DepEd Medical Allowance: Cash Option Now Available
The Department of Education (DepEd) has confirmed some great news for all public school staff. If you’re a teacher or part of the non-teaching team, you can now receive your ₱7,000 medical allowance in cash.
This announcement was shared after a meeting with the ACT Teachers Party-list, ACT-Philippines, and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara at the DepEd Central Office.
What Is the DepEd Medical Allowance?
The medical allowance is money given each year to help DepEd employees cover health-related expenses. It’s worth ₱7,000, and you can use it for:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospital bills
- Medicines
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) payments
- Other health-related needs
Cash Payment Now Allowed
Before, employees had to go through their HMO provider to use the allowance. Now, DepEd allows you to receive the money in cash, even if you don’t have an HMO plan.
This means you can choose how to spend the money—whether it’s for hospital costs, medicine, or even to cover past HMO bills.
Who Can Receive the Cash?
All teaching and non-teaching personnel under DepEd are qualified. That includes:
- Public school teachers
- Office staff
- Administrative workers
- School heads and principals
How To Get the DepEd Medical Allowance in Cash
There are two simple options depending on whether you have an HMO plan:
1. If You Have an HMO Plan:
Just give your official receipt or proof of payment from your HMO provider. The amount does not have to match the full ₱7,000.
Even if you only used part of it, you’ll still get the remaining amount in cash.
2. If You Don’t Have an HMO Plan:
You can still get the allowance in full. Just show a receipt for any medical expense. This could include:
- Buying medicine
- Hospital fees
- Health check-ups
What Did DepEd Say?
DepEd made it clear that you do not need to spend the entire ₱7,000 on your HMO. If you didn’t use it all, the rest can be given to you in cash. This gives more freedom to employees on how they manage their medical needs.
Why This Is Good News
This update is a big help, especially for those who:
- Don’t have an HMO
- Need more flexible medical support
- Want to use the money for different health needs
For many teachers and staff, this change means less hassle and more control over their healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who qualifies for the ₱7,000 medical allowance?
All teaching and non-teaching DepEd employees are qualified.
Can I get the allowance in full even without an HMO?
Yes. As long as you show a valid receipt for any medical expense.
What if my HMO payment is less than ₱7,000?
You will receive the unused amount in cash.
Can I use the cash for hospital bills or medicine?
Yes, you can use the cash for any health-related expenses.
Do I need to spend exactly ₱7,000 to get the allowance?
No. Even if your receipt is for a smaller amount, you can still receive the rest in cash.
DepEd’s decision to allow cash payments for the medical allowance is a big win for teachers and school staff. It’s not just easier—it gives you the freedom to take care of your health your way.
This shows that DepEd is listening to the real needs of its people. As someone working in the education sector, I believe this step brings comfort, especially when medical needs are urgent or unexpected.
