How to Apply for DOLE Livelihood Assistance (KABUHAYAN Program)
The DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) — commonly known as the KABUHAYAN Program — provides livelihood assistance to disadvantaged, displaced, and marginalized workers. The program provides starter kits, tools, equipment, or capital assistance worth up to P20,000 for individual beneficiaries or up to P100,000 for group/organization beneficiaries. The goal is to help workers start or improve their own micro-enterprise or livelihood activity.
KABUHAYAN Program at a Glance
Cost
FREE to apply. There are no application fees or processing charges for the KABUHAYAN livelihood assistance program.
Assistance Amount
Up to P20,000 for individual beneficiaries. Up to P100,000 for group or organization beneficiaries (cooperatives, associations, etc.).
Key Fact
Non-cash assistance — provided as starter kits, tools, equipment, or materials, not cash. Beneficiaries receive the actual items needed for their chosen livelihood project.
Who Can Apply?
The KABUHAYAN Program is open to disadvantaged, displaced, and marginalized workers. The following groups are eligible to apply for livelihood assistance:
Displaced Workers
Workers who were terminated from employment, affected by company closure, or retrenched due to economic reasons.
Returning OFWs
Overseas Filipino Workers who have returned to the Philippines and are seeking livelihood opportunities to reintegrate into the local economy.
Informal Sector Workers
Workers in the informal economy such as vendors, home-based workers, market sellers, and others without formal employment contracts.
Disaster Victims
Victims of natural disasters (typhoons, earthquakes, floods) whose livelihood or source of income was destroyed or severely affected.
PWDs
Persons with disabilities who want to start a livelihood project suitable to their skills and abilities.
Solo Parents, Women & Marginalized Workers
Solo parents, women in difficult circumstances, indigenous peoples, senior citizens, and other marginalized sectors.
Types of Assistance
The KABUHAYAN Program provides three main types of livelihood assistance depending on the nature of your application and whether you are applying as an individual or as part of a group.
Starter Kit
Tools, Equipment & Materials
A complete set of tools, equipment, and materials needed for a specific livelihood activity. Examples include food vending kits, sewing kits, carpentry tool sets, auto mechanic tool sets, and food processing equipment.
Individual Livelihood Grant
Up to P20,000
Individual beneficiaries can receive up to P20,000 worth of tools, equipment, and materials for their proposed livelihood project. The grant is provided in kind (not cash) based on the approved project proposal.
Group Livelihood Grant
Up to P100,000
Organized groups such as cooperatives, associations, or worker organizations can receive up to P100,000 worth of tools, equipment, and materials for a group livelihood project benefiting all members.
Requirements for KABUHAYAN Application
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| DOLE KABUHAYAN Application Form | The official application form provided by the DOLE Field Office or Regional Office. This can also be obtained from the nearest Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Fill out completely and accurately. |
| Valid ID | At least one valid government-issued ID with photo and signature (e.g., PhilSys/National ID, UMID, SSS ID, passport, driver's license, voter's ID, postal ID, PRC ID). Bring the original and a photocopy. |
| Barangay Certificate | A certificate of residency or indigency from the barangay where you currently reside. This verifies your address and may also certify your socioeconomic status. Obtain this from your barangay hall. |
| Project Proposal / Business Plan | A simple project proposal or business plan describing the livelihood activity you want to start or improve. Include what products/services you will offer, the tools/equipment needed, estimated costs, and how the project will sustain your income. The DOLE office can help you prepare this. |
| 2x2 ID Photos | Recent 2x2 ID photos (white background). Bring at least 2 copies. Some offices may require up to 4 copies. |
| Proof of Displacement (if applicable) | For displaced workers: termination notice, certificate of company closure, or any document proving displacement from previous employment. For disaster victims: barangay certification of being affected by the calamity. |
| Certificate of Training (if applicable) | TESDA National Certificate (NC), DOLE training certificate, or any certificate of training relevant to the proposed livelihood project. While not always mandatory, having training certification strengthens your application. |
| For Groups: Registration & Documents | Groups or organizations applying for up to P100,000 must submit: SEC/CDA registration certificate, list of members with signatures, board resolution authorizing the application, and the group's project proposal. |
| Application Fee | No fee required. The application and processing of KABUHAYAN livelihood assistance is completely FREE. Beware of fixers or individuals demanding payment for processing. |
Step-by-Step Application Process
The following steps outline the complete process for applying for DOLE KABUHAYAN livelihood assistance, from identifying your livelihood project to receiving your starter kit or tools.
Identify Your Livelihood Project
Before applying, decide on the specific livelihood activity or micro-enterprise you want to start or improve. Consider your existing skills, training, and the market demand in your area. Common livelihood projects include food vending, sari-sari store, sewing and tailoring, carpentry, auto/motorcycle repair, livestock raising, and food processing.
