Moving to a new neighborhood involves a long checklist, and somewhere between unpacking boxes and updating your internet service, you might realize you need a Barangay Certificate of Indigency.

Whether it is for scholarship applications, medical assistance (MAIP), or discounted government fees, this document is a vital lifeline for low-income Filipinos. However, if you’ve just moved, the question of "where to apply" becomes a bit of a jurisdictional puzzle.

The General Rule: Six Months of Residency

Under the Local Government Code of the Philippines, a person is generally considered a resident of a barangay if they have lived there for at least six (6) months. This is the standard benchmark used by most Barangay Chairs to verify that you are indeed part of their community.

The Dilemma of the New Resident

If you have lived in your new home for less than six months, you are in a "transitional phase." Here is how you should navigate the application:

Option A: The Previous Barangay. If you still have ties or family in your former residence, they may still issue the certificate based on your long-term history there. This is often the path of least resistance if you need the document immediately.
Option B: The New Barangay. You can apply at your current residence, but you will likely need to provide Proof of Residency. Since you haven’t hit the six-month mark, the Barangay Secretary will require additional evidence to prove you actually live there and intend to stay.

Requirements for New Residents

To bridge the gap between "newcomer" and "official resident," most barangay halls will ask for the following:

Valid ID: Showing your new address (if updated) or a government ID to prove identity.
Proof of Address: A notarized Lease Contract, a Letter of Attestation from your landlord, or a recent utility bill (water/electricity) under your name at the new address.
Endorsement/Cedula: You may be asked to get a Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) from the new municipality or city, reflecting your new address.
Voter’s Registration: While not always mandatory, showing that you have transferred your voter’s record to the new precinct is the strongest proof of residency.

Steps to Apply

Once you’ve gathered your documents, the process is usually straightforward:

Step 1: Visit the Barangay Hall. Go to the office of the Barangay Secretary during office hours.
Step 2: State the Purpose. You must specify why you need the certificate (e.g., "For Public Attorney's Office (PAO) assistance" or "For DSWD burial assistance"). The certificate often explicitly states its purpose at the bottom.
Step 3: Verification. The Barangay Intelligence or a Kagawad may perform a quick "background check" or ask neighbors to verify you live at the stated address.
Step 4: Issuance. Under the Ease of Doing Business Act, this should be a quick process.
Step 5: Payment (or Lack Thereof). By law, Certificates of Indigency are generally free of charge or offered at a significantly reduced cost for indigent constituents.

Important Legal Note: The First-Time Jobseekers Act (RA 11261)

If you are moving and need a Certificate of Indigency (or a Barangay Clearance) because you are a first-time jobseeker, you are exempt from paying any fees. You simply need to sign an oath of undertaking at the barangay hall stating that you are a first-time applicant for employment.

Pro-Tip: Always keep a few photocopies of your Certificate of Indigency. While the original is often required by agencies like the DSWD or SSS, having copies can help you track the validity period, which usually lasts for three to six months from the date of issuance.

Would you like me to draft a sample Letter of Attestation that you can give to your new landlord to help speed up your residency verification?