OWWA Social Benefits for OFW Members and Dependents
One of the major benefits of being an active member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is the privilege to access the agency’s social benefit programs.OWWA Social Benefits for OFW Members and Dependents These programs are designed to assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in various events and circumstances that affect them. The programs cover areas such as health and safety concerns, death and bereavement assistance, as well as emergency relief assistance.
OWWA, which serves as the official service arm of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has a mandate to promote and protect the well-being of millions of migrant Filipino workers worldwide, as well as the interests of their families in the Philippines.
While these social benefit programs primarily prioritize active OWWA members, individuals with expired memberships may still consider applying for assistance. The applications for these programs are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may have additional qualifications or requirements apart from active membership.
It is important for OFWs to stay informed about the benefits and services provided by OWWA and to maintain an active membership to fully avail themselves of the agency’s programs.
Overview
The OWWA, or Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing social benefits to its members. Its primary goal is to support and protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. OWWA offers various services and programs designed to assist OFWs in times of need, particularly during crises encountered while working abroad.
By becoming a member of OWWA and maintaining an active membership status, OFWs gain access to a range of benefits and programs. These benefits are aimed at addressing the specific challenges faced by OFWs and their families, and they play a crucial role in ensuring their well-being and protection. Some of the benefits provided by OWWA include:
- Financial Assistance: OWWA offers different types of financial aid to its members. This assistance may include emergency loans, livelihood assistance, educational scholarships for dependents, and repatriation assistance in case of emergency or distress situations.
- Legal Aid: OWWA provides legal assistance and support to its members. This includes legal counseling, advice, and referral services. OFWs can seek guidance and representation in matters related to employment contracts, labor disputes, and other legal concerns they may encounter while working overseas.
- Counseling Services: OWWA recognizes the emotional and psychological challenges that OFWs may face. To address these concerns, the organization offers counseling services to its members and their families. These services aim to provide support and guidance to OFWs, helping them cope with the stresses of living and working abroad.
Maintaining an active OWWA membership is crucial for OFWs as it ensures their eligibility to avail themselves of the agency’s benefit programs. By enrolling and staying updated with their membership, OFWs can have peace of mind knowing that they have access to the necessary support systems in times of need. It is recommended that OFWs take advantage of the social benefits offered by OWWA by signing up and actively participating in the organization’s programs to safeguard their well-being and that of their families.
Death and Burial Benefits
The OWWA Death and Burial Benefit is a program that provides financial assistance to active Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) members and their qualified dependents in the event of the OFW’s death while working abroad. The benefit consists of a death benefit and a burial gratuity benefit.
The death benefit is divided into two categories: PhP 100,000 for deaths caused by natural causes and PhP 200,000 for deaths resulting from accidents. This amount is paid to the beneficiary or qualified dependent of the deceased OFW.
Additionally, the burial gratuity benefit offers PhP 20,000 to cover the funeral and burial costs of the deceased OFW. This amount is also received by the beneficiary or qualified dependent.
To apply for the OWWA Death and Burial Benefit, certain documents are required. These include the formal death certificate of the OFW, documents certifying the cause of death, and proof of the beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased OFW. It is important to note that only beneficiaries whose OFW relatives were active OWWA members at the time of death are eligible to apply for this program.
For inactive OWWA OFW members or their beneficiaries, there is an alternative option available. They can consider applying for bereavement assistance under the Welfare Assistance Program, which provides similar assistance for the same cause.
It is advisable to contact the OWWA or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on the application process and eligibility requirements for the OWWA Death and Burial Benefit.
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 work on land or at sea. The program is designed to assist 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 from PhP 50,000 to PhP 100,000.
While the program primarily prioritizes active OWWA OFW members, it also extends its benefits to inactive OWWA OFW members. In both cases, certain documents need to be submitted during the application process. These documents include certification of the severity of the injury, details of the necessary treatment and medication, as well as documents from the employer confirming the OFW’s discontinuation or termination of contract due to the sustained injury.”
Supplementary Medical Assistance (MedPlus Program)
“The MedPlus Program, also known as the Supplementary Medical Assistance, is a collaboration between the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). It is specifically designed to assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are active members of both OWWA and PhilHealth.
The primary objective of the program is to provide financial aid to OFWs or their beneficiaries who are diagnosed with serious illnesses, including heart diseases, liver diseases such as hepatitis, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various forms of cancer as categorized by PhilHealth. This assistance is granted to individuals who have been duly hospitalized for the mentioned conditions.
Under the MedPlus Program, beneficiaries are eligible to receive a cash aid of up to PhP 50,000 per member, in addition to the existing benefits provided by PhilHealth. To apply for the program, several important documents must be submitted, including a completed MedPlus Application Form, a copy of the PhilHealth Benefit Payment Notice, proof of active OWWA membership (e.g., official receipt), and a notarized Special Power of Attorney if the applicant is a dependent or beneficiary of the OFW.”
Welfare Assistance Program
The Welfare Assistance Program is an extension of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) social benefits aimed at providing support to both active and inactive OWWA members and their qualified dependents who are not eligible for other social benefit programs offered by the agency.
This program is designed to assist OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) and their families in various circumstances and emergencies they may encounter. It covers a wide range of situations, including calamities, relief assistance, medical needs, and bereavement expenses.
The benefits provided under the Welfare Assistance Program are in the form of cash aid, with the specific amount varying depending on the type of assistance and the current situation of the applicant, whether they are an OFW or a dependent.
Applications for the program are accepted throughout the year. The grant of benefits is subject to review and assessment by OWWA and relevant agencies. The specific details and requirements for application can be obtained directly from OWWA or through their official channels.
Summary
“Being an active member of OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) opens up numerous opportunities for our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).OWWA Social Benefits for OFW Members and Dependents OWWA’s social benefits are just one of the many advantages provided. These benefits ensure that OWWA covers you, particularly during times of need. With OWWA’s social benefits in place, you can be confident that you and your families will receive genuine Filipino service, regardless of your location in the world.
To take full advantage of these benefits, it is crucial to keep track of your current OWWA membership status. This will enable you to avail and maximize the benefits offered.
For more information about OWWA’s social benefits and other programs, you can visit their website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial. Additionally, you have the option to download the OWWA Mobile App, which allows you to check and update your membership status and stay connected with the OWWA community.”
