The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated that its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program is not exclusively for the poor, saying middle-class Filipinos struggling with emergencies and unexpected financial burdens may also seek government assistance.

DSWD Crisis Intervention Program Director Edwin Morata said the program is designed to respond to individuals and families affected by sudden financial shocks such as medical emergencies, disasters, and other unforeseen crises, regardless of income level.

“Hindi po talaga pangmahirap lang ang Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICs is not only for the poor),” Morata said during a media forum on Thursday, May 21.

“Hindi pinipili ng shocks kung ikaw ay mayaman o mahirap, may trabaho o wala, kung ikaw ay nasa middle class o ikaw ay low-income earner o minimum wage. Maaaring disaster, lahat tayo ay apektado (Shocks do not choose whether you are rich or poor, employed or unemployed, whether you are middle class or a low-income earner or minimum wage worker. During disasters, all of us are affected),” he added.

Morata said assistance is extended when a family’s financial capacity is no longer enough to cover urgent and unplanned needs.

“Kapag may pangangailangan na hindi napaghandaan ng isang tao o pamilya, ‘yung pinansyal na kapasidad nila na tugunan ‘yung pangangailangan, kaya may ganito tayong programa. Ito ay binubuksan para sa lahat (When there is a need that a person or family was not prepared for, and their financial capacity is not enough to meet that need, that is why this program exists. It is open to everyone),” he said.

DSWD said AICS clients currently undergo three steps in the application process: queuing, assessment and interview, and release of assistance.

Applicants are required to present a valid identification card of the claimant, along with a medical certificate, medical abstract, or certification from a psychiatrist or psychologist, depending on the nature of the request.

The agency said supporting documents vary based on the type of assistance being sought.

For laboratory or diagnostic procedures, as well as requests for medical implants or assistive devices, applicants must submit a laboratory or diagnostic request together with a price quotation.

Patients undergoing therapy or other special treatment are required to present a doctor’s order or treatment protocol with a corresponding price quotation.

For medicine assistance, a prescription is required, while those seeking help for hospital bills must submit a statement of account.

Morata said DSWD continues to refine and update AICS guidelines to better respond to the evolving needs of clients, particularly for medical and emergency-related assistance.

As of April, the DSWD reported that most of the aid was disbursed for medical assistance (₱316 million), followed by food assistance (₱22 million) and funeral support (₱8 million).

The AICS program serves as the agency’s social safety net, providing immediate assistance for medical, burial, transportation, and other emergency-related expenses to individuals and families in crisis situations.