In the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides critical financial support to indigent families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Burial assistance is one of the most frequently utilized components of this program, designed to help cover funeral expenses, interment costs, or the transfer of remains.

The following is a comprehensive guide on the legal requirements and procedural deadlines for securing this assistance under current DSWD guidelines.

I. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for burial assistance, the applicant must demonstrate that they are in a "crisis situation" and lack sufficient resources to bury the deceased. Generally, the priority is given to:

Indigent families (as identified by Listahanan or local social workers).
Informal sector workers.
Displaced workers or those belonging to marginalized groups.

II. Documentary Requirements

The DSWD adheres to a strict "No Complete Documents, No Processing" policy. Applicants must prepare the following original or certified true copies:

1. Death Certificate

Must be registered with the Local Civil Registrar.
In cases of immediate burial (e.g., Muslim rites), a Certification of Death from the Imam or a tribal leader may be accepted.

2. Funeral Contract

An unnotarized contract or statement of account from the funeral parlor detailing the services rendered and the remaining balance.

3. Certificate of Indigency

Issued by the Barangay Chairperson or the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO) where the applicant resides. It must explicitly state that the family is seeking burial assistance.

4. Valid Identification

A government-issued ID of the claimant (the person representative of the family).
Accepted IDs include the PhilID, Voter’s ID, Driver’s License, UMID, or SSS ID.

5. Referral Letter (If Applicable)

While not always mandatory, a referral from a legislator or a local government executive can sometimes be integrated into the case study, though the final approval rests on the DSWD social worker’s assessment.

III. The Assessment Process

The release of funds is not automatic upon submission of documents. The process involves:

Intake Interview: A Social Worker will conduct an interview to determine the socio-economic status of the family.
Social Case Study Report (SCSR): For assistance exceeding ₱10,000.00, a full Case Study Report prepared by a licensed Social Worker is often required to justify the necessity of the grant.

IV. Deadlines and Timelines

Understanding the timing of the application is crucial for the release of checks or cash.

Application Period: Ideally, the application should be filed before the burial so that the guarantee letter (GL) can be issued to the funeral parlor. However, "reimbursement" is allowed if the burial has already taken place, provided the death occurred within the last three (3) months.
Processing Time: Under the Ease of Doing Business Act, simple transactions should be processed within three (3) working days, while complex cases requiring a full case study may take up to seven (7) to fifteen (15) working days.
Validity of Guarantee Letters: If the DSWD issues a Guarantee Letter (GL) instead of cash, it is typically valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

V. Amount of Assistance

The amount granted is not fixed; it is based on the social worker's assessment and the availability of funds.

Standard Range: Typically between ₱5,000.00 to ₱10,000.00.
Extreme Cases: In exceptional circumstances (e.g., long-distance repatriation of remains), the amount may be higher, subject to the approval of the Regional Director.

VI. Important Prohibitions

Double Dipping: If the family has already received the maximum allowable burial benefit from the Social Security System (SSS) or GSIS, the DSWD may reduce the amount of assistance or disqualify the applicant if the primary insurance already covers the total cost.
Splitting of Grants: A family cannot file multiple applications for the same deceased individual through different family members.