Losing a loved one is never easy, but for families of Filipino veterans, a modest financial support is available to help during the wake and funeral. The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) offers wake assistance amounting to ₱5,000 to families of qualified deceased members to help them with funeral-related expenses. This one-time assistance is issued in the form of a check to an eligible family member.
To help you avail of this assistance, learn more about who can apply, what documents are needed, and how to successfully claim the benefit.
Program Overview
The VFP Wake Assistance is a financial aid program that provides ₱5,000 to the family of a deceased member of the VFP to help with funeral expenses. It was established to recognize the service of Filipino veterans and to offer their families modest support during a time of loss. The program ensures that qualified members in good standing receive dignified acknowledgment through timely assistance to their surviving relatives.
Features and Benefits
The VFP Wake Assistance Program offers several features and benefits designed to support the families of deceased veterans during their time of mourning:
- A ₱5,000 financial grant to assist with wake and funeral expenses.
- Direct release of assistance through check to qualified applicants.
- Application window of up to two years from the veteran’s date of death (effective January 1, 2019).
- Eligibility for immediate family members, including spouses, children, or other relatives with proof of relationship.
- Recognition of VFP members in good standing, ensuring that only compliant and active members’ families can avail of the benefit.
- Guidance and certification support from VFP Charter, Affiliate, and Post Presidents to verify documents and membership status.
- Flexible submission channels, including personal filing or digital/electronic submission via VFP’s official communication channels.
Target Beneficiaries
The application must be personally filed by the immediate and qualified beneficiaries of deceased veterans who were VFP members in good standing, such as:
- Legal spouse of the deceased veteran.
- Biological or legally adopted children of the deceased.
- Other immediate family members or relatives (e.g., siblings, grandchildren) who can present valid proof of relationship, an Affidavit of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate, and a waiver of rights.
- Family members who were living with the veteran at the time of death, supported by necessary documentation.
Who Can Apply for the VFP Wake Assistance?
Before starting your application, it’s important to confirm if the deceased veteran and the family meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the VFP:
- VFP Membership in Good Standing: The deceased must be a VFP member in good standing. This means:
- The members paid their membership dues regularly.
- The members followed the organization’s rules and did not engage in any activity harmful to the interests of the VFP.
- Timely Filing: The wake assistance must be applied for within two years from the date of the member’s death. This rule is applicable for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2019.
Documentary Requirements
To apply for the VFP Wake Assistance, the applicant must submit the following original documents:
- Accomplished Application Form: Filled out and signed by the applicant.
- Death Certificate:
- Original or original authenticated copy of the veteran’s death certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the Local Civil Registrar (LCR).
- Must contain the Registry Number.
- Proof of Relationship: Depending on your relationship to the deceased, submit one of the following:
- Spouse: Marriage contract from the PSA or LCR (original or authenticated copy with dry seal).
- Child: Birth certificate or the marriage certificate of the parents.
- Other Relatives:
- Affidavit of Extra-Judicial Settlement of Estate
- Waiver of Rights
- Proof of relationship
- Proof that the deceased was living with the applicant at the time of death
- VFP and Military IDs
- VFP Membership ID Card
- AFP ID card or PVAO Pensioner ID Card of the deceased
- Valid ID of the Applicant
- Photocopy of the applicant’s valid government-issued ID
- Must include three (3) original specimen signatures
Where to Submit Your Application
The applicant must submit the complete set of original documents to one of the following:
- VFP National Headquarters
- Charter President
- Affiliate President
- Post President where the member was officially registered0
These officials will review and endorse your application before forwarding it to the VFP National Office.
How the Application is Processed
Once the application and documents are submitted, the process will move through the following steps:
1. Certification by Charter, Affiliate, or Post President
- The official will certify that the deceased was a member in good standing.
- They will verify the authenticity of the documents submitted.
2. Submission to VFP National Headquarters
- The endorsing official will scan or photograph the documents and forward them via:
- VFP Official Website
- Messenger
- Viber
- LBC or other official courier
This helps speed up the processing of your wake assistance claim.
Mode of Payment
If the application is approved, the VFP will issue the ₱5,000 wake assistance via check, payable to the qualified applicant. The check is released only after complete and original documents have been submitted and verified by the VFP.
Reminders
To avoid delays or rejection and ensure a smooth application process, here are a few tips:
- Double-check all IDs and documents are valid and original.
- Do not submit scanned copies or photocopies without the original document unless officially authenticated.
- Ensure the application is filed within 2 years of the veteran’s death.
- Make sure the deceased veteran was active and compliant with VFP policies at the time of death.
Video: Why Join the VFP
Applying for the VFP Wake Assistance may seem overwhelming, but it is, in fact, a straightforward process if you know the correct procedures. It is also a great way to honor a loved one’s service and receive modest help for the expenses. If your loved one was a proud member of the VFP, don’t miss the chance to claim the wake assistance they are entitled to—without confusion or hassle. Learn more about joining the VFP as well as all the programs and services they offer by watching this video below:
Contact Information and Assistance
For help with your application, you can reach out to your local Charter, Affiliate, or Post President. You may also reach out to the VFP National Headquarters for assistance via the following:
- 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