If your spouse, parent, child, or sibling is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) supporting the family from abroad, or if tragedy has struck and you have lost that loved one, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers concrete financial, educational, and welfare support designed specifically for families left behind in the Philippines. These benefits help cover immediate needs after a death, ongoing education for children and dependents, and relief during calamities, illness, or other hardships. This guide explains the key programs available to OFW family members, who qualifies, the exact amounts where fixed, required documents, and the practical steps families commonly take to claim them successfully.

OWWA operates under its mandate in Republic Act No. 8042 (the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995), as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, with programs implemented through specific Memorandum of Instructions and its Citizens’ Charter. Most benefits require the OFW to have been an active OWWA member at the relevant time — meaning the OFW paid the standard membership contribution (usually US$25, often collected during contract processing at the Department of Migrant Workers or previously POEA). Coverage is typically tied to the contract period or renewed membership. Family members in the Philippines can claim on behalf of the OFW or as qualified dependents/beneficiaries. Claims are processed mainly through OWWA’s regional welfare offices across the country.

Death and Burial Benefits for Families of Deceased OFWs

When an active OWWA member-OFW passes away — whether from natural causes or an accident while working abroad or upon return — surviving family members may receive lump-sum financial assistance. This is one of the most immediate and widely claimed benefits.

Eligibility
The deceased OFW must have been an active OWWA member at the time of death. Qualified beneficiaries generally include the surviving spouse, legitimate and illegitimate children, parents, and in some cases unmarried siblings of legal age (especially if the OFW was single). OWWA follows a priority order similar to civil law succession rules, but verifies relationships through official documents. If multiple families or claimants come forward (for example, legal spouse versus common-law partner with children), the party who actually paid for the burial can often claim first with proof of expenses, and any excess may be apportioned. Non-active members’ families may still qualify for limited bereavement help under the Welfare Assistance Program (detailed below).

Benefit amounts

Death benefit: ₱100,000 for natural causes; ₱200,000 for accidental death.
Burial gratuity: Additional ₱20,000 to assist with funeral and burial expenses.

These amounts have remained consistent in recent years. The benefits are paid directly to the qualified claimant(s) and are generally tax-free.

How to claim — step by step

Secure the death certificate immediately (PSA copy if death occurred in the Philippines; foreign death certificate plus consular mortuary certificate, airway bill, or equivalent from the Philippine embassy/consulate if death was abroad).
Gather proof of relationship and other documents (see list below).
Accomplish the OWWA Death Claim Form (available at any OWWA regional office or downloadable from owwa.gov.ph).
Submit the complete set personally or through an authorized representative to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (or the central office in some cases). Families in Metro Manila often go to the main OWWA building in Pasay or Mandaluyong area offices.
OWWA verifies membership status from its database and processes the claim. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delay.

Required documents (typical checklist)

Duly accomplished OWWA claim form (2 copies)
Original PSA or LCR death certificate (plus photocopy)
Valid government-issued ID of the claimant(s) and 2×2 ID photo
Proof of relationship: PSA marriage certificate (spouse), PSA birth certificate(s) of children or of the OFW (for parents/siblings), CENOMAR if needed
For accidental death: police or accident report from the host country or Philippine authorities
Official receipts or proof of funeral/burial expenses (for the gratuity portion)
If death occurred abroad: additional documents from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or embassy, such as repatriation papers

Processing can take several weeks to a few months once documents are complete; older claims have been honored but it is always best to file promptly while memories and records are fresh. Many families report faster turnaround when they submit everything in one go and follow up politely with the assigned officer.

Educational and Livelihood Assistance for Dependents of Deceased OFWs (ELAP)

The Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) provides ongoing support specifically for the children and qualified dependents of OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of death (or in limited cases involving OFWs sentenced to death abroad with at least one contribution). It combines educational subsidies with a one-time livelihood grant to help the surviving family stabilize income.

Eligibility
Qualified dependents are usually the legitimate or illegitimate children (or in some cases siblings) of the deceased active member. The dependent must be of school age, physically and mentally fit, and not receiving another scholarship that duplicates the benefit. Only one primary dependent is typically assisted per family under the education component, though the livelihood portion goes to the surviving family unit.

Benefit amounts

Education assistance per school year: up to ₱5,000 (Kindergarten to Grade 6), ₱8,000 (Grades 7–12), ₱10,000 (college level).
Livelihood assistance: ₱15,000 one-time grant to the surviving family members to start or augment a small business or income-generating activity.

