OWWA Programs Benefits Services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

OWWA is a low-cost insurance program intended for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with a contribution of only USD 25 good for 2 years. In case you are wondering what are benefits you can get as an OFW, here we list the OWWA programs and services that you can avail.

Among the various agencies committed to the protection, welfare, and service of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), there is but one agency that stands out – the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, or more commonly known as OWWA. The OFW-centric agency is overseen by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which is the national body governing everything related to labor and employment in the Philippines.

ofw owwa benefits programs services

Overview

Established in 1977, the OWWA is responsible for upholding the rights and promoting the welfare of OFWs as well as their dependents throughout the course of the former’s stay overseas. At present, the OWWA has 31 posts overseas in at least 27 nations. Other than that, the agency has a regional presence in 17 regions in the Philippines.

As per Philippine law, all legal and authorized OFWs must be a member of the agency, in order to benefit from all of the agency’s services and programs.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find out all of the programs and services offered by the OWWA to OFWs and their dependents. Keep reading until the end to learn more.    

As mentioned OWWA members are eligible for a number of benefits. As a member of OWWA, you’ll be able to receive government assistance when times get tough. There are numerous advantages to becoming a member of this organization. These include the following:

The above-listed categories can be further subdivided in various groups and subprograms, which you can look into in detail in the following sections. And that is a good thing because you can avail of various programs at a time, and enjoy the benefits they offer. That being said, it is every OFW’s responsibility to settle their premiums and maintain their memberships, to benefit whether of cash assistance or other kinds of assistance or compensation.

To learn more under which categories or programs you can benefit from, read below to be guided accordingly:

Education Scholarship and Training Benefits

There are many scholarships and training programs that the OWWA offers to its members. These programs help members prepare for their deployment and provide them with the necessary skills and training.

Pre-Departure Education Program

Before you depart the country, check out the educational training and skill improvement programs before you leave for your host nation from the Philippines, as listed below:

Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS): This orientation-seminar aims to inform the OFWs about the basic information that they need to make informed decisions when they leave. It includes information on the country of destination, work standards, airport procedures, and government programs & services.

  • Country of Destination
  • Employment Contract
  • Financial Literacy
  • Government Programs and Services
  • Health and Safety
  • Stages of OWFs’ Life in Abroad
  • Travel Tips and Airport Procedures

Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)

This seminar aims to help to depart HSWs overcome the language barrier and the cultural differences between destination countries.

  • Language training
  • Culture Familiarization
  • Stress management

Short-Term Training Programs for OFWs & Dependents

Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)

A short-term training program that can be completed in 6 months to 2 years. It is a maximum of Php 14,500 per training course.

Who Are Eligible:

Members of the OFW Force and their Authorized/Qualified Dependents

Requirements:

  • Application Form
  • Two pieces of 2×2 colored ID photos
  • At least two (2) valid IDs
  • Diploma, High School Report Card or any proof of High School completion              
  • Proof of the applicant’s OFW connection – member
    • For the child of an OFW, the applicant’s birth certificate is required.
    • For siblings of the OFW, the applicant’s and OFW’s birth certificates are required.
    • For the spouses of OFWs, a marriage certificate is required.
    • If the OFW is single, he or she must have a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR).

How To Avail of this Service:

  • Visit the OFW’s permanent address, which is covered by the OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
  • For an SESP scholarship application, obtain a queueing number or join the line.
  • Present a valid photo ID or passport to the Education and Training Unit/Focal for membership record verification.
  • Submit the completed application form and prerequisites if the membership is legitimate.
  • Book a slot for claiming the Notice of Award (NOA).
  • Return according to the deadline for the issue of the Notice of Award. Obtain a Priority Code. Wait for your phone number to be called.
  • To acquire the Notice of Award (NOA), go to Counter 1. 

Note:

  • NOA can be claimed for 2 days from the date of submission of the completed requirements.
  • For applicants from other regions, the NOA can be claimed for 7 days after submitting the required documents.

