Funeral expenses can be heavy, but your family may not have to carry them alone. Several government programs offer burial or funeral assistance. Here is an overview of the most common ones, who qualifies, and the documents usually required.
Important: Amounts, eligibility and requirements are set by each agency and change from time to time. Always confirm with the agency's office or official website before filing.
1. DSWD: Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development provides burial assistance through its AICS program to individuals and families in crisis, including those who have lost a loved one and cannot afford funeral costs.
Commonly required: the death certificate, the funeral contract or statement of account (some offices ask for a certification of the remaining balance), a valid ID of the claimant, and sometimes a barangay certificate of indigency. A social worker may interview the family.
Tip: File as early as possible, ideally before the funeral balance is fully paid, since the assistance is often based on the outstanding balance.
2. SSS funeral benefit
The Social Security System pays a funeral benefit to whoever paid the funeral expenses of a deceased SSS member or pensioner. This can be a family member or another person, as long as they can prove payment. The amount depends on the member's contributions.
Commonly required: the death certificate, the official receipt or funeral contract from the funeral home showing who paid, and the claimant's valid IDs. Separately, the member's beneficiaries may also be entitled to an SSS death benefit.
3. GSIS funeral benefit
For government employees and GSIS pensioners, the Government Service Insurance System provides a funeral benefit. The claim is usually filed by the legal spouse, or by the person who paid for the funeral, with the death certificate and proof of funeral expenses.
4. OWWA death and burial benefits
If your loved one was an active OWWA member (an Overseas Filipino Worker with a valid membership at the time of death), the family may be eligible for death and burial benefits from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Contact the OWWA regional office for current requirements.
5. Pag-IBIG Fund
When a Pag-IBIG member dies, their legal heirs may claim the member's total accumulated savings, along with applicable death benefits. This is not a funeral fund as such, but it can help families with expenses after a death.
6. City and local government assistance
In General Santos City, residents may seek burial assistance through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and through local officials. Senior citizens may also have additional support through the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs. Ask your barangay for guidance on where to start.
Families of military veterans may also be eligible for burial assistance from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).
Documents to prepare
Most programs ask for a similar set of documents. Prepare several copies of each:
- Certified true copy of the registered death certificate
- Funeral contract or statement of account
- Certification of balance from the funeral home (often for DSWD)
- Official receipts of payments made
- Valid government ID of the claimant
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate or marriage certificate)
- Barangay certificate of indigency or residency, if required
- The deceased's SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG or OWWA numbers
How Libintia Caja can help
As your funeral home, we prepare the documents assistance programs ask from us: the statement of account, certification of balance, funeral home certification for SSS and official receipts. We will also explain where to file your claims in General Santos City.
Visit our funeral assistance page or call 0991-575-5797 to request your documents.
Libintia Caja Mortuary Care is not affiliated with any government agency and does not decide on assistance. This article is for general information only.