Tip: Choose a livelihood project that matches your skills and has demand in your community. If you have a TESDA certificate or relevant training, your application is stronger and more likely to be approved.
Go to the Nearest DOLE Field/Regional Office or PESO
Visit the nearest DOLE Field Office, DOLE Regional Office, or the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in your city or municipality. Inform the staff that you want to apply for KABUHAYAN livelihood assistance. They will provide you with the application form and guide you through the process.
Important: PESO offices are found in most city and municipal halls across the Philippines. They serve as the local arm of DOLE for employment and livelihood services. You may also inquire about available starter kits and current program availability.
Submit Application and Project Proposal
Submit the duly accomplished KABUHAYAN application form together with all the required documents: valid ID, barangay certificate, 2x2 photos, project proposal, proof of displacement (if applicable), and training certificates (if available). The DOLE staff will review your documents for completeness.
Note: If your documents are incomplete, the office may ask you to return with the missing requirements. Make sure to prepare all documents before your visit to avoid multiple trips. The DOLE staff can also assist you in writing your project proposal if you need help.
Attend Assessment / Interview
After submitting your application, you will be scheduled for an assessment or interview with DOLE staff. During the assessment, they will evaluate your eligibility, the viability of your proposed livelihood project, and your readiness to manage the business. Be prepared to explain your project plan, how you will use the tools/equipment, and how the livelihood will generate income.
What to expect: The interview is straightforward and supportive. DOLE staff are there to help you succeed. They may also recommend additional training or suggest modifications to your project proposal to improve viability.
Wait for Approval
After the assessment, your application will undergo evaluation and approval at the DOLE Field or Regional Office level. The processing time varies depending on the volume of applications and available funds, but it typically takes 2 to 8 weeks from submission to approval. You will be notified by the DOLE office once your application is approved.
Tip: You may follow up on the status of your application by visiting or calling the DOLE office where you filed. Be patient, as approval depends on fund availability and the number of applicants in your area.
Receive Livelihood Assistance (Starter Kit / Tools / Equipment)
Once approved, you will be invited to claim your livelihood assistance at the DOLE office. The assistance is provided in kind — you will receive the actual starter kit, tools, equipment, or materials for your livelihood project. You will sign a receipt acknowledging the items received.
After receiving assistance: DOLE may conduct monitoring visits to check on the progress of your livelihood project. Cooperate with these visits and make sure to use the tools and equipment for the intended purpose.
Remember: The livelihood assistance is a grant, not a loan. You do not need to pay it back. However, you are expected to use the assistance productively to sustain your livelihood activity.
Complete Example: Maria Gets KABUHAYAN Assistance to Start a Sari-Sari Store
Maria, a 38-year-old mother of three from Caloocan City, was a factory worker for 10 years until her company closed down due to financial difficulties. With no steady income and mouths to feed, Maria decided to apply for DOLE KABUHAYAN livelihood assistance to start a sari-sari store in her neighborhood. Here is how Maria went through the process:
Prepared Requirements and Identified Livelihood Project
Maria gathered her requirements: her UMID card (valid ID), barangay certificate of residency from her barangay hall, 2x2 ID photos, and the termination letter from her former employer as proof of displacement. She decided to start a sari-sari store because she knew her neighborhood needed one and she had experience managing household finances. She wrote a simple project proposal with help from a neighbor who runs a small business.
Visited PESO and Filed Application
Maria went to the PESO office at the Caloocan City Hall. She filled out the DOLE KABUHAYAN application form and submitted it together with all her requirements and project proposal. The PESO staff reviewed her documents, confirmed they were complete, and endorsed her application to the DOLE NCR Field Office. The entire filing process took about one hour.
Attended Assessment Interview
Maria was scheduled for an assessment interview at the DOLE Field Office. During the interview, she explained her plan to set up a sari-sari store in front of her house, the products she would sell (canned goods, snacks, beverages, basic necessities), and how she estimated she could earn P500-P800 per day in net income. The DOLE staff found her project viable and noted her displacement status as a priority factor.
Received Approval and Claimed Starter Kit
About 4 weeks after filing, Maria received a text message from the DOLE office that her application was approved. She went to the office and received her sari-sari store starter kit worth P15,000, which included: a display cabinet/shelf, initial inventory of goods (canned goods, coffee sachets, snacks, beverages, condiments, toiletries), a weighing scale, plastic containers, and basic store supplies. Maria signed the acknowledgment receipt and was advised about DOLE's monitoring schedule.
