DOLE-AKAP Application Ayuda Cash Assistance for OFWs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA), has introduced the DOLE-OWWA AKAP  Assistance for OFWs (DOLE-AKAP). This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to land-based and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been displaced or lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.DOLE-AKAP Application Ayuda Cash Assistance for OFWs program.

Under this program, DOLE is offering a one-time financial aid amounting to US$200.00 (or Php 10,000.00) or its equivalent in the local currency to eligible active OWWA member OFWs who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic but are still stranded in their host countries. If you are an eligible OFW and wish to learn about how to access this cash assistance, the following sections will outline the requirements, qualifications, and procedures necessary to claim the DOLE-AKAP funds.

What is OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs?

The OWWA DOLE-AKAP Financial Assistance Program for OFWs is an initiative launched by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide support and assistance to land-based and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been displaced or laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program aims to ensure the continuity of the original DOLE-AKAP program, which was initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). It reflects the government’s commitment to the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Under this program, eligible OFWs can receive a one-time cash aid of US$200.00. The financial assistance is intended to help meet the basic needs of OFWs who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. The DOLE-AKAP Program was specifically designed to provide additional funds to OFWs in different countries who are in urgent need of assistance and are unable to receive support from their employers or the host government.

It’s important to note that the financial assistance provided by the DOLE-AKAP Program is not a loan, and recipients are not required to repay the amount received. Additionally, there are no fees associated with the application process.

The funding for the DOLE-AKAP Program, as well as the administrative expenses incurred in its implementation, is not sourced from the government or the OWWA Fund. Instead, the program is funded using the budget allocated for the DOLE COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE-CAMP), which amounts to 1.5 billion pesos.

What countries will benefit from the DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs?

Some priority countries or territories for onsite OFWs who can benefit from the DOLE-AKAP Program include:

  • Australia
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Canada
  • Cyprus
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Korea
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

What are the Benefits of OWWA DOLE-AKAP for OFWs?

The OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs come with privileges and benefits which include the following:

The proposal suggests providing a non-binding, one-time monetary assistance called “ayuda” to land-based and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have experienced job loss or displacement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of the aid would be US$200.00.

To ensure accessibility, OFWs would be able to apply for this financial assistance from any location using an online platform or by visiting the POLO-OWWA offices.

To track the progress of their application, OFWs would have the ability to check the status online through the DOLE-AKAP Tracker Status Inquiry platform.

Once approved, the cash aid would be disbursed directly to the bank accounts of the eligible recipients. Alternatively, it could be facilitated through money exchange centers or service providers such as Palawan Express or MLhuillier.

What are the Qualifications for OWWA DOLE-AKAP?

As far as the OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program is concerned, here’s a list of people who can avail the benefits of the program:

  1. Documented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who meet the following criteria:
    • Possess a valid passport.
    • Hold an appropriate visa or work permit in the host country.
    • Have had their employment contract processed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
  2. Active members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) who:
    • Were previously regular or documented employees but lost their regular or documented status for any reason.
    • Have not registered with the POEA or had their contracts processed by the POEA or POLO, but are taking steps to rectify their contract or status.
  3. Inactive members of OWWA who are qualified undocumented OFWs:
    • Must be active OWWA members at the time of seeking assistance.
    • Are not registered with the POEA or had their contracts processed by the POEA or POLO.
  4. Balik-Manggagawa workers who are unable to return to their host country due to lockdown or the Philippine’s Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
  5. Balik-Manggagawa workers who are unable to return to their home country due to COVID-19 lockdown in the host country.

The following individuals are ineligible to receive the DOLE-AKAP financial assistance:

  1. Those who have already received Php10,000.00 special cash assistance under the Special Financial Assistance to the Stranded OFWs due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019 NCOV ARD).
  2. Those who have already received Php10,000.00 financial assistance under the original DOLE-AKAP Program.
  3. Individuals whose employment contracts have expired.

Individuals whose employment contracts were terminated for reasons unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are the Requirements when applying for the DOLE-AKAP Program?

