How to Apply OWWA Death and Burial Benefits
In the unfortunate event that an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) passes away while working abroad, his or her next-of-kin can apply for death and burial benefits. This article will guide you through the process of claiming these benefits if you have a relative who was an OFW and passed away while working overseas.How to Apply OWWA Death and Burial Benefits
One of the benefits available to active members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is the death and burial benefit. This benefit provides cash assistance of up to a maximum of PhP 200,000, as well as a burial benefit of PhP 20,000 for the bereaved family.
It’s important to note that only active OWWA OFW members can avail themselves of these benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your membership status is renewed in order to secure this benefit for you and your family.
The application process for claiming death and burial benefits for an OFW who died abroad involves the following steps:
- Gather the necessary documents: You will need to collect the required documents, which typically include the following:
- Death certificate: This is an official document issued by the local government or authorities in the country where the OFW passed away.
- Certificate of employment: This document verifies the OFW’s employment status and may be obtained from the employer or recruitment agency.
- OWWA membership documents: Prepare any relevant OWWA membership documents, such as the membership certificate or receipt.
- Valid identification: Have a valid ID on hand, such as a passport or government-issued ID.
- Other supporting documents: Additional documents may be required, such as a marriage certificate (if applicable), birth certificates of dependents, or other identification documents.
- Contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate: Get in touch with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where the OFW passed away. They will provide guidance and assistance regarding the process for claiming death and burial benefits. You can inquire about the specific requirements and procedures involved.
- Submit the application: Complete the necessary application forms provided by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Attach the required documents, ensuring that they are properly authenticated, translated (if necessary), and notarized, as per the embassy’s instructions. Submit the application and supporting documents to the designated office or department.
- Follow up on the application: Keep in touch with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate to monitor the progress of your application. They can provide updates and inform you about any additional requirements or steps that need to be taken.
- Claim the benefits: Once your application is approved, you will be notified by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Follow their instructions on how to claim the death and burial benefits, including the process for receiving the cash assistance and burial benefit.
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, especially when they are working abroad as an OFW. However, through the support provided by the OWWA and the assistance of the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, you can navigate the process of claiming death and burial benefits to help ease the financial burden during this challenging time.
Overview
Working abroad can be both a privilege and a challenge in itself. However, one of the most difficult aspects is being separated from loved ones, especially when unfortunate circumstances occur, such as the passing away of a family member. This is a common situation for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who sometimes experience an untimely death while being away from their families.
Fortunately, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides death and burial benefits to ensure that the dependents of deceased OFWs receive proper closure. It’s important to note that these benefits can only be claimed if the deceased OFW was an active member of OWWA.
The death benefit provided by OWWA is PHP 200,000. This financial assistance aims to support the grieving family and help with the expenses associated with the funeral and burial arrangements.
While it is heartbreaking to lose a loved one while working abroad, the OWWA death and burial benefits offer some relief and assistance during this challenging time.
Benefits
Eligible beneficiaries of the death and burial benefit can receive a death benefit of PhP 100,000 if the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) passed away due to natural causes. If the OFW’s death resulted from an accident, the death benefit amount increases to PhP 200,000.
In addition to the death benefit, the bereaved family will also receive a burial benefit of PhP 20,000. This amount is intended to assist in covering some of the expenses associated with the burial.
Please note that the information provided is accurate as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. It’s always a good idea to verify the current information with the relevant authorities or organizations involved.
Qualifications
To qualify for the death and burial benefit, an applicant must meet the following:
- A land or sea-based OFW
- An active OWWA member
- The cause of death must either be natural or accidental
Requirements
- Fully accomplished OWWA Death Claim Application Form.
- Original copy of the claimant’s birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or local civil registrar.
- Foreign Death Certificate.
- Any of the following documents to certify the cause of death of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW):
- If the OFW’s death occurred while employed abroad: Mortuary certificate issued by the consular office, Airway Bill, and No Objection Certificate.
- If the OFW’s death occurred due to an accident: Formal accident report.
- Burial permit.
- Official breakdown and receipt of funeral cost.
- Two (2) valid IDs and one (1) ID photo of the claimant.
- Proof of claimant’s relationship to the OFW:
- For the spouse of the OFW: PSA-issued marriage certificate.
