The Socpen and its role in closing the coverage gap among poor elderly Filipinos

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (Socpen) was set up by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in 2010 to extend additional financial assistance to poor elderly Filipinos and help fulfill the objectives of Republic Act No. 9994 or the"Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010."In 6 years of the program, Socpen was able to more than double the coverage of Philippine pension system from 15.3 percent coverage of SSS and GSIS in 2010 to 36 percent with Socpen in 2016. By providing a monthly assistance of Php500 to seniors from lower income groups, many of whom are in the Listahanan?the Government's database of poor?the program introduces a poverty focus into the Philippine pension system. However, Socpen's poverty mitigating impact may diminish over time if program benefit levels do not keep pace with increasing prices, delays in releasing grants continue, and beneficiary selection using the Listahanan is not maintained or remain without consistent and clear standards. The program will benefit from a more consistent implementation by establishing and maintaining standardized operational procedures and including processes for regular program monitoring and evaluation. The Government needs to explore more efficient and less costly payment modes for Socpen. Given low benefit levels the Socpen provides, the Government can explore increasing benefits for the elderly through other complementary programs. Harmonizing social protection programs within DSWD and across the government is important in ensuring greater coherence in building risk resilience among poor and vulnerable sectors, including the elderly indigents.