The education component can continue yearly until the dependent finishes college, provided they remain qualified and submit renewal requirements.

How to apply
Visit the nearest OWWA regional office with the deceased OFW’s membership proof, death certificate, proof of relationship (PSA documents), the dependent’s school records (Form 137 or transcript, enrollment certificate, report card), medical certificate from a DOH-accredited facility, certificate of good moral character from the school, and accomplished application forms plus photos. The family signs a scholarship agreement. Processing follows similar verification steps as death benefits. Many families combine this claim with the death benefit application for efficiency.

Scholarships and Educational Assistance for Dependents of Active OFWs

Even while the OFW is still working abroad and actively contributing, their children or qualified dependents in the Philippines can access scholarship programs. These are separate from ELAP and do not require the OFW’s death.

Main programs

Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP): Highly competitive scholarship worth up to ₱60,000 per school year for a 4- or 5-year baccalaureate course. Incoming freshmen are often selected through the DOST national examination (top qualifiers) or by meeting high academic standards (GWA of at least 80% and top 20% of graduating class). Continuing college students (2nd to 5th year) need strong grades (typically 85% GWA or equivalent). Only one scholar per family is usually allowed.
OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP): More accessible grant of ₱20,000 per school year for dependents enrolling in or already in 4- or 5-year baccalaureate or associate courses. Priority often goes to families where the OFW’s monthly salary falls below a threshold set in the yearly OWWA memorandum (commonly in the US$400–600 range, but confirm current guidelines). The dependent must be single, a high school graduate, physically/mentally fit, and not a recipient of other scholarships.

There is also the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) for shorter vocational/technical courses (up to ₱14,500 per course in some issuances).

Application process
Applications open annually, usually around mid-year for the next academic year (for example, July windows have been common). Submit online through the official portal at scholarship.owwa.gov.ph or at regional OWWA offices. Required documents typically include accomplished application form, 2×2 photos, PSA birth certificate proving relationship to the OFW, school records (Form 137 or grades), certificate of good moral character, medical certificate, and proof of the OFW’s active membership and salary (payslip or contract). For ODSP, additional income or salary documentation of the OFW may be required. Selection is merit- and need-based; results are posted on the scholarship site and regional offices.

Monitor the official scholarship website and OWWA social media pages for exact opening dates and updated salary caps each year, as they are announced via memorandum.

Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) for Families in Need

When a situation does not fall under the regular death, disability, or scholarship programs, or when the OFW is no longer an active member, families can turn to the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). This provides case-by-case cash relief for immediate hardships.

Common types of assistance available to families

Calamity assistance for families affected by typhoons, floods, earthquakes, or other disasters.
Bereavement assistance for deaths not covered by the regular death and burial benefit (for example, certain non-active member cases or specific circumstances like crimes).
Medical assistance for serious illnesses when not covered under MEDplus or PhilHealth.
Disability assistance for accident-related cases.
Relief assistance for families impacted when the OFW is displaced or laid off abroad due to economic or political situations in the host country.

Amounts are modest and determined case-by-case based on need and available funds; they are meant as immediate relief rather than full replacement of income.

How to avail
Go to the nearest OWWA regional office, explain the situation, and submit an accomplished WAP claim form together with proof of relationship, valid ID, proof of the OFW’s membership status (active or previously active), and supporting evidence of the hardship (barangay certificate for calamity, medical abstract and hospital bills, police report, termination letter from employer, etc.). OWWA assesses eligibility and releases assistance directly or coordinates further help. This program explicitly covers both active/non-active members and their families.

Other Practical Support for OFW Families

Repatriation assistance: If an OFW becomes distressed, ill, or faces contract issues abroad, family members in the Philippines can coordinate with OWWA’s 24/7 Operations Center or regional offices to help facilitate repatriation, airport assistance upon arrival, temporary shelter, medical referral, or psychosocial support.
MEDplus supplemental medical assistance: Primarily for the active OWWA + PhilHealth member-OFW hospitalized with dreaded diseases, but families sometimes coordinate claims or follow-up care.
Livelihood and reintegration support: Surviving families under ELAP or returning OFWs (through related programs like Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay!) can access entrepreneurship training and seed capital to start small businesses.

OWWA also maintains a 24/7 Operations Center reachable by phone or through regional offices for urgent welfare cases involving OFWs or their families.

