How to Apply for AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation)
The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) is a DSWD program that provides one-time financial assistance to individuals and families experiencing crisis situations. This includes medical emergencies, death of a family member, educational needs, displacement due to calamities, and other urgent concerns. AICS is available at DSWD Field Offices and Crisis Intervention Units nationwide, and the assistance is provided free of charge — applicants should never pay fixers or intermediaries.
Types of AICS Assistance
Medical Assistance
Financial aid for hospitalization, medicines, laboratory tests, medical procedures, and other healthcare-related expenses. This is the most commonly availed type of AICS.
Burial Assistance
Financial aid to help cover funeral and burial expenses for deceased family members. Applicants must present a death certificate and funeral billing.
Educational Assistance
Financial aid for tuition fees, school supplies, school uniforms, and other educational expenses for students from low-income families.
Transportation Assistance
Financial aid for stranded individuals who need fare assistance for repatriation or return to their home province due to crisis situations.
Food Assistance
Food packs and relief goods provided to individuals and families affected by calamities, disasters, and other emergency situations.
Emergency Shelter Assistance
Assistance for temporary shelter, repair materials, and other housing-related needs for families displaced by calamities, fires, or other emergencies.
Who Can Apply?
- Any Filipino citizen currently experiencing a crisis situation
- Low-income families who cannot afford medical, burial, or educational expenses
- Individuals not covered by PhilHealth or whose PhilHealth benefits have been exhausted for medical needs
- Families and individuals affected by natural or man-made calamities (typhoons, floods, fires, earthquakes)
- Stranded individuals who need transportation assistance to return home
Requirements
For Medical Assistance
- Medical certificate or clinical abstract from the attending physician
- Hospital billing or statement of account
- Prescription from the doctor (if applying for medicine assistance)
- Valid government-issued ID of the patient or representative
- Barangay certification of indigency
For Burial Assistance
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Funeral contract or billing statement from the funeral home
- Valid government-issued ID of the claimant
- Barangay certification of indigency
For Educational Assistance
- Enrollment form or certificate of registration from the school
- Valid government-issued ID of the parent or guardian
- Barangay certification of indigency
General Requirements
- Valid government-issued ID (any of the following: Philippine ID, voter's ID, postal ID, driver's license, passport, SSS/GSIS/PhilHealth ID)
- Barangay certification of indigency or proof of crisis situation
- Authorization letter and ID of the representative (if the applicant cannot personally appear)
Tip: Bring original documents plus at least one photocopy of each. Requirements may vary slightly per DSWD Field Office.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Apply for AICS Assistance
Step 1: Prepare all required documents based on the type of assistance needed
• Determine which type of assistance you need (medical, burial, educational, etc.)
• Gather all supporting documents (see Requirements section above)
• Secure a barangay certification of indigency from your barangay hall
Step 2: Visit the nearest DSWD Field Office or Crisis Intervention Unit
• Go to the DSWD Field Office in your region or the nearest Crisis Intervention Unit
• You may also visit your local LSWDO (City/Municipal Social Welfare Office)
• Arrive early as queues can be long, especially on Mondays
Step 3: Register and get a queue number
• Proceed to the registration/intake area
• Fill out the AICS intake/application form
• Submit your documents and receive a queue number
Step 4: Undergo interview and assessment by a DSWD social worker
• Wait for your number to be called
• The social worker will interview you about your situation
• Present all supporting documents for verification
• The social worker will assess and determine the type and amount of assistance
Step 5: If approved, receive a guarantee letter or cash assistance
• For medical assistance: you may receive a guarantee letter (GL) addressed to the hospital
• For burial/educational/transportation: you may receive cash assistance directly
• Sign the acknowledgment receipt
Step 6: For medical assistance, present the guarantee letter to the hospital
• Bring the GL to the hospital's billing or medical social service office
• The hospital will apply the GL amount to your bill
• Processing time: same day to 3–5 working days (depending on availability of funds)Example Explained
Step 1: Before going to the DSWD office, identify the type of AICS assistance you need. Each type has specific documentary requirements. For medical assistance, you will need a medical certificate or clinical abstract, hospital billing, and a prescription if you need medicine. Start by getting a barangay certification of indigency from your barangay hall, as this is required for all types of AICS.
Step 2: Visit the DSWD Field Office in your region. Each region has a Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) that handles AICS applications. You may also go to your local City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) for referral or initial assistance. It is best to arrive early (before 8:00 AM) as AICS lines tend to be very long.
Step 3: At the DSWD office, proceed to the registration or intake area. You will fill out an AICS intake form with your personal details, the nature of your crisis, and the type of assistance you are requesting. After submitting the form and your documents, you will receive a queue number.
Step 4: When your number is called, a DSWD social worker will interview you to assess your situation. The social worker will verify your documents, evaluate the nature and urgency of your crisis, and determine the appropriate type and amount of assistance. Be honest and provide complete information during the interview.
Step 5: If your application is approved, the type of assistance depends on your situation. For medical cases, a guarantee letter (GL) may be issued directly to the hospital. For burial, educational, and transportation assistance, you may receive cash directly. The amount varies based on the assessment.
Step 6: If you received a guarantee letter for medical assistance, bring it to the hospital's billing department or medical social service office. The hospital will apply the DSWD assistance to your outstanding bill. Make sure to keep copies of all documents for your records.
