SAN MIGUEL, Manila — Last October, a Facebook post claimed that all senior citizens in the Philippines are entitled to a ₱1,000 monthly pension and regardless of existing pensions from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or Social Security System (SSS), every elderly individual would receive ₱1,000 each month or ₱3,000 every three months from the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).

This misleading information has caused significant confusion and concern among senior citizens and their families. In reality, the ₱1,000 pension is exclusively available to indigent senior citizens who meet specific criteria set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Therefore, it is quite essential for seniors and their families to verify their claims through official government channels to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that assistance reaches the appropriate beneficiaries.
To settle this, here are all the details on the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program (SPISC), including its eligibility and other details.

The SPISC Program aims to improve the quality of life for indigent senior citizens by providing them with a monthly allowance to cover their basic needs, including food and medical expenses. The goal is to alleviate hunger, reduce vulnerability, and protect elderly citizens from neglect, abuse, or deprivation.

The program is guided by Republic Act No. 11916, which was enacted in July 2022. The law has increased the monthly stipend for senior citizens from ₱500 to ₱1,000, addressing the growing financial needs of the elderly population.

To qualify for the enhanced pension under the SPISC Program, senior citizens must meet specific criteria, which include the following:
* Age: The individual must be 60 years old or older.
* Health Condition: The senior citizen should be frail or sickly.
* No Other Pension: They should not be receiving pensions from other government entities, such as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the Social Security System (SSS), or private insurance companies.

* No Regular Income: Eligible seniors must have no regular source of income or support from family or relatives to cover their basic needs.