The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarifies that it extends educational assistance only to eligible indigent students through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

This clarification came following various posts circulating on Facebook that the Department is extending P3,500 educational assistance to college students. 

The educational assistance is given every year to indigent college working students as well as those studying in vocational/technical schools, state colleges, and universities.  Students belonging to families who are experiencing crisis or difficult situation due to the displacement of their parents from employment or death of a family member, and those whose parents are overseas Filipino workers (OFW) but have been repatriated or deported are also eligible for the assistance.

The schedule for submission of documents and processing of requests for the assistance varies in every DSWD Field Office around the country. The Department advises qualified students to check with the DSWD Field Office nearest them or to visit their social media accounts for the schedule.

At the Central Office in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, the submission of documents was on September 14 where the students were given their schedule for interview which will start on September 18 onwards. Their assistance will also be released on the day of their interview. The amount of assistance is determined according to the assessment of the social worker based on the guidelines on the implementation of AICS.

Qualified students can proceed to the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) of any DSWD office nearest them during office hours and bring the following: valid identification card of the client to be interviewed, Enrollment Assessment Form or Certificate of Enrollment or Registration, validated school ID of the student-beneficiary, and Statement of Account for College Students. The social worker may also require the client to submit a Barangay Certificate of Residency or Certificate of Indigency.

The Department assures to conduct a fair and speedy assessment of the documents so that the educational assistance will be received by the students who are in need. -30-