In 1915, the Public Welfare Board (PWB) was created and tasked with studying, coordinating and regulating all government and private entities engaged in social services.

In 1987, the MSSD was reorganized and renamed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through Executive Order 123, which was signed by President Corazon C. Aquino.

292, also known as the Revised Administration Code of 1987, established the name, organizational structure, and functional areas of responsibility of DSWD and further defined its statutory authority.

The department is headed by the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development (Philippines), with the following eleven undersecretaries and 20 assistant secretaries: The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or "4Ps" (conditional cash transfer) is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0–18.

Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) aims to improve access of poor communities to basic social services and promote responsive governance.

Pilot tested in 2013 and now on its 3rd cycle, the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) Process is proposed to ensure implementation of priority poverty reduction projects.