MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated that only poor, sickly, or disabled senior citizens without any form of pension, family support, or steady income are qualified to receive assistance under the agency’s Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program (SocPen).

“Tanging mga senior citizen na mahihirap, may sakit, mahina, o may kapansanan at walang tinatanggap na pension, tulong mula sa kapamilya, o permanenteng pinagkakakitaan ang maaaring tumanggap ng buwanang pension,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Ada Colico emphasized.

SocPen, implemented under Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, provides monthly financial assistance to help indigent elderly Filipinos cover their daily needs and medical expenses.

With the enactment of Republic Act No. 11916 in July 2022, the monthly stipend was increased from ₱500 to ₱1,000 beginning January 2024. The cash aid is released monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly, depending on the feasibility of distribution in various regions, as noted in a May 2024 DSWD memorandum circular.

Currently, 4,085,066 indigent senior citizens are covered by the program, which is distinct from the proposed Universal Social Pension Bill that seeks to extend coverage to all senior citizens regardless of financial status.

The DSWD also warned the public against misleading claims circulating on social media that all Filipino seniors are automatically entitled to a pension.

“Some posts contain information that may mislead the public, especially the vulnerable. Again, the DSWD would like to reiterate to only refer to our official social media accounts and website,” Colico said.