How to Avail OWWA Bereavement Benefits
The OWWA Bereavement Assistance is a one-time cash assistance program that provides up to PhP 20,000 to the families of deceased Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Immediate family members, such as parents, siblings, spouses, or children, can apply for this assistance on behalf of their deceased OFW relative. How to Avail OWWA Bereavement Benefits During the application process, proof of relationship and identity must be presented.
The Death and Burial Benefit is a part of the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program, which supports OFWs who have died while under contract and their bereaved dependents in the country. However, for those who do not qualify for this program, OWWA offers Bereavement Assistance as an alternative. This assistance provides qualified beneficiaries, both active and inactive OWWA OFW members, with a cash aid of up to PhP 20,000, aiming to help them start anew. OWWA remains committed to delivering genuine service to Filipinos worldwide by providing various social benefits.
If you require such assistance, this article will guide you through the process of applying for bereavement assistance on behalf of your deceased OFW relative.”
Overview
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency that is tasked with serving and safeguarding the interests and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. The agency implements various projects and welfare programs to provide financial and educational assistance to both active OWWA OFW members and their families, covering different stages of life.
The applications for these programs undergo a review and assessment process conducted by OWWA and labor agencies. It’s important to note that not all applications will be granted immediately after submission. However, if an application is approved, there is no requirement for the beneficiary to pay back any funds received. It’s crucial to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation to increase the chances of acceptance.
One of the benefit programs provided by OWWA is specifically designed to honor the hard work and contributions of OFWs, both in the Philippines and abroad. This program offers financial relief to families who have lost an income earner due to death or retirement. It aims to recognize and support the legacy of service left by OFWs and provides assistance during a difficult time of transition.
It’s important to stay updated with the latest information and requirements from OWWA regarding their programs and benefits. Contacting OWWA directly or visiting their official website can provide more specific and up-to-date details on the available assistance and application procedures.
Benefits
The statement you provided seems to be referring to a program that provides financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are entitled to receive a maximum amount of PhP 20,000 to cover various expenses, including loss of income and costs associated with funeral and burial proceedings.
It’s important to note that without further context, it’s challenging to determine the specific program or the criteria for qualification. If you have any additional details or questions regarding the program, please provide more information, and I’ll do my best to assist you.
Qualifications
To qualify for the program, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Relationship: The applicant must be an immediate family member of a deceased Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) member. Immediate family members typically include spouses and children.
- Status of the OWWA OFW Member: The OWWA OFW member, who is the deceased family member, may be either active or inactive. This means that the member could have been actively employed abroad or may have returned to the Philippines before passing away.
- Exclusion from OWWA Social Benefit Programs: The applicant should not have previously received benefits or qualified for OWWA’s Social Benefit Programs. These programs provide various forms of assistance to eligible OWWA members and their families.
It’s important to note that specific eligibility requirements and program details may vary over time. It is advisable to refer to the latest information provided by the OWWA or consult their official website for the most up-to-date eligibility criteria for their programs.
Requirements
To apply for the program, the following documents need to be completed:
- Deceased OFW’s valid ID: This refers to the identification document of the deceased OFW. It could be a passport, driver’s license, or any other government-issued identification card.
- Proof of relationship with the OFW: The applicant needs to provide documentation that establishes their relationship with the deceased OFW. The required documents depend on the applicant’s relationship: a. If the child is the applicant: The applicant needs to submit the birth certificate of the child to prove their relationship to the deceased OFW.b. If the spouse is the applicant: The applicant needs to provide a marriage certificate as proof of their marital relationship with the deceased OFW.c. If a sibling or parent is the applicant: The applicant needs to submit the birth certificate of the sibling or parent, along with a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) for the OFW if they were single. The CENOMAR confirms that the OFW was not married at the time of their death.
These documents are required to verify the eligibility of family members for the program. The specific program and its benefits were not mentioned, so further information would be necessary to provide more details.
How to Claim Bereavement Assistance from OWWA
The information I provided in my previous response is based on general knowledge up until September 2021. It’s always best to verify the most up-to-date and accurate information by contacting the relevant authorities directly.
If you have further questions about the application process or financial assistance from the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), I recommend contacting your designated OWWA Regional or Satellite Office for local applicants, or the POLO OWWA office if you are applying from abroad. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and current information regarding the requirements, documentation, application process, and any financial assistance available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs about the bereavement benefits of OWWA for OFWs:
1. What is Bereavement Assistance? Is it the same with Death and Burial Benefits?
The Bereavement Assistance is a benefit program by OWWA for families of its deceased OWWA OFW members. Similar to Death and Burial Benefits, it is also one of the agency’s social benefit programs which provide cash assistance in hope of covering the family’s loss of income as well as any funeral or burial costs. However, unlike the Death and Burial Benefits which only covers active OWWA OFW members who have died while in contract abroad, the Bereavement Assistance covers both active and inactive OWWA OFW members who have died abroad.
2. How much will the bereavement assistance be?
The program provides a one-time cash assistance of up to PhP 20,000 to the bereaved families of deceased OWWA OFW members, subject to review by OWWA and other concerning agencies.
3. Do I have to pay back the amount given for this bereavement assistance?
No, this is a benefit program, not a cash loan. You do not need to pay back the given amount to OWWA.
4. Who are qualified to apply for the OWWA bereavement program?
Immediate family members, such as parents, siblings, spouse or child, may apply for the program on behalf of their deceased OFW relative. Proof of relationship as well as applicant and OFW’s identity shall therefore be presented upon application.
5. Can I apply on behalf of two deceased OFW members?
No, an applicant can only apply on behalf of one (1) deceased OFW member. Should there be more than one OFW member who has died in the family, another applicant may be considered. However, do remember that applications are subject to review and assessment by OWWA and concerning agencies as well.
6. Am I guaranteed of the cash assistance upon application?
No, filing an application does not guarantee you of cash aid right away. This is because all applications undergo review and assessment by OWWA as well as labor and financial agencies. Given a limited budget for the program, not all applications are granted, and the cash aid varies from one application to another.
Summary
The Bereavement Assistance provided by OWWA, as part of its social benefits for members, demonstrates the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of millions of Filipinos residing abroad.How to Avail OWWA Bereavement Benefits
The OWWA Bereavement Assistance is an invaluable support for families who have lost their primary breadwinner. It enables them to recover more swiftly from the emotional and financial challenges brought about by their bereavement.
By offering this program, OWWA not only acknowledges the tireless efforts of overseas Filipino workers but also ensures that their dedication to serving their families back home is perpetuated. With such a program in place, OWWA can always be relied upon to pay tribute to these modern-day heroes through their services.
