OWWA Welfare Assistance Programs – Financial Aid
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is committed to ensuring that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) worldwide, as well as their family members, receive the necessary medical support through the Medical Assistance provided under the agency’s Welfare Assistance Program.OWWA Welfare Assistance Programs – Financial Aid
The Medical Assistance program aims to offer substantial cash aid to OFWs and their family members who are experiencing illnesses, injuries related to crimes, or other medical conditions that are not covered by the MedPlus Program. The amount of assistance granted may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each beneficiary. It is important to note that both active and inactive OWWA OFW members are eligible for this program, ensuring that everyone can benefit from it.
For more information about the various programs, benefits, and services offered by OWWA for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), please refer to the article “OWWA Programs Benefits Services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).”
Overview
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency established under the Department of Labor and Employment. Its main objective is to promote and protect the rights and welfare of millions of Filipino migrant workers and their families.
OWWA is dedicated to providing various benefit programs that cater to the needs and priorities of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). These programs cover a wide range of areas, including health, education, calamity relief, and bereavement support. The agency aims to connect Filipinos to the world and provide them with the genuine services they deserve.
Qualified OFWs and their dependents can avail themselves of the membership program offered by OWWA, which grants them access to a multitude of benefits. By contributing a standard amount of USD 25 or its equivalent in foreign currencies, members can enjoy these benefits for a period of two years.
Additionally, OWWA also offers certain programs that are open to inactive OWWA OFW members. These programs allow them to avail similar perks and benefits. One such program is the Welfare Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to OFWs and their qualified dependents in situations that are not covered by the agency’s Social Benefit programs.
Overall, OWWA plays a crucial role in supporting and safeguarding the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance and benefits they need while working abroad.
1. Bereavement Assistance
The Bereavement Assistance program is distinct from the Death and Burial Benefits program. While the latter is available to the family members of deceased Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who maintained an active membership at the time of death, the Bereavement Assistance program extends its support to families of deceased OFWs, even if their membership had become inactive. By providing a one-time cash aid of up to a maximum of PhP 20,000, the program aims to assist bereaved families in covering funeral expenses and compensating for any loss of income.
Although the amount of financial assistance granted may vary based on approved applications, the program is designed to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices of OFWs. Family members who do not meet the eligibility criteria for other benefits or have not been approved for the Death and Burial Benefit may consider applying for the Bereavement Assistance program.
Please note that the information provided is based on the details you shared. If there have been any recent changes or updates to the program, I may not be aware of them, as my knowledge is current up until September 2021. It’s always advisable to consult the relevant authorities or official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
2. Calamity Assistance
The Calamity Assistance program is specifically designed to provide aid to members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) who are OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) and their family members. This assistance is intended to support individuals and families who have been affected by natural disasters such as typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, as well as man-made calamities like chemical explosions or spills.
Under this program, individuals who have been affected by natural calamities are eligible to receive a cash aid of PhP 500 if they are inactive OFW members or PhP 1,000 if they are active OFW members. On the other hand, victims of man-made calamities can avail themselves of a cash aid amounting to PhP 1,500 for inactive OFW members or PhP 3,000 for active OFW members.
3. Disability and Dismemberment Assistance
The Disability and Dismemberment Assistance program aims to provide immediate aid to members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) who are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), whether they are land-based or sea-based. This assistance is specifically targeted at those who have suffered significant partial or permanent injuries during their employment, which may have caused delays or hindered their ability to continue working.
Under this program, qualified beneficiaries are eligible to receive financial assistance. The amount of aid provided depends on the nature of the injury. For partial or temporary injuries, the financial aid ranges from PhP 2,500 to PhP 25,000. For permanent injuries, the aid ranges between PhP 50,000 to PhP 100,000.
While the program gives priority to active OWWA OFW members, it is also open to inactive members. In both cases, certain documents need to be presented during the application process. These include certification documents that state the severity of the injury, the necessary treatment and medication, as well as documents from the employer indicating the discontinuation or termination of the OFW’s contract due to the sustained injury.
Please note that this information is based on the data available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes to the program since then. It is always advisable to consult the official OWWA website or contact OWWA directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
4. Medical Assistance
The Disability and Dismemberment Assistance program aims to provide immediate aid to members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) who are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), whether they are land-based or sea-based. This assistance is specifically targeted at those who have suffered significant partial or permanent injuries during their employment, which may have caused delays or hindered their ability to continue working.
Under this program, qualified beneficiaries are eligible to receive financial assistance. The amount of aid provided depends on the nature of the injury. For partial or temporary injuries, the financial aid ranges from PhP 2,500 to PhP 25,000. For permanent injuries, the aid ranges between PhP 50,000 to PhP 100,000.
While the program gives priority to active OWWA OFW members, it is also open to inactive members. In both cases, certain documents need to be presented during the application process. These include certification documents that state the severity of the injury, the necessary treatment and medication, as well as documents from the employer indicating the discontinuation or termination of the OFW’s contract due to the sustained injury.
Please note that this information is based on the data available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes to the program since then. It is always advisable to consult the official OWWA website or contact OWWA directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
5. Relief Assistance
The final component of OWWA’s Welfare Assistance Program provides relief aid to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have experienced displacement or job loss abroad due to economic, political, or public health crises, as well as bankruptcy and other employment issues.
Both active and inactive members are eligible for this assistance; however, the amount of support granted may differ among beneficiaries.
OWWA Welfare Assistance Guide
Check out this video guide uploaded on YouTube where a radio program discusses the details of the existing programs under Welfare Assistance.
Summary
Working overseas is a significant sacrifice for many Filipinos, but it also brings joys and surprises. One of the joys is knowing that your hard work is being appreciated, and your loved ones are well taken care of. In times of emergencies, having the knowledge of whom to turn to can greatly relieve the burden.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides benefit programs under the Welfare Assistance Program, which helps secure the bridges between overseas Filipino workers and their families. By familiarizing yourself with the various OWWA programs available for different scenarios, you can make the most of your membership and access the government’s services to ensure the best outcomes for you and your loved ones.
If you need more information about OWWA’s Welfare Assistance Program or other programs, you can visit their website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial. Additionally, you can download the OWWA Mobile App to check and update your membership status and stay connected with the OWWA community.
Please note that this information is accurate as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. It’s always advisable to refer to the official OWWA channels for the most up-to-date information.
