If you’re a member of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) or a surviving family member of a veteran, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the VFP Healthcare Assistance Program. It is a financial aid initiative designed by the VFP to assist Filipino veterans and their families with medical expenses incurred during hospital confinement.
This guide will walk you through the application process, requirements, and how to avail the benefits of both the regular, enhanced, and COVID-19-specific healthcare support offered by the VFP. It is mostly intended for AFP veterans, their spouses or children, and VFP members who need healthcare assistance in the Philippines.
Program Overview
The VFP Healthcare Program is a financial aid initiative by the VFP for its veteran members and their families to help them with medical expenses incurred during hospital confinement. The program originally only covers regular hospitalization, but has since evolved to offer higher amounts. Also, in light of the recent global pandemic, it has evolved to offer additional assistance to COVID-19 infected members as an additional privilege.
As such, there are now two types of assistance available under this program, though they are listed as two separate programs on the VFP flyer.
- Regular and Expanded Healthcare Assistance: For eligible members confined in a hospital, with the expanded assistance offered only for claims from July 2020.
- COVID-19 Additional Healthcare Assistance: For members who tested positive and were treated or quarantined due to COVID-19.
What Are the Benefits?
These programs were designed to offer the following benefits:
1. Regular Healthcare Assistance
- ₱10,000 assistance for hospital confinement lasting at least 3 days.
- Available once a year.
2. Expanded Healthcare Assistance
- ₱20,000 assistance for hospital confinement lasting at least 15 continuous days.
- Applicable starting July 1, 2020.
- Available once a year.
3. COVID-19 Additional Assistance
- ₱10,000 for members who tested positive for COVID-19 and:
- Were hospitalized, or
- Completed government-mandated quarantine and were medically cleared.
- This COVID-19 benefit is in addition to the regular or expanded healthcare assistance. It can only be availed once per year.
Target Beneficiaries
The program is designed to support the medical needs of qualified individuals affiliated with the VFP, including the following:
- VFP members in good standing who were hospitalized for at least 3 days
- VFP members confined continuously for a minimum of 15 days (eligible for expanded benefits)
- VFP veteran-members who tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic and underwent hospital or quarantine facility confinement
- Legal spouses or children of incapacitated VFP members applying on their behalf
- Surviving spouses of veterans who are registered VFP members
- VFP members residing in various Philippine regions, within specified application periods post-discharge
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the healthcare assistance program, you must be a member in good standing. This means:
- Your VFP membership dues must be updated.
- You must not have committed any actions considered damaging or against the interest of the VFP.
- You must be a registered member through the VFP National Headquarters or any affiliated Charter/Post/Regional Office.
For the COVID-19 assistance, you must:
- Be a VFP member who tested positive for COVID-19.
- Have undergone hospital confinement or government-mandated quarantine.
- Be alive at the time of application (benefit not available for deceased members or families applying posthumously).
Requirements
Depending on the type of benefit you’re applying for, you will need to prepare the following:
For Regular or Expanded Assistance
- Duly filled out and signed VFP healthcare application form.
- Original Hospital Statement of Account Summary showing admission and discharge dates.
- Original Certificate of Confinement with the official dry seal from the hospital.
- Proof of relationship (if the applicant is a spouse or child):
- PSA/LCR-issued marriage certificate (for spouse),
- PSA/LCR-issued birth certificate or marriage certificate (for child).
- Photocopy of VFP Membership ID and:
- AFP Retirement ID (if the applicant is a veteran),
- PVAO Pensioner ID (if the applicant is a surviving spouse).
- Valid ID of the applicant and three (3) specimen signatures.
Note: If the veteran is unable to file personally, the spouse or child may file on their behalf.
For COVID-19 Additional Assistance
- Duly filled out and signed application form.
- Swab test result certified by a licensed COVID-19 testing laboratory in the Philippines.
- Either of the following:
- Medical certificate from a hospital physician confirming confinement, or
- Certificate of Quarantine issued by the local health office showing full recovery.
- Photocopy of VFP ID and:
- AFP Retirement ID (veteran), or
- PVAO Pensioner ID (surviving spouse).
- Valid ID and three specimen signatures of the applicant.
How to Apply for VFP Healthcare Assistance
To apply, you only need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Documentary Requirements
Make sure to prepare the required documents in duplicates.
Step 2: Where and How to File
You can submit your application personally or through a family member to any of the following:
- VFP National Headquarters in Manila
- Your assigned Charter, Affiliate, or Post President
The Charter/Affiliate/Post President will verify your documents and endorse your application.
Step 3: Endorsement and Verification
Before your application is forwarded to the VFP National HQ:
- Your regional VFP officer will certify that you’re a member in good standing.
- They will scan and send your documents via:
- VFP Official Website
- Messenger or Viber
They will then forward your original documents via courier or any fast mail service to the VFP National Headquarters for final processing.
Mode of Payment
If your application is approved, the VFP will release your healthcare assistance through:
- Check, or
- ATM savings account (for COVID-19 assistance)
The payout is made directly to the member or their authorized spouse/child, once the complete and original documents are submitted and verified.
Application Timelines Based on Region
To avoid disqualification, apply within the following timelines from your hospital discharge date:
- NCR, Region III, Region IV: Within 2 months
- CAR, Regions I, II, V to XIII: Within 4 months
How Often Can You Avail?
Each member can only receive the benefit once per year, regardless of which assistance type is applied for.
Important Reminders
For your smooth and hassle-free application, here are some tips you need to remember:
- Always keep copies of all original documents for your records.
- Applications without proper supporting documents or beyond the application timeline may be denied.
- All documents must bear the official dry seal of the issuing institution (hospital, PSA, or LCR).
Video: Why Join the VFP
The VFP Healthcare Assistance Program is a support system designed specifically for Filipino veterans and their families, especially during times of medical emergencies and hospitalization. Whether for regular confinement or recovery from COVID-19, this healthcare assistance helps reduce the financial burden on those who served the country. Make sure to watch this video below and learn more about VFP and its programs and services today!
Contact Information
For inquiries or submission follow-ups, you may reach the Veterans Federation of the Philippines through:
- Address: Gatpuno Villegas St., Ermita, Manila 1000
- Phone: (02) 528-0609 / (02) 528-0610
- Fax: (02) 528-0749
- Email: info@vfp.gov.ph
- Website: www.vfp.gov.ph