- For the parents of the OFW: Original birth certificate of the OFW.
- For the child of the OFW: PSA-issued birth certificate of the child and the OFW’s death certificate.
- If there is no PSA-issued birth or marriage certificate available, any of the following may be presented:
- Certification from the local civil registrar stating that the birth or marriage is not registered in the civil registry.
- Baptismal or marriage certificate from the church or religious institution.
- Sworn affidavit of two (2) unrelated contacts certifying the claimant’s relationship to the deceased OFW.
- An affidavit of undertaking delivered by the claimant. If the cause of death is an accident, a formal police record must also be included.
- For approved applicants, any of the following identification must be presented upon release of the assistance.
Note: This information is based on a hypothetical scenario and may not reflect the actual requirements of any specific organization or government agency. It is always best to consult the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Original Passport
- Company ID
- Postal ID
- Driver’s license
- Original copy of NBI Clearance
- Senior Citizen ID
How to Claim OWWA Death Benefits
Once documentary requirements have been secured, follow these steps to finish your application:
- Go to your assigned OWWA Regional or Satellite Office or contact a POLO office to obtain an application form.
- Complete all necessary information on the form and attach the required supporting documents.
- Send your application to the OWWA Regional or Satellite Office using a courier service.
- Wait for a phone call or email from an authorized OWWA representative to verify your application.
Please note that OWWA stands for Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and POLO stands for Philippine Overseas Labor Office. These instructions are provided for informational purposes, and it’s always advisable to consult official sources or contact the relevant offices for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
General Guidelines
“Incomplete and unverified applications will not be processed. Please ensure that all required information and documentation are provided accurately and completely to avoid any delays or rejection of your application.
It is important to note that the death and burial benefit is specifically provided to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were still under their contract of employment at the time of their unfortunate demise. This benefit is designed to assist the families of OFWs during such difficult times.
For eligible claimants who have been approved of their application, it is crucial to have a bank account in their name ready for the release of the financial assistance. The approved amount will be transferred directly to the provided bank account via bank transfer. Please make sure that your bank account details are correct and up to date. The release of assistance will occur within two (2) weeks from the approval of your application.
If you have any further questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the relevant authorities or support channels. We are here to help you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs about the death benefits of OWWA for OFWs:
1. What does the death and burial benefit cover?
The death and burial benefit is designed to support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who pass away due to natural causes or as a result of accidents caused by human actions. This benefit provides financial assistance to help the grieving family manage the expenses associated with repatriating their deceased OFW relative back home (unless the local government or employer covers these costs) and organizing the burial.
2. How much is the assistance?
Eligible beneficiaries have the opportunity to claim a financial benefit of PhP 100,000 for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who passed away due to natural causes. In the unfortunate event of an OFW’s death resulting from an accident, the financial benefit increases to PhP 200,000. Additionally, a burial benefit of PhP 20,000 is provided to support the deceased OFW’s family.
3. Who can apply for the death and burial benefit?
“Among the eligible individuals who can claim the benefit are the spouse, parents, or child of the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Before applying, please ensure that you have the necessary documentary requirements and proof of your relationship to the OFW.”
4. What if my OFW relative died abroad but not within the period of their contract?
Unfortunately, the benefit is bound for OFWs who died within the period of their employment contract abroad. Otherwise, dependents may reach out to the POLO or OWWA Regional or Satellite Office for further assistance.
5. Can the OFW’s child apply for the benefit?
“Yes, the child of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is considered a qualified dependent and eligible to make a claim, provided that they can establish their relationship with the OFW and fulfill all the necessary requirements for the benefit.”
Summary
“Death is inevitable for everyone, and it does not discriminate based on timing. However, we can still provide our loved ones with a sense of closure by ensuring that we leave them with the fruits of our sacrifices. One example of this is the death and burial benefit provided by OWWA. To avail of this benefit, it is important to keep your OWWA membership renewed.
The OWWA death benefit aims to provide financial assistance to your loved ones, enabling them to arrange a proper burial for you. Remember to submit all the required documents to qualify for OWWA benefits.
For further information regarding OWWA benefits and programs, you can visit their website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial. Additionally, you can stay updated on their latest programs by downloading the OWWA Mobile App.
