The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) serves as the primary social safety net for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). While many associate OWWA with active-duty assistance, the agency also provides critical financial support to the families of deceased OFWs. Understanding the legal framework, eligibility requirements, and the claiming process is essential for grieving families to access the benefits they are entitled to.
I. Legal Basis and Nature of Benefits
Under Republic Act No. 10801 (The OWWA Charter), the OWWA Fund is a "trust fund" intended to provide social security and welfare services. Death benefits are not considered "insurance" in the commercial sense but are welfare grants intended to assist the bereaved family with immediate financial burdens.
II. Eligibility Criteria
The primary determinant for eligibility is the membership status of the OFW at the time of death.
- Active Members: OFWs with an updated OWWA membership (valid for two years from the date of payment or until the expiration of the employment contract, whichever comes first) are entitled to the full benefit package.
- Former OFWs (Inactive Members): Benefits for inactive members are more restricted. Generally, if the membership has expired, the family is no longer eligible for the standard death benefit. However, they may still apply for a Bereavement Allowance if the OFW was a former member and the death occurred within a specific timeframe or under specific social conditions determined by the OWWA Board.
Note: For former OFWs who are no longer OWWA members, the family should also check for benefits under the Social Security System (SSS) or GSIS, as these are separate from OWWA.
III. Financial Assistance Breakdown
The amount of assistance varies depending on the cause of death of an active member:
| Cause of Death | Benefit Amount | Burial Assistance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Causes | ₱100,000.00 | ₱20,000.00 | ₱120,000.00 |
| Accidental Causes | ₱200,000.00 | ₱20,000.00 | ₱220,000.00 |
- Accidental Death: Defined as death resulting from external, violent, and visible means (e.g., vehicular accidents, workplace hazards).
- Natural Death: Includes deaths due to illness, disease, or old age.
IV. Priority of Beneficiaries
The law follows a specific order of precedence for who can claim the benefits:
- Primary Beneficiaries: Legal Spouse and dependent children.
- Secondary Beneficiaries: Parents (if the OFW was single).
- Legal Heirs: Siblings (if there are no parents, spouse, or children), following the laws of succession under the Civil Code of the Philippines.
V. How to Claim: Requirements and Procedures
1. Documentary Requirements
To process the claim, the following documents (original and photocopies) are generally required:
- Official Death Certificate (PSA copy or authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if the death occurred abroad).
- Marriage Certificate (if the claimant is the spouse).
- Birth Certificate of the OFW and/or children (to prove relationship).
- Valid IDs of the claimant.
- Affidavit of Undertaking/Joint Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons (to confirm the status of the heirs).
- Burial Permit and Receipt.
2. Filing Process
- Verification: Visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) if abroad to verify the membership status.
- Submission: Submit the complete set of documentary requirements.
- Interview: A social worker or OWWA officer will conduct a brief interview with the claimant.
- Processing & Payment: Once validated, the check is usually issued within a few weeks, depending on the volume of applications.
VI. Additional Support: Education and Livelihood
Beyond the cash grant, the dependents of a deceased active OFW are eligible for:
- Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP): A scholarship for qualified dependents pursuing a four or five-year baccalaureate course.
- ELAP (Education and Livelihood Assistance Program): Specifically for the survivors of deceased OFWs, providing a one-time livelihood grant (usually ₱15,000) for the surviving spouse and educational assistance for one child.
Summary Checklist for Families
- Check the OWWA membership validity through the OWWA Mobile App.
- Secure the PSA-authenticated Death Certificate.
- Coordinate with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) if the death occurred overseas for repatriation assistance.
- File the claim at the OWWA Regional Office corresponding to your permanent residence.
Would you like me to draft a sample formal letter of intent to claim these benefits addressed to a specific OWWA Regional Office?