Centenarian Act: cash gifts for older Filipinos

Filipinos who reach certain ages get a cash gift from the government:

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RA 10868, the Centenarians Act of 2016, gave PHP 100,000 at 100. RA 11982 added the gifts at 80, 85, 90 and 95, and took effect on 17 March 2024, according to the NCSC. The law says the gift can be received “within one (1) year from reaching” the age.

Who qualifies

• All Filipinos, “whether residing in the Philippines or abroad” (RA 11982).
• Whatever their income. The NCSC’s guidelines (MC 01 s. 2025) say “All Filipinos, regardless of their socio-economic status”, and note that SSS, GSIS and military pensioners and social pensioners are eligible.
• Proof of age: a PSA birth certificate or the Philippine National ID; without either, two other documents such as government IDs or a child’s birth certificate, as the guidelines list.

How to apply

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) runs the cash gifts. On its process:

1. Fill in the application form (Annex A). It asks for the OSCA ID number and lets the senior name a designated beneficiary.
2. Submit it to the OSCA or the city or municipal social welfare office, which checks the papers and endorses them to the NCSC regional office.
3. Apply early. The NCSC accepts applications “at least four (4) to six (6) months prior reaching the milestone age”.
4. Choose how to be paid, from the options the NCSC lists, and wait for the payout schedule from the NCSC and the OSCA.

At the payout, the senior shows the original OSCA ID. A representative brings an authorisation letter attested by the local government, naming the representative, their relationship and why the senior cannot come.

Filipinos abroad apply through a Philippine embassy or consulate, the DMW or the CFO, with a Philippine passport or an RA 9225 certificate.

Family at home can help: fill in the form with your parent, gather the birth certificate and ID, and file it with the OSCA months before the birthday.

The NCSC warns that nobody may ask for a fee or a cut of the cash gift.

Local extras

RA 10868 also gives centenarians a plaque and a cash incentive from their city or municipality, in an amount the local government sets. Some local governments give their own gifts at other ages. Ask your city or municipality.

If the senior dies before receiving it

The NCSC’s guidelines say those “who died prior reaching the milestone and centenarian ages” do not qualify.

If the senior reached the age and died before applying, the NCSC’s FAQ says they are still entitled, and a close relative may apply with the death certificate, the relative’s ID, proof of relationship and the NCSC’s warranty form. If several relatives could claim, they need a judicial or extrajudicial settlement naming one of them. The designated beneficiary named on the form can also claim. See extrajudicial settlement of estate.