a discount booklet or form. Bring this with you, along with your PWD card, at all times when purchasing medicines and groceries.

You can now use your PWD card in a number of establishments! Your PWD card is valid for three years, with a minimal fee charged for card renewals, or lost or damaged cards.