Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) face unique challenges when diagnosed with critical illnesses such as cancer. Under Philippine law, particularly through the Social Security System (SSS) and the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), specific safety nets exist to provide financial and medical assistance.

I. Sickness and Disability Benefits under the SSS

The SSS serves as the primary provider of social insurance for OFWs, who are now covered under compulsory membership per Republic Act No. 11199 (The Social Security Act of 2018).

1. Sickness Benefit

The Sickness Benefit is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to illness.

Qualifying Conditions: * The member is confined (at home or in a hospital) for at least four days.
At least three monthly contributions have been paid within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of sickness.
All sick leaves with pay from the employer have been exhausted (though for many OFWs, this applies if the illness occurs while the contract is active or shortly after).
Duration: Up to 120 days in a calendar year. This can be extended for another 120 days the following year for the same illness, but cannot exceed 240 days for the same confinement.

2. Disability Benefit

For long-term or terminal illnesses like advanced-stage cancer, an OFW may apply for Disability Benefits.

Permanent Partial Disability: Granted if the member loses the use of a specific body part or function but can still work in some capacity.
Permanent Total Disability: Granted if the member is permanently unable to work. In cases of cancer, this is often evaluated based on the progression of the disease and the physical toll of treatments like chemotherapy.
Benefit Types: * Monthly Pension: For members with at least 36 monthly contributions.
Lump Sum: For members with fewer than 36 monthly contributions.

II. Employees’ Compensation (EC) Benefits

The Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) provides an extra layer of protection for work-related contingencies.

1. The Work-Connectedness Requirement

The primary hurdle for OFWs claiming EC benefits for cancer is proving the illness is work-related. Under the "Increased Risk Theory," if an illness is not listed as an occupational disease, the member must prove that the risk of contracting the disease was increased by their working conditions.

Occupational Diseases: Certain types of cancer (e.g., lung cancer due to asbestos exposure) are pre-listed.
Compensability: If an OFW can demonstrate that their environment (e.g., exposure to carcinogens in a factory or shipyard) contributed to the cancer, they may qualify for EC benefits in addition to SSS benefits.

2. Available EC Benefits

EC Sickness Benefit: A daily cash income benefit for a period not exceeding 120 days (extendable to 240).
Medical Services: Reimbursement for the cost of medicines, laboratory tests, and hospital fees.
Carer’s Allowance: A supplemental monthly allowance for those granted Permanent Total Disability.

III. Filing and Procedural Requirements

To claim these benefits, OFWs or their designated beneficiaries must adhere to strict timelines and documentation:

Notification: The member must notify the SSS or their employer of the sickness. For OFWs, this is often done through the SSS Foreign Representative Offices or via the My.SSS portal.
Medical Documentation: Submitting the SSS Form MMD-101 (Medical Certificate) and clinical records (biopsy results, oncological reports, histopathology) is mandatory.
Prescription Period: * Sickness Claims: Must be filed within one year from the start of confinement.

EC Claims: Must be filed within three years from the time the illness was contracted or manifested.

IV. Funeral and Death Benefits

In the unfortunate event that a critical illness leads to death:

Funeral Benefit: A variable amount (ranging from ₱12,000 to ₱60,000 based on contributions) paid to whoever paid the burial expenses.
Death Pension: Paid to the primary beneficiaries (spouse and dependent children). For OFWs, this provides long-term financial stability for the family left behind.

Summary of Entitlements

Benefit Type	SSS Coverage	EC Coverage (If Work-Related)
Daily Allowance	Sickness Benefit	EC Sickness Benefit
Long-term Support	Disability Pension	EC Disability Pension
Medical Costs	Limited (via PhilHealth)	Reimbursement for specific costs
Additional Aid	None	Carer’s Allowance