To apply for and get a chance to avail the privileges of the OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs, land-based and sea-based OFWs whose jobs were affected due to COVID-19 must prepare and submit the following documentary requirements:

Photocopy of passport

Proof of Overseas Employment:

      • Copy of valid Overseas Employment Contract (OEC)
      • Balik Manggagawa (BM) Online Certificate (if BM)
      • Permit to remain in the receiving country
      • Residence I.D.
      • Visa or Re-entry Visa

Proof of Loss of Employment on account of COVID-19:

      • Notice/Certificate of Termination of Employment by Employer or Foreign/Philippine Recruitment Agency
      • “Sariling Sanaysay” on the Loss of Employment on Account of COVID-19, with valid I.D.
      • If no termination letter was issued, a summary letter with the cause of loss of employment due to COVID-19
      • Notice of business closure issued by a Foreign Recruitment Agency or the principal/employer
      • Incident report on job termination submitted by the employer to the POLO in question
      • Philippine Embassy/Consulate/POLO/OWWA certification/referral of displacement due to COVID-19

Proof that the host country is on the list of those adversely impacted by COVID-19

    1. Proof of Return to the Philippines (for ROF):
      • Boarding Pass
      • Arrival stamp
      • Airline Tickets
    2. For stranded Balik Manggagawa workers:
      • Return ticket or Boarding Pass of the last arrival to the Philippines
      • Valid Visa
    3. Evidence that the OFW is actually interested in an ongoing lawsuit for OFWs who are undocumented through no fault of their own:
      • Case reference number
      • Case endorsement stamped by POLO

The provided information outlines the steps for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who have returned to their home country and Balik-Manggagawa workers who have been repatriated to the Philippines to apply online for the DOLE-AKAP Program. Here is a summary of the steps:

  1. Visit the DOLE-AKAP online application platform via the link: http://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph.
  2. Log in to the platform and fill out the online application form.
  3. Attach and upload the required documentary requirements, which include:

Photocopy of passport (Travel Documents)

    • Proof of Overseas Employment:
      • Copy of valid Overseas Employment Contract (OEC) or Balik Manggagawa (BM) Online Certificate
      • Permit to remain in the receiving country, Residence I.D., Visa, or Re-entry Visa
    • Proof of Loss of Employment due to COVID-19:
      • Notice/Certificate of Termination of Employment by Employer or Recruitment Agency
      • “Sariling Sanaysay” on the Loss of Employment due to COVID-19 with valid I.D.
      • Summary letter with cause of loss of employment due to COVID-19 if no termination letter was issued
      • Notice of business closure issued by a Foreign Recruitment Agency or employer
      • Incident report on job termination submitted by the employer to the POLO
      • Philippine Embassy/Consulate/POLO/OWWA certification/referral of displacement due to COVID-19
      • Proof that the host country is on the list of those adversely impacted by COVID-19
    • Proof of Return to the Philippines (for ROF):
      • Boarding Pass, Arrival stamp, and/or Airline Tickets
    • Additional documents for stranded Balik Manggagawa workers as determined by the evaluating office.
  1. Click the “SUBMIT” button and confirm the submission.

You should receive a system-generated confirmation receipt, as well as a confirmation receipt via your nominated e-mail address, containing a One-Time-Pin

For Onsite OFW Applications

Onsite OFWs or those who are unable to go home after losing their jobs due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic may also apply for the DOLE-AKAP Program onsite via the POLO-OWWA branches near them.

To do so, they simply need to follow these steps:

  • Prepare the required documents which includes the following:
    • Travel Documents, including
      • Photocopy of passport
    • Proof of Overseas Employment, which can either be:
      • Copy of valid Overseas Employment Contract (OEC);
      • Balik Manggagawa (BM) Online Certificate (if, BM);
      • Permit to remain in the receiving country,
      • Residence I.D;
      • Visa or Re-entry Visa;
    • Proof of Loss of Employment on account of COVID-19:
      • Notice/Certificate of Termination of Employment by Employer or Foreign/Philippine Recruitment Agency; and/or
      • “Sariling Sanaysay” on the Loss of Employment on Account of COVID-19, with valid I.D
      • If no termination letter was issued, summary letter with cause of loss of employment due to COVID-19
      • Notice of business closure issued by a Foreign Recruitment Agency or the principal/employer
      • Incident report on job termination submitted by the employer to the POLO in question
      • Philippine Embassy/Consulate/POLO/OWWA certification/referral of displacement due to COVID-19
    • Proof that the host country are on the list of those who are adversely impacted by COVID-19
    • Proof of Return to the Philippines (for ROF)
      • Boarding Pass;
      • Arrival stamp; and/or
      • Airline Tickets
    • For stranded Balik Manggagawa workers, they must submit:
      • Return ticket or Boarding Pass of last arrival to Philippines
      • Valid Visa
    • Others documents as may be determined by the evaluating office.
  • Send the complete documentary requirement to the concerned POLOs.
  • Within five (5) working days after the POLO receives the complete documentation, the designated POLO Officers/staff will review the application and notify the OFWs about the status of their application.
  • If the DOLE-AKAP application is accepted and approved, the concerned POLO will submit the USD 200.00 and initiate the processing of the bank transfer or money transfer for the eligible beneficiaries