Information Technology (IT) Training Program

Through the basic computer literacy program, OFWs and their families were trained to improve their skills in using technology. Eventually, it evolved into teaching various applications for employment. This is available for active OWWA members.

Training Programs for Filipino Seafarers

Seafarers can maximize the projects offered by OWWA to seafarers.

Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)

This program is designed for seafarers who would like to improve their skills and meet the requirements of the International Maritime Organization’s competency standards. It involves a maximum of 7,500.00 per upgrading course.

Requirements:

  • Proof of your membership with OWWA
  • A completed Application Form
  • Seafarer’s ID and record book and/or a valid passport
  • Two (2) copies of your 2×2 ID picture

Who Are Eligible?

This is exclusive to OFW Seafarer members

Requirements:

  • 2 pieces 2×2 Colored ID picture  
  • Application Form
  • Membership Record
  • Seaman’s Identification Record Book (SIRB) and/or Original Passport

How To Avail Of this Service:

  • Visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office, covering the OFW’s permanent address.
  • For an SUP scholarship application, obtain a queueing number or join the line.
  • Present your I.D. or a passport to the Education and Training Unit/Focal for membership record verification.
  • Submit the completed application form and prerequisites if the membership is legitimate.
  • Make a plan for claiming the Notice of Award (NOA).
  • Return according to the deadline for the issue of the Notice of Award. Obtain a Priority Code. Wait for your phone number to be called.
  • To acquire the Notice of Award, go to the authorized SUP desk/counter (NOA).

Mariner’s Dugtong-Aral (Bridging) Program

This scholarship is granted to seafarers who have either graduated from or intend to pursue a career in marine engineering.

  • Active OWWA Members
  • Immediate Beneficiaries/Dependents
  • The OFW’s next-of-kin – covering up to first degree

Requirements:

  • Proof of Relationship to the OFW (Birth Certificate or Proof of Relationship to the OFW)
  • Transcript of Records
  • Having no existing or pending scholarship applications with other scholarship grantors

Scholarships for OFW Dependents

Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

This scholarship is for the dependents of active OWWA members who are planning on attending a 4- to 5-year college or university. The grant amounts to Php 60,000.00 per year.

Qualifications for Incoming Freshmen:

  • Must be an active OWWA-OFW member
  • Single
  • Not over 21 years old
  • Must have a grade-point average of at least 80% and belong to the upper 20% of the graduating class
  • Must pass the qualification exam provided by the DOST and is among the Top 400 passers.  

Qualifications for enrolled 2nd to 5th year-college:

  • Single
  • Not over 30 years old
  • Must have a general weighted average not lower than B or the grade equivalent of 85% in all academic or non-academic subjects during the outgoing school year.

Requirements:

  • Two (2) copies of the EDSP Application Form that has been completed
  • Two (2) pieces 2×2 ID photos
  • Certificate of Birth (PSA-Issued)
  • Good Moral Character Certificate
  • The applicant’s average grade must be at least 80%, according to the principal’s certification.
  • and are among the top 20% of their graduating class
  • Form 137, Transcript of Records, Certificate of True Copy of Grades for School Records (Form 137, Transcript of Records, Certificate of True Copy of Grades for School Records)
  • Students at College)

OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)

This assistance is available to the dependent of an active member-OFW who makes no more than USD 600.00.

Qualifications:

  • A child/ren of an active OWWA member or a sibling of an OWWA member who is not married
  • Applicants must pass the RWO state college/university admission exams, where he or she plans to enroll
  • Other scholarships must not be offered.

Requirements:

  • A copy of the scholarship agreement in its original form
  • A medical certificate from any DOH-approved hospital or medical center is required.
  • Good Moral Character Certificate
  • Proof of Relationship to an OWWA Member
  • Transcript of Records, Certificate of True Copy of Grades (Form 137/138, Transcript of Records, Certificate of True Copy of Grades for students in college)
  • Two (2) 2×2 picture pieces
  • Two (2) copies of the application form that has been completed

Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)

This scholarship program is for the children of Active OWWA Members who died while serving their country.

