The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) resumed issuing guarantee letters for medical and burial assistance Monday, even as direct cash aid remains temporarily suspended pending the release of 2026 funds.

The guarantee letter (GL) is a document provided by the DSWD to ensure payment to accredited service providers for the approved expenses of eligible beneficiaries. The agency said clients in crisis may now visit the nearest field offices to process these requests.

“As we committed in December, we immediately resumed the issuance of guarantee letters this 5 January to ensure that aid for medical and burial assistance continues for qualified clients, especially those going through extreme crises,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement.

While the GL service is active, the provision of direct cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program has been paused.

Dumlao said the suspension is in accordance with Department of Budget and Management policies as the agency awaits the formal release of funds under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

To recall, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the P6.793-trillion national budget on Monday.

The AICS program, which served 8.3 million Filipinos from January to November 2025, has recently faced scrutiny from political watchdogs concerned about potential “soft pork” allocations and political interference.

“For now, direct cash assistance is on hold as we follow DBM guidelines regarding the use of 2026 funds,” Dumlao said. “But we reiterate that our services continue through guarantee letters so that necessary help is not delayed.”

The DSWD exceeded its annual target for clients served in 2025. Those seeking assistance are advised to visit the nearest DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit, Social Welfare and Development Office, or regional satellite offices to process their requests.