In cases where an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has passed away abroad, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has a special program for the surviving dependents: the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP).
This program provides educational support for the OFW’s child or sibling, as well as livelihood support for his/her spouse, child, parent, or sibling, depending on the case. These benefits are given to qualified beneficiaries, regardless of the OFW’s cause of death, be it natural or accidental.
Program Benefits
Based on the OWWA official website, ELAP provides a special benefit package to support the continuous education of an eligible dependent until college. The following financial assistance is given every school year: PHP 5,000 for K+ elementary (Kinder to Grade 6); PHP 8,000 for high school (Grade 7 to Grade 12); and PHP 10,000 for college level.
In addition, to augment family income, the program provides livelihood assistance worth PHP 15,000 to the OFW’s surviving dependents.
Eligibility
Generally, the ELAP program is intended for the following:
- Dependents of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of death; and
- Dependent of OFWs who are/were incarcerated/convicted and meted out the death penalty in foreign countries, who have at least one (1) OWWA membership contribution.
Specifically, the program has two main components: educational and economic. Here are the eligibility requirements for each component.
Educational Component
To qualify for educational assistance, the beneficiary must be:
- A child or sibling of the deceased OFW;
- Below 21 years old;
- Physically, mentally, and morally fit; and
- Enrolled in elementary, secondary, or tertiary education.
Economic Component
To qualify for livelihood assistance, the beneficiary must be:
The spouse, child, parent, or sibling of the deceased OFW;
- Willing to support the family and engage in livelihood;
- Physically, mentally, and morally fit; and
- Willing to be trained in livelihood and entrepreneurship.
Infographic: Program Eligibility
Requirements
The following documents are usually required by the program:
- Accomplished application form;
- Passport-sized photos;
- Proof of OWWA membership of deceased OFW;
- School records and medical certificate;
- Certificate of good moral character;
- Scholarship Agreement (for educational component); and
- Certification of livelihood receipt and consent from designated beneficiaries (for economic component).
Application Process
To apply for this program, the surviving spouse or guardian needs to notify OWWA about the OFW’s death, and file for benefits. Then, the agency will verify the OFW’s membership status, cause of death, and the dependent’s enrollment.
When the application is approved, educational assistance will be released every school year or semester. Meanwhile, livelihood assistance may be given as a one-time grant or distributed in phases, depending on the case.
Notably, a Scholarship Agreement will be signed by the scholar, the surviving parent or guardian, and OWWA. This contract contains the terms and conditions for continuing assistance. As for tuition fees, these will be paid directly to the school; any excess funds will be given to the scholar.
With regard to livelihood assistance, this may be used for training, merchandise, or business structure (e.g. vending cart). It may also be used to enhance or expand an existing livelihood project.
To evaluate the program, the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) will regularly assess the scholar’s academic performance. Likewise, the livelihood project will also be monitored, under supervision of the Planning and Program Development (PPDD) through Regional Operation Coordination Services (ROCS).
The Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) is a big help to families of OFWs who have passed away abroad. It helps to ensure that their children are able to finish schooling, while the surviving spouse can augment the family’s income through livelihood projects and businesses.
Aside from ELAP, another OWWA program that will surely benefit OFWs and their dependents is the Information Technology Training Program (ITTP). Visit this link to learn more about this timely program.