DepEd Double Pay Policy: A Clear and Helpful Guide for Teachers

DepEd Double Pay Policy is one of the most helpful benefits available to public school teachers in the Philippines. When I first heard about it, I thought it was too good to be true. How can someone receive two types of pay at the same time? But after reading the official guidelines, I realized that this benefit is legal, fair, and designed to support teachers during one of the most important moments of their lives—childbirth.

If you are a public school teacher, or you know someone who is, this guide will help you understand how this policy works. I will explain everything in simple English so it is easy to follow.

What Is the DepEd Double Pay Policy?

The DepEd Double Pay Policy refers to a situation where a public school teacher receives both:

• Maternity Leave Pay, and
• Proportional Vacation Pay (PVP)

at the same time, if her maternity leave overlaps with a school vacation such as summer break or Christmas break.

This benefit is unique to public school teachers because of their leave system. Teachers are under the “Teacher’s Leave Basis,” which means they do not earn regular vacation or sick leave credits like other government employees.

Instead, they receive Proportional Vacation Pay.

So what happens if a teacher gives birth during vacation? That is where the DepEd Double Pay Policy becomes very important.

Legal Basis of the DepEd Double Pay Policy

Understanding the legal basis helps us feel confident that this benefit is real and properly approved.

1. Republic Act No. 11210 – Expanded Maternity Leave Law

Republic Act No. 11210 grants:

• 105 days of maternity leave with full pay for live childbirth
• 120 days for solo parents
• 60 days of full pay for miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy

This law applies to all qualified female workers in government and private sectors.

2. Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 09, s. 2012

CSC Memorandum Circular No. 09, s. 2012 explains that teachers under the Teacher’s Leave Basis are entitled to Proportional Vacation Pay (PVP).

This is very important because it confirms that PVP is part of a teacher’s earned compensation.

3. DepEd Memorandum on the Implementation of RA 11210

Department of Education issued a memorandum clearly stating:

Both Proportional Vacation Pay (PVP) and maternity leave benefits shall be given to female teachers if the leave is during long vacations such as summer or Christmas break.

This statement confirms the DepEd Double Pay Policy.

How the DepEd Double Pay Policy Works

Now let us break it down in a simple way.

Normally, government employees are not allowed to receive “double compensation.” However, in this case:

• PVP is considered earned salary for services already rendered during the school year.
• Maternity leave pay is a benefit required by law.

Because they come from different bases, receiving both is allowed.

Example Scenario

Imagine this situation:

A teacher gives birth in April. April is usually part of the summer vacation.

What happens?

• She receives her Proportional Vacation Pay for the summer months.
• She also receives her 105 days maternity leave pay.

For the overlapping months, she effectively receives double her normal monthly salary.

When I learned this, I realized how helpful this can be. Childbirth brings many expenses—hospital bills, baby needs, medicine. This policy gives real financial support during that time.

Key Features of the DepEd Double Pay Policy

Let us list the important points clearly.

Leave Duration

• 105 days – Live childbirth
• 120 days – Solo parent
• 60 days – Miscarriage or emergency termination

Overlap Rule

If maternity leave overlaps with:

• Summer vacation
• Christmas vacation

The teacher receives both PVP and maternity leave pay.

Non-Overlap Rule

If childbirth happens during the regular school year:

• The teacher receives 105 days of full pay.
• There is no double pay because there is no vacation overlap.

Why Is This Benefit Unique to Teachers?

Teachers follow the Teacher’s Leave Basis. They do not earn vacation leave credits.

Instead, they are paid through Proportional Vacation Pay, which is computed based on services rendered during the school year.

This system is different from other government employees, which is why the DepEd Double Pay Policy applies specifically to public school teachers.

Important Reminder: Miscarriage Also Qualifies

One important part of the DepEd Double Pay Policy that many teachers do not know is this:

If a miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy happens during vacation or overlaps with it, the teacher may receive:

• 60 days maternity leave pay
• Plus Proportional Vacation Pay

This is very important because miscarriage can be emotionally and physically painful. Financial stress should not make it harder.

If you know someone who experienced this, please share this information with care.

Documentary Requirements for Claiming the Benefit

To receive benefits under the DepEd Double Pay Policy, teachers usually need to submit documents to the Schools Division Office (SDO).

Here are the common requirements:

1. Approved CS Form No. 6 (Application for Leave)
2. Medical Certificate (government or private physician)
3. Proof of Birth (Birth Certificate or Medical Report)
4. Notice of Allocation of Maternity Leave (if sharing up to 7 days with the father)
5. Teacher’s Clearance from the school head
6. Special Order (SO) for the maternity leave

Always check with your School Division Office for updated requirements.

Common Misunderstandings About DepEd Double Pay Policy

Over the years, I have heard some incorrect ideas. Let us clear them up.

“Double Pay Is Illegal”

No. It is legal because:

• PVP is earned salary.
• Maternity leave is a legal benefit.

They are not the same type of compensation.

“Only Normal Delivery Qualifies”

Not true. Under Republic Act No. 11210, maternity leave applies regardless of the mode of delivery.

“Miscarriage Does Not Count”

It does. The law provides 60 days of paid leave.

Why This Policy Matters So Much

Childbirth changes everything. It brings joy, but it also brings financial pressure.

Hospital expenses
Newborn supplies
Medicines
Postpartum care

As teachers, we dedicate our time to students. Seeing that the system provides this support makes a big difference.

When I talk to teachers who benefited from the DepEd Double Pay Policy, they often say the extra financial support helped them focus on recovery and bonding with their baby instead of worrying about money.

Long-Term Importance of Understanding DepEd Policies

Knowing your rights is not just about money. It is about protection and peace of mind.

Public school teachers should:

• Stay updated with DepEd memoranda
• Keep copies of official documents
• Consult the SDO for clarifications

Policies may be updated, so always verify with official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The DepEd Double Pay Policy is one of the most supportive benefits available to public school teachers in the Philippines. It shows that the system recognizes the value of teachers and the importance of motherhood.

If you are expecting a child or planning to start a family, knowing this policy gives you confidence and security.

Please share this information with fellow teachers. Many are still unaware of this benefit.

Understanding the DepEd Double Pay Policy can make a real difference during one of the most important seasons of life.