How to Avail OWWA Bereavement Benefits

The OWWA Bereavement Assistance is a one-time cash assistance of up to PhP 20,000 given to the bereaved families of deceased OFWs. The application process entails that immediate family members such as parents, siblings, spouse, or child may apply on behalf of their deceased OFW relative with proof of relationship and identity presented upon submission.

We have featured the Death and Burial Benefit as part of the Welfare Assistance Program of OWWA, for OFWs who have died while in contract and their bereaved dependents in the country. However, for those who do not qualify for the program, OWWA also has this Bereavement Assistance where qualified beneficiaries are entitled to a cash aid amounting up to PhP 20,000, in hopes of a fresh start. Again, this is for both active and inactive OWWA OFW members who do not qualify for the Death and Burial Benefit or any of OWWA’s Social Benefits, keeping OWWA’s promise of genuine service to Filipinos worldwide.

Should you need such assistance, let this article guide you to applying for bereavement assistance on behalf of your dearly departed OFW relative.

how to claim owwa bereavement assistance

Overview

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is a government agency mandated to serve and secure the interest and well-being of OFWs and their dependents in the country. Among their projects include welfare programs that are designed to provide monetary and scholarship assistance to either active OWWA OFW members and their families and cater to various life events from cradle to grave.

Applications are subject to review and assessment by OWWA and labor agencies so not all applications will be granted immediately after submission; however there is no need for payment back should you get accepted. This benefit is only available to OFWs who are no longer employed or have not worked in the last 24 months prior to his/her death.

This benefit program honors the hard work and legacy of service by recognizing their contributions here in the Philippines as well as abroad. It also provides some relief for families who have lost an income earner due to death or retirement.

Benefits

Qualified beneficiaries of the program are entitled to a financial assistance, amounting to a maximum of PhP 20,000 to cover up for loss of income as well as any cost for funeral and burial proceedings.

Qualifications

To qualify for the program, an applicant must be:

  • An immediate family member of a deceased OWWA OFW member.
  • The OWWA OFW member may either be active or inactive.
  • NOT a beneficiary or have been qualified for OWWA’s Social Benefit Programs

Requirements

Family members who qualify for the program may apply upon completion of the following documents:

  • Deceased OFW’s valid ID
  • Any of the following to certify relationship with the OFW:
  • Birth Certificate of the child, if the child is the applicant
  • Marriage Certificate, if the spouse is the applicant
  • Birth certificate of sibling or parent, and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), if the OFW is single

How to Claim Bereavement Assistance from OWWA

Upon completion of the requirements, applicants may proceed with their application process:

  1. Go to your designated OWWA Regional or Satellite Office, for local applicants, or the POLO OWWA office, for applicants abroad.
  2. Accomplish the necessary documentary specifications.
  3. Submit your requirements along with supporting documents.
  4. Wait for an authorized OWWA representative to correspond to you regarding your application.

Keep in mind, however, that applications must be made within three (3) years since the death of the OWWA OFW member. Applications made later than the given period will be considered invalid.

Furthermore, given limitations in the agency’s budget particular for the program, as well as multiple applications being reviewed, the financial assistance will vary across approved applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some FAQs about the bereavement benefits of OWWA for OFWs:

1. What is Bereavement Assistance? Is it the same with Death and Burial Benefits?

The Bereavement Assistance is a benefit program by OWWA for families of its deceased OWWA OFW members. Similar to Death and Burial Benefits, it is also one of the agency’s social benefit programs which provide cash assistance in hope of covering the family’s loss of income as well as any funeral or burial costs. However, unlike the Death and Burial Benefits which only covers active OWWA OFW members who have died while in contract abroad, the Bereavement Assistance covers both active and inactive OWWA OFW members who have died abroad. 

2. How much will the bereavement assistance be?

The program provides a one-time cash assistance of up to PhP 20,000 to the bereaved families of deceased OWWA OFW members, subject to review by OWWA and other concerning agencies.

3. Do I have to pay back the amount given for this bereavement assistance?

No, this is a benefit program, not a cash loan. You do not need to pay back the given amount to OWWA. 

4. Who are qualified to apply for the OWWA bereavement program?

Immediate family members, such as parents, siblings, spouse or child, may apply for the program on behalf of their deceased OFW relative. Proof of relationship as well as applicant and OFW’s identity shall therefore be presented upon application.

5. Can I apply on behalf of two deceased OFW members?

No, an applicant can only apply on behalf of one (1) deceased OFW member. Should there be more than one OFW member who has died in the family, another applicant may be considered. However, do remember that applications are subject to review and assessment by OWWA and concerning agencies as well.

6. Am I guaranteed of the cash assistance upon application?

No, filing an application does not guarantee you of cash aid right away. This is because all applications undergo review and assessment by OWWA as well as labor and financial agencies. Given a limited budget for the program, not all applications are granted, and the cash aid varies from one application to another.

Summary

The Bereavement Assistance, being part of OWWA’s social benefits for its members, is a testament to the agency’s passion and dedication to protecting the best interest and well-being of millions of Filipinos abroad.

OWWA Bereavement Assistance is definitely a big help for families whose breadwinner just passed away, as this will help them recover much faster from their loss.

This is OWWA’s means of recognizing their hard work and continuing their legacy of service to their families here in the country, and with such a program intact, you can always count on OWWA to honor our modern-day heroes with their service.

Contact Information

For more information on the Bereavement Assistance, you may contact OWWA through the following:

And for more information concerning OWWA social benefit and other programs, you may check out their website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial. You may also opt to download the OWWA Mobile App on Google Play or App Store to stay updated with their programs.

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