The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), serves as the lead government institution tasked with protecting and promoting the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. Governed primarily by Republic Act No. 10801, otherwise known as the "Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Act," the agency operates through a specialized fund—the OWWA Fund—derived from the mandatory US$25.00 membership contribution.
The following is a comprehensive enumeration of the statutory benefits and welfare programs available to active OWWA members.
I. Social Benefits (Life and Disability Insurance)
OWWA provides a built-in insurance policy for its members, covering various contingencies that may occur during the duration of the member's employment contract.
1. Death Benefits
In the event of the member's demise during the effectivity of their membership, the legal heirs are entitled to:
- Natural Cause: ₱100,000.00
- Accidental Cause: ₱200,000.00
2. Burial Benefit
A separate burial grant of ₱20,000.00 is provided to the family of the deceased OFW to assist with funeral and interment expenses.
3. Disability and Dismemberment Benefits
Members who sustain injuries or illnesses resulting in partial or total permanent disability are entitled to compensation ranging from ₱2,500.00 to ₱100,000.00, depending on the severity of the injury as determined by the OWWA medical schedule.
II. Education and Training Programs
OWWA offers scholarship grants and financial assistance to members and their qualified beneficiaries to enhance their professional capabilities and ensure the education of their children.
1. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
A competitive scholarship for high-achieving dependents of OFWs. It provides up to ₱60,000.00 per school year for a four-to-five-year baccalaureate course in any college or university.
2. OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)
Financial assistance of ₱20,000.00 per school year for dependents of OFWs whose monthly salary is US$600.00 or below.
3. Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)
Specifically designed for the survivors of a deceased OFW who was an active member at the time of death.
- Education Grant: Covers one child (from elementary to college).
- Livelihood Grant: ₱15,000.00 for the surviving spouse.
4. Skills Enrollment Program-Education Assistance Program (SESP)
A financial assistance program for short-term vocational or technical courses (up to 2 years) at TESDA-accredited institutions.
5. Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)
Job-related training assistance for Filipino seafarers to upgrade their skills and competencies, providing a subsidy ranging from ₱7,500.00 to ₱10,000.00.
III. Welfare and Repatriation Programs
The agency provides immediate intervention for workers in distress or those facing medical emergencies.
1. MedPlus (Medical Assistance Program)
A supplemental medical relief for active OWWA members who are hospitalized due to dreaded or catastrophic diseases. It provides financial aid equivalent to the amount of PhilHealth benefits, up to a maximum of ₱50,000.00 per member.
2. Repatriation Assistance Program
OWWA facilitates the return of OFWs in cases of war, civil unrest, natural disasters, or termination of employment. This includes:
- Provision of airfare.
- Airport assistance.
- Temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway House.
- Domestic transport to the home province.
3. Welfare Assistance Grant
Provided to OFWs who are not eligible for the standard insurance benefits but are in need of financial aid due to circumstances such as calamities, medical cases, or employer-related problems.
IV. Reintegration Programs
Reintegration is the process of facilitating the OFW's return to the Philippine economy, whether through employment or entrepreneurship.
1. Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH)
A non-cash assistance program providing a maximum of ₱20,000.00 as start-up or additional capital for livelihood projects. This is intended for displaced or distressed OFWs.
2. Overseas Filipino Workers - Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP)
In partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), this program offers business loans to OFWs and their families.
- Individual Loan: ₱100,000.00 to ₱2,000,000.00
- Group Loan: Up to ₱5,000,000.00
3. Tulay-Microsoft Project
A free Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training program aimed at enhancing the digital literacy of OFWs and their families.
V. Ancillary Services and Facilities
- 24/7 Operation Center: A dedicated hotline for OFWs and their families to report grievances or seek immediate assistance.
- Halfway House: A temporary residential facility for repatriated OFWs awaiting their onward travel to their respective provinces.
- Reintegration Preparedness: Pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS) to prepare workers for life abroad and post-arrival orientations.
Table of Summary: Core OWWA Financial Grants
| Program | Coverage | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Death (Accidental) | Active Member | ₱200,000.00 |
| Death (Natural) | Active Member | ₱100,000.00 |
| Burial Grant | Active Member | ₱20,000.00 |
| EDSP Scholarship | Qualified Dependent | ₱60,000.00/yr |
| BPBH Livelihood | Distressed/Displaced OFW | ₱20,000.00 |
| MedPlus | Catastrophic Illness | ₱50,000.00 |
Note on Membership Validity: OWWA membership is valid for two (2) years from the date of contribution, regardless of the duration of the employment contract, or until the expiration of the employment contract, whichever comes first, provided that the worker stays with the same employer. Termination of the employment contract automatically terminates the coverage under the insurance and social benefits.