Why are some PWD ID applications denied?

Summary

Why are some people denied the PWD ID?

There have many discussions about theories about how to get a PWD ID. Truth of the matter is, there are those who don’t deserve it, get it and there are those who need it the most, don’t. Sad as it is, thus is that state of this country. And this is true with almost everything there is to be had from our government.

However, we at PWDPhil also believe that there are consistent efforts to change this and make social services readily available to us voters and citizens. There are still many quiet and dedicated government personnel who do their best to make sure that we are given the service we deserve. These tireless and dedicated government people are also faced with challenges on how best to be fair to those who need these social services but have nothing to show for, in terms of eligibility and this is especially true for those with disabilities.

Myths about the PWD ID eligibility

So who qualifies for the ID? Not everybody. There are two main groups of disabilities: the apparent and the non-apparent. the easiest to prove is always what is apparent. The blind, deaf, missing a digit or limb, these are the easiest to document and are usually approved for a PWD ID on the spot. For those who have disabilities that are non-apparent, the scrutiny is necessary. It is during this evaluation that has led many to think that claiming to have a disability is enough to prove that there is. Here are some of the myths about the PWD ID eligibility that usually lead to a denial of the PWD ID application:

1. Low vision – While low vision or partial blindness warrants a PWD ID, claiming low vision is not enough. There will be those who will say that their vision grade is more than 1000 per eye. Truth: it matters not what your eye grade is. Although the NCDA will say that 3,000 is the highest and can warrant the ID, the ruling followed by most PDAOs is that if wear your glasses, or have undergone ophthalmologic treatment of any kind, and you can drive, read, write or operate machinery then you should not be given the PWD ID because then you do not have a disability. If you have undergone lasik surgery, medication and other forms of treatment and STILL your eyesight is blurry and that it does not allow you to see clearly on one or both eyes, then you will be given the PWD ID.
2. Hysterectomy – Having a hysterectomy or the full /partial removal of the uterus does not constitute a disability. Not being able to have children is not a disability. A uterus is not considered a vital organ, unlike the kidneys, liver, lungs or pancreas where a human being cannot live long without. The uterus, similar to the appendix, can be removed and the woman can still have quality of life. However, a woman who has had a hysterectomy may apply for disability benefits under the Social Security System.
3. Chronic illness – A chronic illness is defined as a medical condition that can only be managed but not cured and not all chronic illnesses will result in a disability. An example would be diabetes. While diabetes is not a curable illness, it can be managed with medicines and other forms of treatment and the patient can still enjoy a good quality of life. However, there are some diabetic patients that have suffered disability, such as removal of limbs, blindness due to retinopathy or kidney failure. These are valid disabilities that warrant the PWD ID. Thus the chronic illness sufferer may not be able to get the PWD ID, until the disability happens.
4. Depression – those diagnosed with depression may not automatically get the PWD ID unless. the physician certifies that it is a severe form of depression or is manifested as mania. Manic depression is often a sign of an underlying medical condition such as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are both given PWD IDs. Anything that is less, such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) are usually not given the ID.

Differing opinions on eligibility

Different PDAOS have different opinions on who is eligible for the PWD ID. For instance, HIV positive patients are considered as having the psychosocial disability in Quezon City while no such accommodation is given by the local government of Makati City. Across the country, there have been various arguments regarding eligibility. This is because the interpretation of the disability law is not the same among the LGUs across the country. Since 2017, the former President Duterte has given this responsibility of issuing the PWD ID to the local governments, with total autonomy from the Department of Social Welfare Development, who used to oversee the issuance of this ID with assistance from the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA)

If you have questions about your eligibility, we recommend that you consult the PDAO in your city or municipal hall. If you think you deserve the ID but has been denied by your LGU, you may go directly to the NCDA and appeal your casel. In which case, the NCDA is authorized to issue you your PWD ID. Note that every PWD ID has its own set of perks made available by the supporting LGU, outside of the usual 20% discounts on medicines, food and transportation.