  • Allowance for Elementary Php 5,000.00
  • Allowance for High School Php 8,000.00
  • Allowance for College Php 10,000.00
  • Livelihood Assistance Php 15,000.00 worth of Package

Education Requirements:

  • A copy of the OFW’s OWWA membership card
  • A copy of the Scholarship Agreement in its original form
  • A medical certificate from a DOH-accredited hospital or medical center is required.
  • Certificate of Good Moral Character (Certificate of Good Moral Character for students in college)
  • Completion of the Application Form
  • Proof of Connection to an OWWA Member
  • Transcript of Records, Certificate of True Copy of Grades (Form 137/138, Transcript of Records, Certificate of True Copy of Grades)
  • Two (2) passport-size photographs

Economic Requirements:

  • Application Form Completed
  • Two (2) passport-size photographs
  • Proof of Connection to an OWWA Member
  • Proof that the OFW is a member of the OWWA
  • Certificate of Livelihood Package Receipt
  • Intended Beneficiary Consent saying that he or she is not interested in the project and is transferring responsibility to his or her chosen recipient

Additional Requirements for Dependents of Convicted OFWs

  • Names of Member-OFWs on the Department of Other Affairs (DFAOfficial )’s List of OFWs convicted and sentenced to death in foreign countries as of February 2016
  • If an OWWA member is not on the list, a DFA certification is necessary.

Special Projects: Project EASE and Tabang OFW

OWWA has created special educational scholarships for qualified OFW dependents who were affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. These scholarships are called Project EASE and Tabang OFW.

  • Project EASE – a Php 10,000 education assistance per year will be provided for a period of four (4) years.
  • Tabang OFW – one-time educational assistance worth Php 30,000 for qualified OFW dependents. 
  • DOLE-AKAP – The DOLE-OWWA-AKAP aims to support the efforts of the Department of Labor and Social Welfare in addressing the issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is a financial assistance worth Php 10,000 that aims to help the Returning Filipino Workers affected by the pandemic.The Department of Labor’s Office of Welfare (DOLE-OWWA) offers financial assistance to the displaced overseas workers who lost their jobs due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Philippines in February 2020.
  • Tuloy-Aral Project – The Tuloy-Aral Project was established in December 2004 to assist the less privileged children of former overseas Filipino workers. POLO helps identify and assist financially stable OFWs who may be able to provide school expenses for the children of OFWs. This support is requested annually for the child-beneficiary’s educational needs. The goal of this project is to provide school supplies and projects for the benefit of the students. This project is carried out by OWWA Family Welfare Officers.

Social Benefits

As a member of OWWA, you can receive various social benefits that are intended for the needs of members of the organization during various events or circumstances.

Disability and Dismemberment Benefit

A member is provided with a maximum of Php 100,000.00 to cover the medical costs of an accident-related injury as part of its disability and dismemberment benefits.

Who Are Eligible:

This program is only open to only to active OWWA-OFW members.

Requirements:

  • Foreign Medical Certificate
  • Medical Certificate with Medical Examination Procedure (e.g., X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan, etc.)
  • For Seafarers – Accident or Master’s  Report

How Can I Avail Of This Service?

  • To begin your claim of this OFW benefit, you should visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
  • Obtain a priority number (ticket), and wait for your turn to be accommodated.
  • Provide your OFW I.D. or OFW details to the Membership Verification Desk. They will verify the status of your OWWA membership, and after that, you will be given an application form along with a list of all the documentary requirements.
  • Hand over the accomplished claim form together with all the required documents for validation / evaluation.
  • For applications that have been accepted and approved, submit your claim stub and obtain the approved financial assistance through check or cash pay-out.