Common Pitfalls Families Encounter and How to Avoid Them

Many claims are delayed or reduced because of missing or unauthenticated documents. Always secure PSA copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates early — processing at PSA can take days to weeks, especially if records need correction. Keep digital and physical copies of everything.

Membership verification is another frequent hurdle. If the OFW never mentioned paying the OWWA fee or the family cannot locate the membership card/receipt, visit an OWWA office with the OFW’s full name, date of birth, and passport number; staff can check the database. Non-active status does not automatically disqualify families from all help (WAP often applies).

Family disputes over who qualifies as beneficiary (legal spouse vs. common-law partner and children) can complicate claims. OWWA generally requires clear documentary proof and may advise parties to settle via barangay mediation or court declaration of heirs before releasing funds. Filing as the person who paid burial expenses with receipts often gives practical priority for the gratuity portion.

For scholarships, missing the annual application window or submitting incomplete grades/medical certificates is common. Apply early, double-check the current memorandum for salary caps and GWA requirements, and confirm the dependent has not received duplicative aid.

Foreign or dual-citizen family members claiming benefits should prepare apostilled or authenticated foreign documents (marriage or birth certificates) through the DFA or Philippine embassy if the relationship was registered abroad. OWWA accepts properly authenticated proofs of relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who counts as a qualified dependent or beneficiary for OWWA benefits?
Typically the legal spouse, legitimate and illegitimate children, parents, and sometimes unmarried siblings of legal age, depending on the specific program and the OFW’s civil status. OWWA verifies through PSA documents and applies its internal priority rules.

How much death and burial assistance can my family receive if my OFW husband passes away?
₱100,000 for natural death or ₱200,000 for accidental death, plus ₱20,000 burial gratuity, provided he was an active OWWA member at the time.

Can we still claim if the OFW was no longer an active member?
Regular death and ELAP benefits generally require active membership at the time of death. However, the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) often covers bereavement, calamity, medical, or relief needs for non-active members and their families.

How do I apply for a scholarship for my child while my spouse is still working abroad as an OFW?
Check the current application period on scholarship.owwa.gov.ph. Submit the required forms, proof of relationship, school records, and OFW membership/salary details either online or at your regional OWWA office. EDSP is competitive; ODSP has salary-based prioritization.

What documents do I need for ELAP education assistance after my parent-OFW dies?
Death certificate, proof of OWWA membership of the deceased, PSA proof of relationship, the dependent’s school records and enrollment papers, medical certificate, good moral character certificate, and accomplished application forms with photos.

Is there help if our family is affected by a typhoon or flood while the OFW is abroad?
Yes. Apply for calamity assistance under the Welfare Assistance Program at your nearest OWWA regional office with a barangay certificate or NDRRMC report and proof of relationship/membership.

How long does it usually take to receive death benefits?
With complete documents, processing often takes several weeks to a couple of months. Delays most commonly occur from incomplete submissions or verification issues.

Can a foreign spouse or child of an OFW claim these benefits?
Yes, if they can prove the legal relationship with properly authenticated documents (apostille or consular authentication) and meet the dependent/beneficiary criteria. Most claims, however, involve Filipino family members residing in the Philippines.

Where do I go or call for help?
Visit or contact your nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (locations listed on owwa.gov.ph) or call the 24/7 Operations Center. Many services now accept initial inquiries or some applications through the OWWA website or app.

Key Takeaways

Active OWWA membership of the OFW at the time of the triggering event (death, scholarship application period, calamity) is the foundation for most benefits.
Death and burial benefits provide ₱100,000–₱200,000 plus ₱20,000 gratuity to qualified survivors of active members.
ELAP offers yearly educational subsidies (₱5,000–₱10,000 depending on level) plus ₱15,000 livelihood aid for dependents of deceased active members.
EDSP (up to ₱60,000/year) and ODSP (₱20,000/year) scholarships support children of active OFWs, with competitive and need-based tracks respectively.
The Welfare Assistance Program fills gaps for calamity, medical, bereavement, and displacement situations affecting families.
Prepare PSA-authenticated documents early, submit complete claim packages to the regional OWWA office, and follow up consistently.
Application periods for scholarships open yearly — monitor scholarship.owwa.gov.ph and your regional office.
Families can combine claims (for example, death benefit + ELAP) and seek assistance from OWWA’s 24/7 center for urgent cases.

Understanding these programs and preparing documents methodically empowers families to access the support OWWA provides. Start by confirming the OFW’s membership status and gathering PSA records — these two steps resolve the majority of initial hurdles for most claimants.