The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides different types of programs that address the various needs of its members. However, there are cases where a member might need immediate assistance, but he/she is not eligible for the agency’s current programs.
In these cases, the member may fall under the agency’s Welfare Assistance Program (WAP), which offers cash relief to those who encounter emergencies, but are not covered by existing OWWA benefits.
Types of Assistance Under WAP
The Welfare Assistance Program provides cash assistance for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are experiencing medical emergencies, calamities, or displacement. Help comes in the form of five types of assistance: medical, disability, bereavement, calamity, and relief.
1. Medical Assistance
This is provided to OWWA members with illnesses that are not covered by the agency’s MEDPlus Program. Notably, MEDPlus is a program that offers financial aid to active members who are diagnosed with dreaded diseases.
2. Disability Assistance
This type of assistance is given to OWWA members who are victims of crime or accidents.
3. Bereavement Assistance
This is provided to families of OWWA members who are not covered by the agency’s regular death and burial benefits. It includes those who have passed away due to crimes or accidents.
As of 2021, bereavement assistance worth PHP 20,000 was given to families of deceased inactive OWWA members.
4. Calamity Assistance
This type of assistance is given to OWWA members and their families who are affected by natural calamities such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. It also applies to human-induced crises or emergencies, such as war or political unrest.
As of 2021, OWWA members who were affected by natural disasters received the following calamity assistance: PHP 1,000 for active members, and PHP 500 for inactive members. Meanwhile, those affected by human-induced crises received: PHP 3,000 for active members, and PHP 1,500 for inactive members.
5. Relief Assistance
This is given to OWWA members who were displaced or laid off due to an economic, political, and/or health crises (e.g. bankruptcy, pandemic, etc.).
Eligibility
Persons who are eligible for OWWA’s WAP Program include the following:
- Members with illnesses that are not covered by the MEDPlus Program;
- Members with disabilities that are not covered by the agency’s disability benefit;
- Deceased members who are not covered by the agency’s death benefit;
- Members who are affected by natural and human-induced disasters;
- Members who lost their jobs due to crises in their host country (e.g. political unrest, war, etc.).
NOTE: OWWA members, both active and inactive, may apply for this program. Their family members or dependents may also apply on their behalf.
Requirements
When applying for the WAP Program, members usually need to prepare the following:
- Filled out OWWA Application Form;
- Valid OWWA Membership ID or Verification Slip;
- Passport or Valid Government ID;
- Proof of employment abroad (e.g. Employment Contract); and
- Supporting documents depending on the type of assistance needed (e.g. medical records, proof of calamity, police report, etc.)
Application Process
As soon as an applicant has filled out the OWWA Application Form and prepared all the requirements, he/she can go to the nearest OWWA Regional Office, or to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate (if abroad). There, OWWA or Migrant Workers Office (MWO) staff will interview the applicant to verify his/her eligibility and to check the submitted documents.
Once the application has been approved, the applicant will be informed immediately. He/She may also be asked to return on a specific date to claim financial assistance. The cash assistance may be disbursed in cash, or through direct bank deposit, check, or a remittance partner.
For more details about the WAP Program, please visit the OWWA official website.
To ensure that all OFWs, including active and inactive OWWA members, are able to get help in times of emergencies — OWWA introduced the WAP Program. It benefits not just member-OFWs, but also their families or dependents.
Speaking of OFWs, OWWA conducts the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for departing OFWs, as preparation for their life abroad. Check out this link for more details about this seminar.