DOLE-AKAP Application Form

To apply for the program, simply visit the DOLE-AKAP portal at https://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph and fill out the application form online.
Once you have submitted the form, you will be contacted by a representative from the DOLE-AKAP program who will provide further instructions on how to receive the financial assistance.

DOLE-AKAP Tracker Status Inquiry online

The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) online tracker status inquiry system provides a convenient method for workers to check the progress of their DOLE AKAP applications for assistance.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can access the status tracker through the following URL: https://doleakaptracker.owwa.gov.ph/.

Once an application has been found, workers can view the current status of their application as well as any messages left by the assigned case officer. This online platform streamlines the process and enables applicants to stay updated on their application’s progress without the need for physical visits or lengthy communication exchanges.

Important Reminders

  1. Eligibility: You must have lost your job due to COVID-19-related lockdowns, neighborhood quarantines, or other measures.
  2. Job Location: You should either be currently present at your job site in the Philippines or have been unable to return to your job site due to COVID-19, or have been repatriated to the Philippines because of COVID-19.
  3. Salary/Benefit Restrictions: You must not have accepted any salary or financial benefit from your employer, nor should you be eligible for government assistance in your country of employment due to COVID-19.
  4. Application Submission: If you are stranded in the Philippines as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, you can submit your DOLE-AKAP application online through the official portal at https://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph.
  5. Onsite Application: If you are an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was displaced or laid off due to COVID-19 but couldn’t return home, you can submit your DOLE-AKAP application through the POLO branches located near you.
  6. COVID-19 Positive Cases: If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you are not eligible for OWWA financial assistance under the DOLE-AKAP Program.
  7. Application Form: There is no need to download the DOLE-AKAP Application Form separately. Simply visit the DOLE-AKAP portal mentioned above and complete the form online.
  8. Seafarers: Seafarers are also eligible for DOLE-AKAP assistance. They need to follow the same application procedure and submit all the required documents.
  9. Contact Information: Ensure that you provide a valid email address on the application form to receive the confirmation receipt and any other communication regarding the status of your application via email.

OWWA DOLE-AKAP Application Tutorial and Feedback

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am applying for the OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program and have submitted all my requirements at the concerned POLO. How would I know that they have indeed received my application?

Polo-OWWA will send you an email confirmation or acknowledgment receipt to verify the receipt of your application and inform you that they will initiate the process of verifying the documents you have submitted. In order to receive this email, as well as all other communications regarding the status of your DOLE-AKAP application, it is important to ensure that the email address you provided during the application is accurate and capable of receiving messages.

2. How soon will the DOLE-AKAP financial aid be allocated to the eligible program qualifiers?

The concerned POLO-OWWA office will begin the process within five (5) working days after the application approval is released. However, there is no specific timeframe, and it is uncertain how soon the funds will be disbursed or transferred, whether through a bank or money exchange centers or service providers. According to some OFWs who have received the assistance, it typically takes about 2-3 months for the process to be completed. Therefore, OFW applicants are advised to be patient while waiting for updates.

It’s important to note that any errors in the information provided can further delay the transfer. Therefore, it is crucial to double-check that you are providing the correct remittance information during the application process. Once the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sends the funds to POLO or OWWA RWOs, the financial assistance will be released.

3. Will all applicants receive the Php 10,000.00 financial assistance?

If the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are applying for the DOLE-AKAP Program meet all the qualifications and submit the necessary documents while the funds are still accessible, there is a strong possibility that they will be eligible for the financial assistance provided by the DOLE-AKAP Program. However, it should be noted that there is no assurance that all applicants will receive this assistance since its distribution is contingent upon the availability of funds

4. How do I check the status of my DOLE-AKAP application?

OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who have applied and wish to check the status of their DOLE-AKAP (Department of Labor and Employment-Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong) program application can use the online platform called DOLE-AKAP Tracker Status Inquiry online. By entering their application details, they can view the status of their request, which can be categorized as “On queue,” “Pending/Denied,” “Approved,” or “Released.”

