How To Apply For OWWA Welfare Assistance Programs (WAP)

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Individual OFWs and their families can benefit from the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program when they are facing financial difficulties or a crisis. Assistance programs are provided in the form of Bereavement Assistance, Calamity Assistance, Disability and Dismemberment Assistance, Medical Assistance, and Relief Assistance.

Overview:

Members of OWWA are entitled to receive financial assistance in the event of unfortunate incidents. In its mission to promote and preserve the best interests of millions of Filipino Migrant workers and their families, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is an agency within the Department of Labor and Employment. Through programs that cater to Filipinos’ needs, such as health and education, calamity relief and bereavement, the agency aims to connect Filipinos with the world and provide genuine service.

Bereavement Assistance

A Bereavement Assistance is available to families of deceased OFWs even if their membership status is inactive, unlike the Death and Burial Benefits, which are for families of deceased OFWs whose membership status remains active upon death. The program offers bereaved families a one-time cash aid of PhP 20,000 to cover funeral expenses and income loss.

Requirements:

At least two (2) valid I.D.s of Claimant
Medical Certificate / Examination Procedure Result
Accident / Police Report
If claimant is not the OFW, Special Power of Attorney (SPA)

Calamity Assistance

As part of the Calamity Assistance program, OWWA OFW members, active or inactive, and their families may receive assistance following natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or typhoons, as well as man-made calamities such as chemical spills.

OFWs who are inactive or active during a natural calamity are eligible for cash aid of PhP500. While inactive OFW members can avail of a cash aid amount equivalent to PhP1,500, active OFW members can avail of a cash aid amount equal to PhP3,000.

Requirements:

At least two (2) valid I.D.s of OFW or Claimant
Authorization Letter with I.D. of OFW, if claimant is not the OFW
Barangay Certificate as resident of disaster / emergency affected community
If victim of fire incident, secure Certification

Disability and Dismemberment Assistance

In order to assist OWWA OFW members who have sustained significant partial or permanent injuries within the course of their employment and have been unable to continue working, this program provides immediate aid.

For partial or temporary injuries, qualified beneficiaries are eligible for financial assistance ranging from PhP2,500 to PhP25,000, and for permanent injuries, PhP50,000 to PhP100,000.

Requirements:

At least two (2) valid I.D.s of Claimant
Medical Certificate / Examination Procedure Result
Accident / Police Report
If claimant is not the OFW, Special Power of Attorney (SPA)

Medical Assistance

OWWA, in addition to providing Supplementary Medical Assistance or MedPlus through PhilHealth, also provides sufficient medical assistance to its active and inactive members, as well as their qualified dependents, suffering from illnesses, crime-related injuries, and other medical conditions not covered by the aforementioned program.

The grant, which varies from beneficiary to beneficiary, makes this a substantial health benefit, but should not be considered a replacement for health insurance, as it is only valid for one application.

Requirements:

At least two (2) valid I.D.s of OFW or Claimant
Authorization Letter with I.D. of OFW, if claimant is not the OFW
Original Medical Certificate / Abstract with PTR No. of Attending Physician

Relief Assistance

Finally, OWWA contributes to the welfare and economic well-being of OFWs who have been laid off or displaced due to an economic, political, or public health crisis.

In the same manner as Medical Assistance, this assistance is available to inactive and active members, but the amount varies from beneficiary to beneficiary.

Requirements: