For OFWs in California, USA, renewing your OWWA membership is only necessary as it gives you access to the different services, programs, and support provided to its registered members.
Furthermore, Filipinos who have obtained employment in California, USA, through a visit visa should voluntarily apply for the OWWA membership to ensure they’re protected and receive the different OWWA benefits.
And if you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your OWWA membership, the POLO California, USA, is where you should process your application. So to make the process convenient for you, follow the guide below for the OWWA membership application in California, USA.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment and Membership in Washington DC, USA
Contents
Overview
The Philippine government has launched the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an agency in charge of promoting and protecting the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in the world. OWWA works with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), ensuring that OFWs have legal employment and receive the necessary assistance.
Since OFWs are working for other nationality employers, OWWA will provide them protection for cases they suffer from maltreatment. The institution offers a membership program to qualified OFWs, loaded with different services, programs, and support that can improve their lives and careers.
In addition, OWWA membership is beneficial for OFWs as they provide support during difficulties, such as legal assistance for employer conflicts and Covid-19 support from quarantine facility to financial aid. Registered OWWA members can also enjoy other services such as livelihood programs, loans, educational and training benefits, scholarships for legal dependents, repatriation, and reintegration benefits.
Apart from that, OWWA membership acts as an insurance policy, providing support for medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial. Thus, OFWs will benefit from the OWWA membership, providing assistance from pre-employment to reintegration, ensuring a stable life. So OFWs should ensure an active OWWA membership to enjoy maximum benefits.
Requirements
If you’re an OFW in California, USA, or under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, California, here are the following requirements you need to comply with to apply for or renew your OWWA membership:
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet
- Photocopy of Active and Valid Proof of Employment
- Photocopy of Valid Visa and Work Permit
- Original and photocopy of passport (showing the data page)
- OFWs must present a letter of certification from the employer or company, verifying that they are not on the list of terminated, resigned, canceled, or employees due for termination.
- OWWA membership fee of US$25.00
Qualifications
To ensure that OWWA delivers the benefits to the right individuals, the institution has set qualification criteria all members need to meet. OWWA requires its members to have active and continuous work and are “legal” or “documented” workers listed under POEA with valid work permits and visas.
Also, OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries and remain Filipino citizens with full-time or permanent employment can apply for or renew their OWWA membership.
On the other hand, while OWWA cares for the welfare of OFWs, OWWA members are required to have active and continuous work. So the following individuals are not qualified to apply or renew their OWWA membership, including employees:
- Due for termination
- Terminated
- Due for cancellation
- Canceled
- Resigned
- Under the “No work, No pay” scheme
Booking an OWWA Appointment in California, USA
As of writing, POLO California doesn’t have an online appointment system for OWWA membership applications. However, it is necessary to book an appointment to apply or renew your OWWA membership since the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Los Angeles, California, only provide consular services to clients with confirmed appointment schedule.
The PCG Los Angeles also conducts Consular Outreach Mission to offer services to OFWs across the USA. So if you wish to partake in the Consular Outreach Mission, you can check the upcoming schedule on their website.
The list of Outreach Schedule also shows the details to book an appointment. Nonetheless, visit the POLO and PCG California website and Facebook pages for the latest process. And to book an appointment for OWWA membership, follow the steps below.
Step by step on how to set up an appointment for OWWA payment
Via POLO California, USA Office
- Call the office of POLO California at (213) 944-2599 or (213) 223-1120 to verify your OWWA membership status.
- Afterward, schedule an appointment for the OWWA membership application and pay the contribution fee.
- Ensure that you have a confirmed appointment schedule before visiting the office.
Via PCG California Consular Outreach Mission
- Visit the official website of PCG California at https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/.
- On the upper screen, hover on The Consulate and click Outreach Schedule.
- A list of Outreach Schedule will appear on the screen. Select your preferred schedule.
- Next, read and follow the instructions on the PDF for the Consular Outreach Mission details.
- Look for the Outreach email on the first page.
- On the provided email, book an appointment and send your complete documents.
- Visit the website days before the scheduled Outreach Mission to check if you’re on the list of eligible applicants.
Paying OWWA Membership in California, USA
After confirming an appointment schedule for the OWWA membership application, ensure to bring a copy of it on the day of your visit. Complete your requirements and arrive on the day of your appointment on time.
Also, applicants should present their Covid-19 vaccination cards to verify that they’re fully vaccinated to enter the premises of PCG California.
However, applicants are only exempted from this requirement if they have a medical reason. They only need to bring a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours before their visit.
Once they’re qualified to become OWWA members, they can pay the OWWA membership fee on-site. So to pay the OWWA membership fee, follow the steps below.
Step by step process of paying the OWWA membership
Via POLO California, USA Office
- Visit the POLO California office on your appointment date.
- Present a copy of the appointment schedule to the guard, if applicable.
- Also, show your Covid-19 vaccination card, indicating that you’re fully vaccinated. If you have a medical reason, present a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before your visit.
- Head to the OWWA counter and submit your documents for verification.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and collect the official receipt.
Via PCG California Consular Outreach Mission
- Check the website of PCG California to confirm you’re on the list of eligible applicants or check your email for an appointment schedule.
- Head to the scheduled Consular Outreach Mission location.
- Wear a face mask and show proof of vaccination or negative RT-PCR test.
- Go to the OWWA counter to submit your documents for verification.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and collect the official receipt.
Reminders with OWWA California, USA
To ensure a successful OWWA membership application, please take note of the following reminders:
- Applicants should wear a facemask and bring Covid-19 vaccination cards to confirm being fully vaccinated or won’t be allowed to enter the premise. The PCG California will only exempt applicants with medical reasons but must present a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours before their visit.
- OFWs should wear proper attire to enter the POLO-OWWA office in California, USA. It is prohibited to wear sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers.
- Visit the Facebook page and website of PCG and POLO California for the latest updates.
Video: OWWA Membership in California, USA
For more details on OWWA membership, please watch the video below:
As shown in the video, OFWs can choose to pay the OWWA membership fee via Cebuana or GCash. Download the OWWA mobile app and renew your OWWA membership in the app. So no matter where OFWs are in the world, renewing their OWWA membership is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the following answers to common questions about POLO office in Los Angeles:
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in California, USA?
You can book an appointment for the OWWA membership application by calling POLO California at (213) 944-2599 or (213) 223-1120.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in California, USA?
You can renew your OWWA membership by booking an appointment with POLO California or attending Consular Outreach Mission.
3. How to renew OWWA membership online?
To renew your OWWA membership online, download the OWWA mobile app and sign up for an account. Log in to your account and click the information section. You will see your membership status if it’s active or inactive. If your OWWA membership is inactive, click Renew Membership Here. Fill out the transaction details and choose your preferred payment method. Next, pay the contribution fee to renew your OWWA membership online.
4. How much is OWWA membership in California, USA?
The OWWA membership in California is US$25.00.
5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?
You can pay for the OWWA membership online if you renew it with the OWWA mobile app. Choose one over-the-counter payment method and pay the OWWA membership fee using an online bank or e-wallet.
6. How long is OWWA membership valid?
OWWA membership will only last for two years and will expire on the date of application.
7. Why my OWWA membership is inactive?
There are many reasons why your OWWA membership becomes inactive. First, if the two-year validity period has passed, your OWWA membership automatically becomes inactive. Also, if you have an expired work visa or change employers, the OWWA membership will be inactive since the validity only applies to the same employer listed in the application.
8. Is OWWA membership mandatory?
Yes, the OWWA membership is mandatory for first-time OFWs who completed their employment process at POEA.
9. Are all OFW member of OWWA?
Since OWWA has imposed qualification criteria and requires specific documents for the application, OFWs who cannot comply are not qualified to become OWWA members. So no, not all OFW are members of OWWA.
10. Who can avail of OWWA benefits?
OWWA benefits are available by active or registered OWWA members, from educational programs to financial assistance. Inactive members can also access limited OWWA benefits.
Summary
We encourage all OFWs in California, USA, that having an active OWWA membership can ensure their access to maximum OWWA benefits. So with our application guide, we hope that the process is made more convenient for you.
Also, if you’re residing in areas far from the POLO-OWWA office, you can opt to renew your membership using the OWWA mobile app.
Contact Details
POLO-OWWA California, USA
Address: Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles, 3435 Wilshire Blvd Suite 3040, Los Angeles, CA, 90010
Hotline: (213) 944-2599
Office Phone: (213) 223-1120
Email: pololosangeles@gmail.com
Website: https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA
Google Map Location
Please check out the POLO Los Angeles, California office map guide below: