The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provides the Sugar Workers’ Death Benefit Program under Republic Act (R.A.) 6982. This program is designed to assist the families of deceased sugar workers with a financial benefit of ₱14,000 to help cover funeral and other related expenses. Families and beneficiaries of qualified sugar workers can apply for this benefit within three years from the worker’s date of death.
Understanding how to file a claim for this program is important to ease the financial burden on the worker’s family during a difficult time. This guide explains the step-by-step process, qualifications, and requirements for the DOLE Sugar Workers’ Death Benefit Claim, helping you navigate this government service efficiently.
Program Overview
The DOLE Sugar Workers’ Death Benefit Claim is part of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) under Republic Act No. 6982, established to improve the welfare of sugar workers in the Philippines. This initiative provides ₱14,000 in financial assistance to the families of deceased sugar workers to help with funeral and related expenses. It covers mill workers, field workers, and small farm cultivators who meet employment or farming requirements within specific crop years. The program is implemented by the DOLE – Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns and is administered through the DOLE Regional, Provincial, and Field Offices, ensuring support reaches eligible beneficiaries. By addressing the needs of sugar workers and their families this way, the government acknowledges the contributions of sugar workers and commits to the social protection of the entire sugar industry.
Benefits
This program offers financial assistance to ease the burden of funeral and related expenses for the families of qualified sugar workers. Below is a list of specific benefits provided by this program:
- A financial assistance of ₱14,000 for the family of the deceased sugar worker.
- Support for funeral costs, including burial and related expenses.
- Accessibility of the program through DOLE Regional, Provincial, and Field Offices.
- Recognition of sugar workers’ contributions to the industry by extending support to their beneficiaries.
- Inclusion of various claimant categories, such as spouses, children, parents, siblings, and third parties who covered burial expenses.
Target Beneficiary
To avail of these benefits, applicants must belong to the following target groups and must be related with the deceased sugar worker, at least:
- Current Mill and Field Workers: Employed for at least three months of continuous or aggregate service in the current or previous crop year.
- Separated Workers: Those with five years of cumulative service, provided their death occurred within three years of leaving employment.
- Small Farm Cultivators: Farmers with up to five hectares of land who directly worked or milled their sugarcane in the current or previous crop year.
- Spouse: The legal spouse of the deceased, as proven by a marriage certificate.
- Children: Biological or legally adopted children of the deceased, supported by a birth or adoption certificate.
- Parents: Legitimate parents of the deceased worker, with proof of relationship through a birth certificate.
- Siblings: Legitimate brothers or sisters of the deceased, supported by birth certificates and the death certificates of their parents.
- Third Parties: Individuals who covered burial costs and can provide affidavits, receipts, and a waiver from the immediate family.
Eligibility
To qualify for this death benefit claim, specific eligibility criteria must be met depending on the worker’s employment status or farming role. The target beneficiaries must at least meet the following eligibility criteria:
- For Employed Mill or Field Workers
- Must have worked for at least three months, either continuously or cumulatively, within the current or preceding crop year before death.
- For Separated Workers
- Must have rendered at least five years of service in the sugar industry.
- Death must occur within three years of their last day of employment.
- For Small Farm Cultivators
- Must have milled sugarcane within the current or preceding crop year before death.
- For Beneficiaries
- Claimants must establish their relationship to the deceased (spouse, child, parent, sibling, or third party who covered burial costs).
- Relevant documents, such as certificates of marriage, birth, or death, must be submitted to verify the claim.
Documentary Requirements
To apply for the DOLE Sugar Workers’ Death Benefit Claim, beneficiaries need to submit specific documents. The required documents depend on the relationship of the claimant to the deceased:
Basic Requirements
- Duly accomplished application form (available at DOLE Regional, Provincial, or Field Offices).
- Death certificate (original copy for presentation and one photocopy).
- Certified payroll showing the worker’s inclusion under the Covered Benefit Fund (CBF).
Additional Requirements
- If the Claimant Is a Spouse:
- Marriage certificate or contract certified by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR).
- If the Claimant Is a Child:
- Birth certificate showing the deceased as a parent or an adoption certificate.
- If the Claimant Is a Parent:
- Birth certificate of the deceased certified by the LCR.
- If the Claimant Is a Sibling:
- Birth certificate of both the deceased and the claimant.
- Death certificates of the deceased worker’s parents.
- For Small Farm Cultivators:
- Certification of membership in a Planters’ Association or documentation from the sugar mill.
- If the Claimant Is a Third Party:
- Joint affidavit and waiver signed by immediate beneficiaries, confirming the third party’s role in covering burial expenses.
- Receipts for burial expenses certified under oath.
Application Procedures
Simply follow these steps to file your claim successfully:
Step 1: Submit the Documents
Visit the nearest DOLE Regional, Provincial, or Field Office or the Planters’ Association or sugar mill where the deceased worked. Submit the completed application form along with all supporting documents. The Action Officer will review your submission.
Step 2: Receive a Claim Stub
Once your application is complete, you will receive a claim stub. This indicates the expected date of benefit release. If documents are incomplete, the officer will return them with instructions on how to correct deficiencies.
Step 3: Verification of Documents
DOLE will perform thorough verification of all submitted documents. This includes coordination with other offices and, if necessary, conducting field verification. Once verified, the claim will be endorsed to the Regional Director for approval.
Step 4: Processing of Payment
DOLE will prepare the necessary accounting documents, including Disbursement Vouchers, for the benefit payment.
Step 5: Claim the Benefit
On the scheduled release date, return to the DOLE office with your claim stub. Receive the check for ₱14,000 and sign all required documents as proof of receipt.
Where to Get the Application Form
The application form for the DOLE Sugar Workers’ Death Benefit Claim can be obtained from DOLE Regional, Provincial, or Field Offices. Accredited Planters’ Associations, Cooperatives, and Sugar Mills also provide the forms through their authorized representatives. These offices and organizations are responsible for ensuring that the forms are accessible to eligible beneficiaries in their respective jurisdictions.
Fees and Processing Time
Availing of the DOLE Sugar Workers’ Death Benefit Claim is free of charge; no fees are required during the application process. The total processing time for a complete application is approximately 15 days and 45 minutes, depending on the verification and approval of documents. This timeline includes document submission, validation, approval, and the release of the ₱14,000 financial assistance.
Important Notes
For a hassle-free application procedures, make sure to keep the following tips in mind:
- Claims must be filed within three years from the worker’s death.
- The processing of the death benefit claim is covered under the amended rules and regulations of R.A. 6982 (D.O. 114-11).
- The total processing time for a complete application is approximately 15 days and 45 minutes.
Video: DOLE Programs and Services
Learn more about the different programs offered by DOLE, including the sugar workers’ death benefit claim by watching this live recording of a press conference by DOLE itself:
Summary
Applying for the DOLE Sugar Workers’ Death Benefit Claim involves filing the application within three years of the worker’s death, providing all necessary documents, and following the outlined steps. The program is part of the Social Amelioration Program in the Sugar Industry, offering ₱14,000 to qualified beneficiaries. With a clear and detailed guide on the qualifications, requirements, and process, families of sugar workers can access this financial assistance easily. Make sure to visit the nearest DOLE office to begin your application and ease your financial burden during this time of mourning.