Applying for PWD ID
Never have I ever though that I will one day apply for a PWD ID. It is just something unthinkable before. After all, the stigma surrounding this ID is a lot. Especially moreso for those who have invisibe disabilities.
What is PWD ID?
PWD ID or Person with Disability Identification is a card which provide identification that the person has a disability.
It is also the card that can be used for various discounts around the country. The benefits are many which also means some people will go so far as to fake a disability just to get a PWD ID. Or some rich folk will pay big money to get one even when they do not have any disability.
These instances of faking an ID became so problematic that the government took action in ensuring that it will not happen again. How efficient these actions are is another question that I have no answer for.
However, today is not a day where I will talk about some people who think so lightly of disability tht they will go so far as faking one. Karma will knock on their doors someday and they will see how much they like havig a real disability.
Today, I would like to share my experience in getting my PWD ID in case there is someone here who wamts to apply for one yet does not know where to start.
Applying for PWD ID
The application for PWD ID is fairly easy and free if you truly have a disability. Et us divide this part into three. The first one will deal with getting the requirements ready; the next part is about passing the requirements; the last part is concerned about getting the ID and booklet as well as the explanation of where both can be used.
Getting the requirements ready
This process will be a hindrance to those with a bit of conscience who want to fake their disabilities. But for some, they will just pay their way for the requirements.
Anyway, the first one that you need to prepare is recent ID pictures (1x1 and 2x2). This varies per municipality so be sure to check with your city to know how many pictures they require. For my city, I had to pass 2 1x1 photos as well as 2 2x2 pictures.
Next is valid ID or certificate of indigency. This is needed for proof of your identification as well as to show that you do live in the city where you are applying PWD ID.
Last but the most important requirement is medical dcertificate or clinical abstract from a specialist. This will serve as the proof of your disability especially if it is one that is showing physically. For psychosocial disability, I had to get a medical certificate from my psychiatrist stating my diagnosis as well as the prescribed medication for my treatment.
Passing the requirements
The next thing you need to do is to go to the city hall and ask about where to pass the requirements for PWD ID application. In my city it is called PDAO or Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office.
Once there, they would ask for the proof of disability (medical certificate/ clinical abstract), then they would ask for the other requirements.
They would then give you an application form that you have to fill out. It will ask for basic information like name, address, marital status, employment status, and other things. Definitely easy enough to answer.
Getting the PWD ID and Booklet
The last thing that you have to do us to wait for the ID and the booklet.
Once the ID and booklet are ready, the person in charge will explain where the PWD ID can be used and how to use the booklet as well. Basically, there is a bit of oritentation so you will have an idea what benefit can you avail as a PWD.
Here is my PWD ID and my booklet. I blurred the important details for anonymity.
The whole process is done in about an hour so it is fast and can be squeezed in to our busy lives.
Benefits I can remember
The first and most important for me is the 20% discount on medication and laboratory tests. This will definitely come in handy if I need a medication and have yet to get a free medication from NCMH.
Plus I need to have some lab tests done again on August so a discount will be great.
And next is 5% discount on commodities. There is a list on the booklet where the discount can be applied. Unfortunately, it can not be applied to all groceries but it can be applied to essential things so it is still great.
There are other benefits but these are just the two that was mentioned to me at the mini orientation.
For more information about the process of getting a PWD ID and the benefits, you may clink this link: https://governmentph.com/pwd-id-application-guidelines-requirements/
Thank you for reading this article!
If you want to read some more articles of mine, I have monthly summaries here:
December 2021 Articles Summary
November 2021 Articles Summary
Discounts and free stuff are very beneficial to people with disability. I do hope people will also recognize disabilities that are invisible. People thought that disability is just physically.