Solo parents to get more benefits under the new law

Solo parents will now be given more privileges as Republic Act No. 11861 or the "Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act “lapsed into law on June 4 without the signature of then-President, Rodrigo Duterte.

Under the new law, solo parents will receive a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 if they are earning a minimum or less than the minimum wage.

A 10% discount and value-added tax exemption on baby products such as milk, diapers, vaccines, and medicine until the child is six years old will be granted to those who are earning P250,000. Senior citizens or persons with disability acting as solo parents are entitled to the same privileges on top of their other benefits.

Additionally, solo parents working either in the government or private sector can have a seven-day paid parental leave every year.

Children of solo parents may also avail scholarships from the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as long as they are qualified.

Based on the law, a solo parent is defined as someone with sole parental care of a child/children due to birth as a consequence of rape, death, detention, or criminal conviction of the spouse, legal or de facto separation from a spouse, and abandonment.

Solo parents can also be those who have a spouse working overseas for at least a year, belonging to a low/semi-skilled worker category, a legal guardian solely providing support, and a pregnant woman solely giving parental care.

Individuals who are qualified as solo parents should go to their local government unit's Solo Parent Office and procure their Solo Parent ID to be able to avail the benefits.