If the application is tagged as “On queue” in the DOLE-AKAP Tracker, it means that the application is still awaiting evaluation. In this case, you simply need to wait for further updates.

If the application status is “Pending/Denied,” it is advisable to reach out to DOLE-AKAP through their communication channels or contact the DOLE-AKAP Contact Center for more information and clarification regarding the status of your application.

When the application status is “Approved,” it indicates that the application is currently being processed for endorsement to DOLE. In this case, you should patiently wait until the status changes to “Released” if you wish to follow up on it.

If the status shows as “Released,” it means that your application has been approved and processed. To obtain your reference code, you will need to get in touch with the DOLE-AKAP team through the nearest OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) Regional Office or POLO-OWWA (Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) branch.

5. How long does it take to process the DOLE-AKAP application?

From the time that the application is received to the evaluation and review of the submitted documents up until the processing and validation of the requirements, the whole process can take up to ten (10) working days in total.

6. I have some questions regarding the DOLE-AKAP Program. Who should I reach out to?

Regarding any concerns or inquiries about the DOLE-AKAP Program, we recommend contacting the designated POLO-OWWA branch or reaching out to DOLE-OWWA via the OWWA RWOs (Regional Welfare Offices). Additionally, you can contact the DOLE-AKAP Hotline by calling 1348 or directly reach out to OWWA for assistance.

Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA)

Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila

Tel. No.: 8891-7601 to 24

OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International)

OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph, commandcenter@dole.gov.ph

OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial

OWWA website: https://owwa.gov.ph/

The OWWA 24/7 Operations Center is also available for you to reach out to. Their office is located at: OWWA Building, 7th corner F.B. Harrison Sts., Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The OWWA 24/7 Contact Center can also be contacted through the following contact information:

Landline: (+632)833-OWWA or (+632)833-6992

Globe Hotline: 2917 (Press “3” for OWWA)

Mobile/SMS text messaging: (0917)TXT-OWWA or (0917)898-6992

Facsimile: +63-2-8040638

Email address: opcenter@owwa.gov.ph/ owwa_opcenter@yahoo.com

Summary

The OWWA DOLE-AKAP Application Ayuda Cash Assistance for OFWs Program for OFWs is a government initiative in the Philippines aimed at providing support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly during challenging times such as the recent global health crisis. This program offers financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries, regardless of whether they contracted COVID-19 while working abroad, or while they were in the Philippines as Balik-Manggagawa, or if they have already returned to the country but have not received their salaries from their employers.

The implementation and administration of this OFW cash assistance program are handled by the POLOs (Philippine Overseas Labor Offices), OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), and DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) offices. These agencies are responsible for managing all the necessary processes and reviewing applications for approval.

The primary goal of the OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program is to provide immediate financial aid to OFWs who are facing difficulties due to circumstances beyond their control. This assistance aims to alleviate their financial burdens and help them cope with the challenges they encounter while working abroad or upon their return to the Philippines.

It is important to note that the information provided here is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes to the program since then. For the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding the OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program, it is recommended to consult the official websites or contact the respective government agencies directly.

Contact Information

For OFWs who want to inquire about the OWWA AKAP ‘ayuda’ program, you may direct your questions to:

OWWA AKAP Hotline – 1348

OWWA-NCR Hotline – 09666250016

OWWA Reintegration Unit – 8834-0719

Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA)

Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila

Tel. No.: 8891-7601 to 24

OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International)

OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph, commandcenter@dole.gov.ph

OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial

OWWA website: https://owwa.gov.ph/

In case you still have other questions or concerns, you also have the option to reach out to OWWA 24/7 Operations Center is located at: OWWA Building, 7th corner F.B. Harrison Sts., Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines and can be contacted through the following contact information:

Landline: (+632)833-OWWA or (+632)833-6992

Globe Hotline: 2917 (Press “3” for OWWA)

Mobile/SMS text messaging: (0917)TXT-OWWA or (0917)898-6992

Facsimile: +63-2-8040638

Email address: opcenter@owwa.gov.ph/ owwa_opcenter@yahoo.comOther documents as determined by the evaluating office.

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