How To Apply OWWA Death and Burial Benefits

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can file a claim for death and burial benefits when they die abroad. Having an OFW relative die while overseas can lead to the need for death and burial benefits. Here’s how to claim them.

Overview

Bereaved families are entitled to death and burial benefits from OWWA, which include up to PhP200,000 in cash assistance and PhP20,000 in burial benefits.

In order to secure this benefit for you and your family, ensure that your OWWA membership status is renewed to ensure that you can take advantage of this benefit.

Benefits

If the OFW died of a natural cause or an accident, his or her beneficiaries are entitled to a death benefit amounting to PhP100,000.

Furthermore, a burial benefit of PhP20,000 will also be provided to the bereaved family to help meet some of the costs of burial.

Qualifications

To qualify for the death and burial benefit, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Must be land or sea-based OFW
• Must be an active member of OWWA
• The cause of death must either be natural or accidental

Requirements

Documentation requirements for applicants are as follows:

• A completed Application for Death Claim from OWWA
• A copy of the claimant’s original birth certificate issued by PSA or the local civil registrar
• Foreign Death Certificate

• To certify the cause of death of an OFW, any of the following documents will suffice:
• In the case that the OFW died while employed abroad: Mortuary certificate issued by the consular office, Airway Bill, and No Objection Certificate.
• An official accident report is required if the OFW died in an accident.

• Burial permit
• Funeral costs are broken down and receipted
• One (1) photo ID of the claimant and two (2) valid IDs
• Relationship proof between claimant and OFW:
• A marriage certificate issued by the PSA is required for the spouse of an OFW
• Original birth certificate for OFW’s parents
• A PSA-issued birth certificate for the OFW’s child and a PSA-issued death certificate for the OFW
• In the absence of a PSA-issued birth certificate, one of the following may be presented:
• An official declaration of unregistered births or marriages from the local civil registrar.
• Certificate of baptism or marriage issued by a religious institution or church
• Two (2) sworn affidavits certifying the claimant’s relationship with the deceased OFW
• An affidavit of undertaking as signed by the claimant, together with a formal police record if the death was caused by an accident.

On the release of the assistance, approved applicants must also present any of the following identification:

• Original Passport
• Company ID
• Postal ID
• Driver’s License
• Original copy of NBI Clearance
• Senior Citizen ID

Claiming Death Benefits from OWWA

After securing all the necessary documentary requirements, you will need to follow these steps to claim the benefits from OWWA.

Step 1: A POLO application form can be obtained at your local POLO office or your regional or satellite OWWA office.

Step 2: Please complete all required information and attach all required documentation.

Step 3: Your application must be sent to the OWWA Regional or Satellite Office via courier.

Step 4: Your application will be confirmed by an authorized OWWA representative.