Death and Burial Benefits

In the event of the death of an OFW-member, the family or dependents of the member will be entitled to an amount corresponding to the determined cause of death.

  • Natural Cause of Death – Php 100,000.00
  • Accidental Cause of Death – Php 200,000.00

Aside from the death benefit, the beneficiaries will also be given a rider with the amount of Php 20,000.00 to cover the burial expenses.

               Who Are Qualified:

Deceased OFW Member’s qualified spouse or dependent are qualified for this grant.

               Requirements:

  • Any LCR- or PSA-issued documents
  • Claimant’s two (2) valid IDs and one (1) piece ID picture
  • Foreign Death Certificate with Airway Bill and Consular Documents for OFWs who died overseas
  • No Objection Certificate/Mortuary Certificate
  • Official Receipt for Funeral Expenses
  • Original Death Certificate: issued by a Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or validated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
  • Permit for Burial
  • PSA-issued Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR).
  • Report on an Unintentional Death

However, if the claimant is any of the following, they will need to submit the corresponding document(s):

  • The OFW’s spouse = Marriage Certificate
  • The OFW’s Parent(s) = the  OFW’s Birth Certificate
  • The OFW’s child(ren) = Birth Certificate of the children (claimants) and death certificate of the OFW’s spouse

How Can I Avail of this Service?

  • To begin your claim of this OFW benefit, you should visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
  • Obtain a priority number (ticket), and wait for your turn to be accommodated.
  • Provide your OFW I.D. or OFW details to the Membership Verification Desk. They will verify the status of your OWWA membership, and after that, you will be given an application form along with a list of all the documentary requirements.
  • Hand over the accomplished claim form together with all the required documents for validation / evaluation.
  • For applications that have been accepted and approved, submit your claim stub and obtain the approved financial assistance through check or cash pay-out.

Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MedPlus)

This benefit is available to all OFWs, OWWA members, and PhilHealth members who were recently afflicted with debilitating diseases. It provides them with the same medical assistance as their PhilHealth benefits, which does not exceed Php 50K per member.

               Who Are Qualified?

This program is open to active OWWA members who also have a PhilHealth membership.              

Requirements:

  • MedPlus Application Form completed
  • Notice of Payment of PhilHealth Benefits
  • A copy of a passport-size photo
  • Proof of OWWA Membership Contribution
  • If the OFW is in another and the claimant is the next-of-kin of the deceased – notarized special power of attorney (SPA)
  • If the OFW has passed away, the Death Certificate of the Deceased OFW, as well as the Marriage Contract or NOK-birth claimant’s certificate (Authorized by PSA)

How Can I Avail of this Service?

  • To begin your claim of this OFW benefit, you should visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
  • Obtain a priority number (ticket), and wait for your turn to be accommodated.
  • Submit your OFW I.D. at the Social Benefits Unit’s counter for membership record verification
  • Obtain the MedPlus Application Form and other required documentation if your membership and MDR are valid.
  • Submit the completed application form and prerequisites, then provide the claim stub and request financial help by check or cash.
  • After you’ve claimed your check, head to the Cashier – Releasing Window and present two (2) valid IDs, such as driver’s license,  passport, PRC License, Postal, Voter’s, Company, Driver’s License, Senior Citizen’s ID, NBI Clearance (Original / Valid), NBI Clearance (Original / Valid), NBI Clearance (Original / Valid),

Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)

This program exists for OWWA Members (active or otherwise) and their families who are not yet eligible for Social Security and other benefits.

Coverage:

  • Bereavement Assistance: This is for the relatives of OFW-OWWA members who have passed away.
  • Calamity Assistance: If OWWA OFW-members are impacted by natural or man-made catastrophes.
  • Medical Assistance: can be availed of by OFW-OWWA members with diseases not covered by Medplus, as well as those who have been injured in accidents or crimes.
  • Relief Assistance: This applies to OFW-OWWA Members who have been laid off or displaced as a result of political, economic, or health-related circumstances.

Who are eligible:

Qualified OFW Members or their dependents are eligible for this program.

Requirements per Assistance Category:

Bereavement Assistance

  • At least two (2) valid Claimant ID cards
  • Medical Certificate / Result of Examination Procedure
  • Police / Accident Report
  • If the claimant is not an OFW, a Special Power of Attorney is required (SPA)

Calamity Assistance

  • At least two (2) valid OFW or Claimant identification cards
  • I.D. and Authorization Letter if the claimant is not the member-OFW
  • A barangay certificate indicating that you are a resident of a disaster or emergency-affected community.
  • Obtain certification if you have been a victim of a fire.

Note: Calamity Assistance can be claimed by OFW members who are residing in areas where there is declared a State of Calamity by the Local Government Unit or the Office of the President.

Medical Assistance

  • At least two (2) valid OFW or Claimant identification cards
  • I.D. and Authorization Letter if the claimant is not an OFW
  • Original Medical Certificate / Abstract with Attending Physician’s PTR Number

Relief Assistance

  • At least two (2) valid OFW or Claimant identification cards
  • Displacement Proof, e.g. Contract termination, work visa, and so forth.
  • Letter of Authorization with Photo I.D. if the claimant is not an OFW
  • OWWA-POLO certification of OFW employment locations

Welfare Programs

These initiatives are meant to provide protection and assistance to overseas workers from economic dangers and life-insecurity.

On-Site Assistance and Services for OFWs at their Job Sites

  • Airport Assistance
  • Assistance on the whereabouts of the OFW
  • Hospital/prison/work camp visitations
  • Legal assistance to OFWs
  • Mediation/Conciliation with the Employer
  • Psychosocial Counselling

In-Country Assistance for OFWs and Families at the Home Front

  • Post-Repatriation Assistance
  • Temporary Shelter at the OWWA Halfway House
  • Transportation Allowance to their Provinces
  • Stress Debriefing or Counselling
  • Referrals
  • Requests of Families/Next-of-Kins (NOKs) from OWWA Overseas Posts for assistance

Reintegration Program

The OFW Reintegration Program aims to integrate the OFWs back in the Philippines. It allows them to return home and find work in consideration of their permanent stay, without having to go through the cumbersome process of getting approval from their home country.

Reintegration Preparedness (On-Site)

There are several reintegration and training programs available for returning OFWs in the Philippines.

  • Entrepreneurial Development Training
  • Financial Literacy
  • Techno-skills and Capacity Building
  • Value Formation Training

Reintegration (In-Country)

Listed below are the various services OFWs can avail of once they return and plan to settle for good and start a livelihood in the Philippines.

  • Business Counselling
  • Community Organizing
  • Financial Literacy Seminars
  • Job Referrals
  • Networks with Support Institutions
  • Social Preparation by OWWA Regional Welfare Offices

Balik Pilipinas! Balik Hapapbuhay! Program

This financial assistance amounting to Php 20,000.00 is for persons who are under distress overseas or who have been displaced due to the troubled situation in their host country.

Documentary Requirements:

  • Application Form – accompanied by an affidavit stating that the monetary assistance will be used strictly for self-employment or for beginning/growing your livelihood.
  • Entrepreneurial Development Training Certificate
  • RWO Director-approved Business Proposal with an indication of sustainability/feasibility of the chosen livelihood
  • Proof of Repatriation or Return to the Philippines (e.g., passport, travel documents, airline ticket)

Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development Loan Program (OFW-EDLP)

OWWA’s business development intervention and loan facility, formerly known as the OFW — Reintegration Program, is partnered with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to promote OFWs and their families’ enterprise development.

Qualifications:

  • Must be an (Active or Non-Active) OWWA Member
  • Must have  completed the Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT)
  • For OFWs who are working abroad/about to leave, you may be represented by:
    • If Married — by the Legal Spouse
  • If Single, Separated-in-Fact, Widow, or Widower— either parent who must not be older than sixty (60) years old, and children must be at least eighteen (18) years old.

