d. Solo Parenthood (RA 8972, Sec. 7, as amended)

Who are considered Solo Parents:

• A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood because of death of one’s spouse.
• A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood because of any physical and/or mental incapacity of one’s spouse as certified by a public or private medical practitioner
• A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood because one has legally separated from his spouse or because they have been separated for at least six months, with the child or children in the solo parent's custody
• A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood because the marriage was annulled or declared null by a court, with the child or children in the solo parent's custody.
• A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood because the spouse abandoned the parent for at least six months.
• A parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood because the spouse is detained or is serving a sentence for a criminal conviction for at least three months.
• An unmarried mother or father who has preferred to keep and rear the child himself, instead of having others care for them or give up to a welfare institution.
• Solely provides parental care and support to a child or children.
• Assumes responsibility of head of the family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the children’s parents or solo parent.
• A victim of rape and/or other crimes against chastity, have given birth to a child as a result and have decided to keep and raise his child. (R.A. No. 8972, Sec. 3[a])

Children

• Those living with and dependent upon the solo parent for support who are unmarried, unemployed and not more than 22 years of age; or
• Those even over 22 years but are incapable of self-support because of mental and/or physical defect (R.A. No. 8972, Sec. 3[e], as amended by R.A. No. 11861)

Termination of the benefit

A change in the status or circumstance of the parent claiming benefits under this Act, such that he/she is no longer left alone with the responsibility of parenthood, shall terminate his/her eligibility for these benefits. (R.A. No. 8972, Sec. 4, as amended by R.A. No. 11861)