FALSE: Certain sectors prohibited from availing of AICS 

Kristine Claire Edaga

A Facebook post has confused online after claiming that several sectors are no longer eligible to receive assistance under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. 

CLAIM:

The post claims that the following individuals cannot avail themselves of AICS:

• Senior Citizen Pensioners
• Beneficiaries of the Lawa at Binhi Program
• Individuals who received financial assistance from April to June
• Frail or bedridden senior citizens
• PWDs who can no longer move independently
• Beneficiaries of the TUPAD Program
• Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

RATING: FALSE

CONCLUSION:

There is no official DSWD issuance supporting the claim that the groups listed in the post are prohibited from availing themselves of AICS. The program remains available to individuals and families experiencing crisis situations and requiring assistance. 

THE FACTS: 

• DSWD Northern Mindanao recently reminded the public that AICS remains “open to all in need” and is intended to assist individuals and families experiencing sudden crises or difficult life circumstances. 
• Official DSWD guidelines describe AICS as a social safety net that provides immediate and temporary assistance to individuals and families affected by crises or unexpected life events, including medical, transportation, educational, food, and burial assistance. 
• DSWD Crisis Intervention Program Director Edwin Morata also stated that AICS is open to everybody experiencing a current crisis and needing emergency assistance from the government, regardless of gender, sector, or financial status. 

THE BOTTOMLINE: 

Eligibility for AICS depends on the assessment of a person’s crisis situation, not through automatic exclusion based on membership in another government program.