When you avail of the OFW EDLP, you will be presented with terms and conditions, as listed below:

  • Interest Rate: 5%/year for the entire loan duration
  • Loan Amount: This will be dependent on the project purpose and required amount of the borrower’s equity participation
  • Loan Purpose: Fixed Asset Acquisition and Working Capital
  • Project Cost-Sharing: Borrower’s Equity: 20% minimum of the Total Project Cost

For Individual Loan Borrowers (Single Proprietorship)

  • Minimum: Php 100,000.00
  • Maximum: Php  5,000,000.00

Loan Repayment:

  • Short-Term: one (1) year maximum
  • Term Loan: dependent on revenue stream (not beyond 7 years, includes two (2) years [maximum] grace period)

Loan Security or Collateral:

  • Object of Funding
  • Mortgage-ready Project assets (equipment or machines) as well as the borrower’s other assets

Eligible Projects:

  • Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Production
  • Construction
  • Contract Tie-up with Corporations within the Top 1,000
  • Franchising Business
  • Manufacturing
  • Rental Business
  • Service
  • Trading Business
  • Transport Service

Note: The enterprise should have enough cash flows to cover the projected amortization of the loan.

Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-Unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong PUSO)

The objective of the Tulong PUSO financial grant is to support the improvement of OFW organizations’ livelihoods project.

This program provides support services that are usually through the provision of raw materials, equipment, tools, and other support services to small and medium-sized businesses.

Repatriation Assistance Benefits

The repatriation assistance program aims to support persons in need of repatriation services. It is carried out in the event of natural disasters or political unrest.

  • Airport Assistance
  • Psychosocial Counselling
  • Stress Debriefing
  • Temporary Shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home
  • Transport Services to their respective Provinces

Who Are Eligible?

OWWA-OFW members and other Overseas Filipinos.

Requirements:

  • Valid Passport ID – can be secured from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
  • Intake Sheet – can be obtained from the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Division (OWWA RAD)
  • Other Special Requirements
    • Boarding Pass or Proof of Repatriation
    • Overseas Employment Contract (OEC) or other proof of employment overseas – can be secured at POLO office abroad or at the POEA office in the Philippines.
    • Travel Document

How To Avail Of This Service:

  • Visit the OFW’s permanent address, which is covered by the OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
  • Accomplish the Application or Intake Form
  • Go to the case officer who has been assigned to you:
  • 1st  Table – Asian countries
  • 2nd Table – Kuwait, Lebanon, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan are all part of the Arab League.
  • 3rd Table – Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Africa, and other countries in the Middle East
  • 5th Table – Workers from North and South Africa, Europe, and the Sea
  • Wait for the concerned RAD Case Officer to call and coordinate:
  • Coordination with the Legal Service is necessary.
  • Appropriate coordination, updates, and service delivery with POLO at the job site in question.

Video: OWWA Programs & Services List

Check out this video as explained by Deputy Administrator Mocha Uson. She shares the full list of projects from OWWA and this is where your contributions as a member will go to. So please view the full benefits and projects in this clip below:

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of programs and services an OWWA-OFW member can get from the administration. Listed above are the programs you should check out to know, if you, as an OFW, qualify. There are tremendous benefits, and they cover a lot of categories. So it shouldn’t be a problem finding one you can take advantage of right now, or even in the future.

Moreover, these benefits are not limited to the OFW themselves, but also to their dependents, covering various areas, such as employment, training, and education, as well as health. There’s a lot to be had, only if you know what you can avail of or apply for.

Hopefully, through the help of this guide, you can maximize all of which the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration stands for and offers. Also, do make sure to share this with the people you know who can benefit from it, as well – such as OFWs and overseas Filipinos. 

error: Content is protected !!