Losing a loved one is one of the hardest moments in life. For many Filipino families already struggling financially, the burden of funeral expenses can make a difficult situation even worse. Recognizing this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is rolling out a new program grounded in the Free Funeral Services Act (Republic Act No. 12309) — a law that ensures every Filipino, especially the poor and those in crisis, can give their loved ones a dignified farewell without the crushing cost of funeral services.
What the Free Funeral Services Act Is All About
The Free Funeral Services Act (RA 12309) officially empowers the DSWD to provide standardized burial assistance to indigent families. The program falls under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) framework, which already supports Filipinos facing emergencies such as medical crises, accidents, and disasters.
Under the new law, the DSWD will establish a fixed or “templated” amount of burial aid, meaning all beneficiaries will receive a uniform and fair amount of assistance. This will prevent inconsistencies and make the process faster and more transparent.
According to Director Edwin Morata of the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), the specific amount and coverage will be finalized once the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are completed.
“RA 12309 provides for a templated or standard amount of assistance. We will come out with the standard package as we craft the IRR,” Morata said during a media briefing in Quezon City.
In short, the DSWD is currently developing the full guidelines for how much families will receive, what expenses are covered, and how the assistance will be distributed.
Why This Law Matters
Funeral expenses in the Philippines can be overwhelming. Even a modest service can cost tens of thousands of pesos — an impossible amount for families already living below the poverty line.
Morata emphasized that the goal is simple yet vital: every Filipino, regardless of status, deserves a decent and respectful burial.
“The most important thing for poor and indigent families who have lost their loved ones is to have a decent funeral and burial for the departed,” he said.
The new law ensures that no family will have to choose between feeding the living and burying the dead with dignity.
What’s Covered Under the Free Funeral Services Act
The DSWD’s free funeral service package will go beyond basic burial expenses. It aims to cover the full range of funeral needs, including:
- Funeral parlor and chapel fees
- Coffin or cremation expenses
- Transportation of the deceased
- Burial or interment costs
These services will be offered through accredited funeral homes and crematories nationwide. Currently, DSWD is working with over 800 partner-funeral homes across the country to make the program accessible to beneficiaries wherever they live.
Setting Standards and Safeguards
While the law guarantees support, DSWD is also focused on preventing abuse and ensuring transparency.
The IRR will clearly outline the standard and maximum amount of burial assistance that can be provided, as well as the rules and safety measures for handling funds.
This is crucial because financial aid programs can sometimes be vulnerable to misuse or overpricing. By defining a standard rate and working closely with funeral homes, DSWD aims to make the system fair, efficient, and corruption-free.
Collaboration with LGUs and Private Partners
The DSWD is not doing this alone. The agency is working with local government units (LGUs), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and private sector partners to finalize the details of the program.
This collaboration will ensure that the assistance reaches all corners of the country, especially far-flung areas where access to funeral services can be limited.
LGUs will also play a major role in identifying qualified beneficiaries and helping families process the requirements. This community-based approach allows the government to respond quickly during times of grief.
DSWD’s Longstanding Burial Assistance Program
Even before RA 12309 was enacted, the DSWD had been extending burial assistance through the AICS program — a lifeline for families struggling to afford funeral costs.
Through Guarantee Letters (GLs), the DSWD has been coordinating directly with funeral homes to cover part or all of the funeral expenses for qualified applicants. This ensures that help is delivered immediately, without unnecessary red tape.
Data from the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) show how impactful this initiative has been:
From 2014 to September 2025, the DSWD has provided over ₱10.985 billion in funeral assistance to 1,439,160 beneficiaries.
That’s more than a million families who received help during one of life’s most painful moments.
Who Can Avail of the Free Funeral Assistance?
While the program primarily targets indigent families, it also covers Filipinos affected by emergencies or disasters — regardless of social class — if they cannot afford funeral services.
This inclusivity recognizes that crisis does not discriminate. Whether due to calamities, accidents, or sudden illness, anyone can find themselves in a situation where financial help for burial is badly needed.
Basic Requirements
To apply for burial assistance under the AICS or Free Funeral Services Act, the bereaved family or their authorized representative must submit:
- A valid government-issued ID
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Funeral service contract
- Social Case Study Report prepared by a licensed social worker
These documents help verify eligibility and ensure that the assistance goes directly to those in genuine need.
How the Process Works
Once the requirements are submitted, a DSWD social worker conducts an assessment to determine if the applicant qualifies for assistance. The DSWD then issues a Guarantee Letter (GL) to the partner funeral home, which acts as an official promise that the agency will shoulder the agreed portion of the expenses.
This system ensures that families can proceed with funeral arrangements without paying upfront, easing the immediate financial stress that comes with losing a loved one.
A Step Toward Compassionate Governance
The Free Funeral Services Act reflects a broader commitment by the Philippine government to strengthen social protection and uphold human dignity even after death. It recognizes that respect for life also includes respect for the dead — and for the families they leave behind.
For many years, programs like AICS have quietly supported millions of Filipinos in crisis — providing cash aid, food, transportation, and medical support. With the new law, that safety net becomes stronger and more structured.
By setting a clear policy framework for funeral assistance, DSWD ensures that future administrations can sustain and improve the program.
Looking Ahead
Once the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are finalized, the DSWD will roll out detailed guidelines for both the beneficiaries and the funeral service providers. The agency’s goal is to make the application process simple, consistent, and accessible across all regions.
Families who need assistance won’t have to navigate confusing policies or varying local rules — the amount and process will be standardized nationwide.
This also means more accountability and transparency in how public funds are used.
A Final Goodbye, With Dignity
Death is never easy, but the government’s role is to ensure that no Filipino has to go through it without support or compassion. With the Free Funeral Services Act, the DSWD is taking a big step toward easing the financial pain of loss — allowing families to focus on what truly matters: remembering and honoring their loved ones.
As Director Morata summed it up, this law is about dignity and decency, values that every Filipino deserves from birth to the final farewell.
