DSWD taps GCash for digital UPLIFT aid disbursements

Insider Spotlight

• DSWD is expanding digital access to UPLIFT assistance through GCash wallets
• The program targets 7.5 million households affected by rising living costs
• Beneficiaries can receive succeeding P2,000 payouts digitally until December 2026
  
  
  
  

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expanding the digital distribution of financial assistance under the government’s UPLIFT Program, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive succeeding payouts directly through their GCash wallets.

The move is part of the rollout of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program, a relief initiative established under Executive Order No. 110 to cushion vulnerable sectors from global oil shocks and rising inflation. Targeted cash assistance is expected to reach 7.5 million households through DSWD.

Reduce time, additional costs

Digital disbursement could reduce the time and additional costs beneficiaries incur in accessing government assistance. Initial UPLIFT payouts will still be distributed in cash, but beneficiaries are being encouraged to shift to digital channels for succeeding releases.

As part of the UPLIFT Caravan, GCash is helping beneficiaries open accounts. Those who opt for GCash can receive future assistance through the GCash Fund Disbursement Service.

The government plans to distribute the aid quickly and conveniently to provide immediate relief to beneficiaries.

“Starting today until December, you can receive your P2,000 directly through your digital wallet,” Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a press statement. 

Rex Gatchalian

Social Welfare Secretary

Digital rollout

The first digital payout was conducted in Bacolod City, with DSWD committing to disburse UPLIFT assistance through GCash until December 2026.

Beneficiaries who do not yet have a digital wallet are also being encouraged to set one up to receive succeeding payouts digitally.

“GCash is honored to continuously support DSWD in expanding digital access to government services. Access is not only about receiving support, but also about making the experience more convenient, secure, and dignified for the people we serve. By giving beneficiaries a digital option, we hope to make DSWD UPLIFT assistance easier to access while giving them greater choice in how they receive and manage their financial support,” GCash vice president and head of B2B Sales Cleo Celeste Santos said in a press statement.

Financial inclusion

The partnership highlights the growing use of digital financial services in social protection programs. By sending government assistance directly to beneficiaries through digital wallets, the initiative seeks to lower barriers to receiving aid while supporting broader financial inclusion.

The digital channel also gives beneficiaries another option for receiving and managing government financial support. —Vanessa Hidalgo |Ed: Corrie S. Narisma