Losing a loved one is emotionally and financially challenging. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) in the Philippines offers a Burial Assistance program to support the poor, indigent, vulnerable, and marginalized families struggling with funeral expenses through the OVP’s main office and regional satellite offices nationwide. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step explanation of how to apply for this program, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process.
The Burial Assistance program provides a maximum amount of ₱5,000.00 per approved application. Understanding the requirements and application steps can help you access this aid efficiently, ensuring financial relief during a difficult time.
Features and Benefits of the OVP Burial Assistance Program
The program aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with funeral costs, providing much-needed support to families in distress. The assistance is granted to eligible applicants who submit complete documentary requirements within 15 calendar days from the date of death to help them enjoy the following benefits:
- Financial Assistance of up to ₱5,000.00 to assist with burial expenses.
- Helps reduce the financial burden of funeral and burial expenses for low-income families.
- Nationwide Satellite Offices
- Provides easy access to the program for applicants across different regions in the Philippines.
- Assistance for Indigent and Marginalized Families
- Focuses on supporting the most vulnerable groups in society, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most.
- Simple and Clear Documentation Requirements
- Allows applicants to prepare the necessary documents with minimal confusion, speeding up the application process.
- Dedicated Contact Channels (Email and Phone)
- Ensures applicants can receive guidance and clarifications directly from the OVP for a smoother experience.
- Quick Processing for Eligible Applications
- Enables families to access the financial assistance they need promptly during difficult times.
- Application Deadline of 15 Calendar Days from Death
- Ensures timely support while preventing delays caused by prolonged application timelines.
- Acceptance of Alternative Documents for Deceased Individuals
- Offers flexibility in cases where standard documents, like a valid ID, may not be available for the deceased.
- Accessibility through Online Form Download
- Allows applicants to conveniently access and prepare the application form from anywhere.
- Program for Burial-Specific Expenses
- Directly addresses funeral-related costs, providing focused and practical support during times of loss.
By offering these features and benefits, the OVP Burial Assistance program provides crucial support to Filipino families during challenging times.
Target Beneficiaries
The program is designed to assist individuals and families who belong to the following vulnerable and disadvantaged groups:
- Indigent families experiencing financial hardship.
- Marginalized communities with limited access to resources.
- Vulnerable individuals facing unexpected funeral costs.
- Disadvantaged households struggling to cover burial expenses.
- Families of deceased individuals who lack sufficient financial means.
Eligibility
To qualify for the OVP Burial Assistance Program, each target beneficiary group must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Indigent Families
- Must provide a Social Case Study Report or Certificate of Indigency issued by the DSWD, PSWDO, CSWDO, or MSWDO.
- Document must confirm financial hardship and state the need for burial assistance.
- Marginalized Communities
- Applicants must reside in areas identified as underprivileged or underserved.
- A Certificate of Indigency or Eligibility from the local social welfare office must be submitted.
- Vulnerable Individuals
- Authorized representatives must submit an application within 15 calendar days from the date of death.
- Valid ID of the deceased and the representative must be presented.
- Disadvantaged Households
- Proof of residency and a Certificate of Indigency or similar documentation verifying economic need are required.
- Registered Death Certificate of the deceased must be provided.
- Families of Deceased Individuals Lacking Financial Means
- Must submit a properly completed and signed Burial Assistance Application Form.
- Additional proof, such as a registered Birth Certificate or Fetal Death Certificate, may be required if a valid ID for the deceased is unavailable.
Documentary Requirements
The success of your application relies heavily on submitting accurate and complete documentation. Below are the mandatory documents:
- Burial Assistance Application Form
- Must be an original copy, properly filled out, and signed by the authorized representative within 15 calendar days of the death.
- Social Case Study Report or Certificate of Indigency/Eligibility
- Issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or local government social welfare offices (PSWDO, CSWDO, or MSWDO).
- Must address the OVP or use a generic addressee format.
- Photocopy of the Registered Death Certificate
- Must include the registry number.
- Valid Identification Cards
- One valid ID for both the deceased and the authorized representative.
- Photocopies of the front and back of the ID are required, with originals presented during submission.
- Alternative for the deceased: Birth certificate or fetal death certificate.
List of Accepted Valid IDs:
- Driver’s License
- Senior Citizen ID
- Passport
- PhilHealth ID
- National ID
- And other government-issued IDs.
Applicants should ensure the documents are up to date and accurate to avoid delays in processing.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the OVP Burial Assistance program:
Step 1. Prepare the Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents, ensuring they are accurate and complete.
Step 2. Download and Complete the Application Form
Obtain the Burial Assistance Application Form from the OVP website or contact the Public Assistance Division for guidance. Fill it out completely and sign it.
Step 3. Submit Your Application
Visit the nearest OVP office or satellite location to submit your documents. Ensure that the application is submitted within 15 calendar days of the death.
Step 4. Wait for the Processing
The OVP will assess your application and notify you of the outcome. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and completeness of your submission.
For questions or further details, applicants may contact the Public Assistance Division through:
- Phone: (02) 8370-1716 / (02) 8370-1719
- Email: pad@ovp.gov.ph
OVP Office Locations
You may also reach out to the various OVP satellite offices nationwide directly via email to avail of its services or to inquire about any region-specific inquiries or concerns regarding the OVP burial assistance. Below is a list of locations:
- Main Office: Robinsons Cybergate Plaza, Mandaluyong City, NCR
- Pangasinan Satellite Office: Dagupan City
- Western Mindanao Satellite Office: Zamboanga City
- Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor Satellite Office: Cebu City
- Southern Mindanao Satellite Office: Davao City
- Eastern Visayas Satellite Office: Tacloban City
- Caraga Satellite Office: Butuan City
- Panay and Negros Islands Satellite Office: Bacolod City
- Cagayan Valley Satellite Office: Isabela
- BARMM Satellite Office: Cotabato City
- Bicol Satellite Office: Legazpi City
Tips for a Smooth Application
To make the application process smoother and easier to complete, you may want to keep these tips in mind:
- Double-check Documents: Make sure all forms are properly filled out, signed, and accompanied by valid supporting documents.
- Meet the Deadline: Submit your application within the 15-day timeframe from the date of death, including weekends and holidays, to avoid disqualification. Late submissions will not be processed.
- Contact the OVP for Clarifications: If unsure about any requirements, do not hesitate to contact the OVP through their provided contact details.
- Keep Copies of Your Documents: Retain photocopies of submitted documents for your records.
- Application Venues: Applications can be submitted to the OVP’s central office in Mandaluyong City or any of its satellite offices located across the Philippines. These offices ensure the program is accessible to beneficiaries in various regions.
Video: Asking for Burial or Funeral Assistance from the OVP
The OVP Burial Assistance program is a helpful initiative designed to provide financial aid to indigent families facing funeral expenses. Applying for the program is straightforward if you follow the outlined steps and submit complete documents. Satellite offices are strategically located across the Philippines for accessibility. Watch this step-by-step guide from Jhovz Vlog to gain further insights into the application process, complete the process with ease, and focus on honoring your loved one’s memory without the undue financial stress.