Sari-Sari Store is Up and Running
Within a month of receiving her starter kit, Maria's sari-sari store was fully operational. She earns an average of P600-P800 per day in net income, which is enough to cover her family's daily needs and save a small amount for restocking. The DOLE monitoring team visited her store and noted her progress positively. Maria is now planning to expand her product offerings.
Maria's Assistance Summary
Total timeline: approximately 5-6 weeks from application to receiving the starter kit. Processing times may vary depending on the DOLE office and fund availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much assistance can I get from the KABUHAYAN Program?
Individual beneficiaries can receive livelihood assistance worth up to P20,000 in the form of starter kits, tools, equipment, or materials. For organized groups or associations (cooperatives, worker organizations), the assistance can be up to P100,000. The actual amount depends on your specific livelihood project and what tools or materials are needed. Note that these amounts represent the maximum; the actual value may be less depending on the project requirements and fund availability.
Is the assistance cash or in-kind?
The KABUHAYAN assistance is provided in-kind, not in cash. This means you will receive the actual tools, equipment, materials, or starter kit needed for your livelihood project — not money. For example, if your project is a food vending business, you will receive cooking equipment, utensils, a food cart, and initial supplies. DOLE procures the items and provides them directly to approved beneficiaries. This ensures the assistance is used for its intended purpose.
Can I choose my own livelihood project?
Yes, you can propose your preferred livelihood project in your application. However, DOLE will assess the viability and appropriateness of your proposed project during the evaluation. Your project should be realistic, match your skills or training, and have market demand in your community. DOLE staff may also suggest alternative projects or modifications to improve the chances of success. In some cases, DOLE provides pre-determined starter kits based on available inventory, so it helps to be flexible.
Do I need TESDA training to apply?
TESDA training or a National Certificate (NC) is not strictly required to apply for KABUHAYAN assistance. However, having relevant training or certification significantly strengthens your application and increases your chances of approval. If you do not have formal training, DOLE may recommend that you attend a short skills training program (sometimes offered for free through TESDA or DOLE itself) before or alongside your livelihood project. Demonstrating that you have the skills to manage your proposed project is important during the assessment.
Can I apply as a group?
Yes. The KABUHAYAN Program accepts applications from organized groups such as cooperatives, worker associations, community organizations, and other registered groups. Group applicants can receive up to P100,000 worth of livelihood assistance. To apply as a group, you must submit your organization's registration certificate (SEC or CDA registration), a list of members, a board resolution authorizing the application, and a group project proposal. The livelihood project should benefit all members of the group.
What if I already have a small business?
You may still be eligible to apply for KABUHAYAN assistance if your existing business is very small (micro-enterprise level) and you need additional tools or equipment to improve or expand it. The program is designed not only to help workers start new livelihood activities but also to strengthen and improve existing micro-enterprises. In your project proposal, clearly explain how the additional tools or equipment will help grow your business and increase your income. Priority is typically given to those with no existing livelihood, but existing micro-entrepreneurs in the marginalized or disadvantaged category may still qualify.
Important Reminders
- The application is completely FREE: Do not pay anyone for processing your KABUHAYAN application. Beware of fixers who claim they can expedite your application for a fee. Report any such incidents to the DOLE hotline (1349).
- Assistance is in-kind, not cash: You will receive tools, equipment, starter kits, or materials — not money. Do not sell the items you receive. DOLE conducts monitoring visits to check if you are using the assistance for its intended purpose.
- Prepare a realistic project proposal: Your livelihood project should be viable and sustainable. Choose a project that matches your skills and has demand in your community. The DOLE staff can help you write your proposal.
- Complete your requirements before visiting: To avoid multiple trips, gather all requirements (valid ID, barangay certificate, photos, proof of displacement, etc.) before going to the DOLE or PESO office.
- Processing time depends on fund availability: Approval and release of assistance may take 2 to 8 weeks or longer depending on the number of applicants and available funds in your region. Be patient and follow up regularly.
- Cooperate with DOLE monitoring: After receiving assistance, DOLE may conduct monitoring visits to assess the progress of your livelihood project. Welcome these visits and show that you are using the assistance productively.
- One application per beneficiary: Each individual or group can generally avail of the KABUHAYAN assistance only once. Make sure to choose your livelihood project carefully.
- Apply through official channels only: File your application only through the DOLE Field Office, DOLE Regional Office, or PESO. Do not transact with unauthorized individuals or agencies.
Need Help?
Contact DOLE
- DOLE Hotline: 1349
- Main Office: (02) 8527-8000
- Email: dole@dole.gov.ph
- Website: www.dole.gov.ph
- PESO Locator: Visit your nearest city or municipal hall and ask for the PESO office
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DOLE you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DOLE first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.