Complete Example: Family Seeking Medical Assistance
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: Maria's husband was hospitalized due to a heart attack.
The hospital bill is PHP 85,000 and the family cannot afford to pay.
PhilHealth covered PHP 30,000 but the remaining balance is PHP 55,000.
Maria decides to apply for AICS medical assistance at the DSWD Field Office.
What Maria Prepares:
• Medical certificate / clinical abstract from the attending physician
• Hospital billing / statement of account showing PHP 55,000 balance
• PhilHealth benefit claim receipt (showing PHP 30,000 already covered)
• Valid ID (Philippine National ID)
• Barangay certification of indigency (secured from barangay hall — FREE)
• Authorization letter from husband (since Maria is the representative)
Day 1 — Application:
6:30 AM — Maria arrives early at the DSWD Field Office
7:00 AM — Registration/intake area opens; Maria fills out the AICS form
7:30 AM — Submits documents and receives queue number
9:00 AM — Social worker calls her number for interview
9:30 AM — Social worker verifies documents and assesses the case
10:00 AM — Application APPROVED
10:30 AM — Maria receives a Guarantee Letter (GL) for PHP 20,000
Day 1 — At the Hospital:
11:30 AM — Maria brings the GL to the hospital's medical social service office
12:00 PM — Hospital applies the PHP 20,000 GL to the bill
Remaining balance: PHP 55,000 – PHP 20,000 = PHP 35,000
Summary:
Total hospital bill: PHP 85,000
PhilHealth coverage: PHP 30,000
DSWD AICS assistance: PHP 20,000
Family's remaining balance: PHP 35,000
Cost of AICS application: FREE
Processing time: Same dayAssistance Amounts Reference
| Type of Assistance | Estimated Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistance | PHP 10,000 – 50,000 | Depends on the severity of the case, hospital billing, and fund availability |
| Burial Assistance | PHP 5,000 – 20,000 | Based on funeral expenses and family's financial capacity |
| Educational Assistance | PHP 1,000 – 5,000 | For tuition, school supplies, and other educational needs |
| Transportation Assistance | Based on actual fare | Covers bus, boat, or other transport fare for stranded individuals |
| Food Assistance | Food packs (in-kind) | Provided as relief goods, not cash |
| Emergency Shelter | PHP 5,000 – 30,000 | For temporary shelter or repair materials after calamity |
Note: The amounts listed above are estimates and may vary depending on the DSWD Field Office, the availability of funds, and the assessment of the social worker. AICS is a one-time assistance program and is not intended to cover the full cost of the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for AICS multiple times?
AICS is designed as a one-time financial assistance program per crisis situation. However, you may apply again if you experience a new and different crisis situation. Repeat applications for the same crisis are generally not allowed. The social worker will check the DSWD database during your assessment to verify your application history.
Q: How long does the AICS processing take?
Processing can be as fast as the same day for straightforward cases, especially if your documents are complete. However, it may take 3 to 5 working days depending on the volume of applicants, the type of assistance, and the availability of funds. Medical guarantee letters may be issued on the same day for urgent cases.
Q: Can I apply at the LSWDO instead of the DSWD Field Office?
Yes. The Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) at the city or municipal level also provides AICS or similar crisis assistance programs. In some cases, the LSWDO may refer you to the DSWD Field Office if the amount needed exceeds their budget. It is advisable to visit your local LSWDO first, as they may be able to assist you faster and with less waiting time.
Q: What if I don't have complete documents?
The DSWD social worker may still accept your application and advise you to submit the missing documents within a specified period. However, having complete documents speeds up the process significantly and improves your chances of approval. For medical emergencies, the DSWD may process your application even with incomplete documents and request submission of the remaining requirements afterward.
Q: Is there an online application for AICS?
As of now, AICS applications are primarily processed in-person at DSWD Field Offices and Crisis Intervention Units. Some DSWD Field Offices have implemented online appointment or pre-registration systems to reduce waiting times. Check the DSWD website or the Facebook page of your regional DSWD Field Office for any online application options or appointment scheduling systems available in your area.
Q: Who can apply on behalf of the person in crisis?
If the person in crisis (e.g., the patient) cannot personally visit the DSWD office, an immediate family member or authorized representative may apply on their behalf. The representative must bring a signed authorization letter from the person in crisis, along with valid IDs of both the applicant and the representative.
Important Reminders
- AICS is a one-time financial assistance — it is not a recurring benefit and is provided only once per crisis situation
- Assistance is subject to the availability of funds — the DSWD may not be able to provide assistance if funds have been exhausted for the period
- Do not pay fixers or intermediaries — AICS application is completely FREE; report anyone asking for payment to the DSWD hotline
- Bring complete documents to avoid multiple trips to the DSWD office — incomplete requirements may delay or result in denial of your application
- Arrive early at the DSWD Field Office — queues can be very long, especially on Mondays and during enrollment season (for educational assistance)
- The amount of assistance is determined by the DSWD social worker based on the assessment — it may not cover the full cost of your crisis
- Keep copies of all documents submitted and the acknowledgment receipt for your records
- For urgent medical cases, inform the DSWD staff immediately so your application can be prioritized
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DSWD you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DSWD first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.