OWWA provides financial assistance, scholarships, training, livelihood support, pre-departure education, and emergency services for overseas Filipino workers and their families.
Guide: How to Renew OWWA membership online in 3 Steps
Eligibility differs by program. Some services require active OWWA membership, while others may also cover inactive members, returning OFWs, or qualified dependents.
Social Benefits
OWWA’s social benefits provide financial support during death, disability, serious illness, calamities, and other difficult situations.
For application requirements, benefit amounts, and other details, read our complete guide to OWWA Social Benefits for OFWs and Their Families.
1. Education and Livelihood Assistance Program
The Education and Livelihood Assistance Program, or ELAP, supports the education of a qualified dependent of a deceased OWWA member. It may also provide livelihood assistance to the surviving spouse or another eligible family member.
2. Death and Disability Benefit
This insurance benefit provides financial assistance for the natural or accidental death of an active OWWA member. It also includes burial assistance and benefits for partial or permanent disabilities caused by an accident.
3. Supplemental Medical Assistance Program for OFWs
MEDplus provides additional medical assistance to active OWWA and PhilHealth members who have been hospitalized because of certain serious illnesses. The benefit helps cover eligible medical expenses that remain after PhilHealth support.
4. Welfare Assistance Program
The Welfare Assistance Program, or WAP, provides cash relief to qualified OFWs and their families who are not covered by other OWWA benefits. Assistance may be available for calamities, bereavement, disability, medical needs, displacement, or mass layoffs.
Scholarship Education and Training Programs
OWWA offers scholarship and training programs that can help OFWs and their dependents complete their education, improve their skills, and find better work opportunities.
1. Baccalaureate Courses
OWWA provides college scholarship programs for qualified OFWs and their dependents taking four- or five-year degree courses. These include the Education for Development Scholarship Program, OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program, and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program.
2. Short-Term Courses
Qualified OFWs and dependents may receive training grants for technical, vocational, maritime, and information technology courses. These programs are designed to improve employment skills and professional qualifications.
Reintegration Programs
OWWA’s reintegration services help returning OFWs prepare for employment, self-employment, or business opportunities in the Philippines.
1.OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program
This program helps qualified OFWs and their families plan and establish sustainable businesses. It combines entrepreneurship preparation, business training, referrals, and access to enterprise financing through OWWA’s partner banks.
2. Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay! Program
The BPBH Program provides livelihood support to eligible returning OWWA members. Assistance may include start-up capital, entrepreneurship training, job referrals, and links to markets and other business services.
Pre-Departure Education Programs
These programs prepare departing OFWs for employment and daily life in another country.
1. Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar
PDOS gives departing workers information about their employment contract, destination country, workplace conditions, travel procedures, rights, responsibilities, and available government assistance. It helps workers prepare for common concerns before leaving the Philippines.
2. Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program for Household Service Workers
CPDEP is a mandatory program for departing household service workers. It provides country-specific preparation, including information about language, culture, work expectations, and adjustment to life in the destination country.
Repatriation Program
OWWA helps distressed, sick, or stranded OFWs return safely to the Philippines through the repatriation assistance program. Depending on the situation, assistance may cover coordination with authorities, airport support, transportation, temporary shelter, personal belongings, or the return of human remains.
How to Ask OWWA About a Program
Requirements and application procedures may differ based on the applicant’s membership status, location, and circumstances.
OFWs and their families should confirm the current rules through the official OWWA website, an OWWA Regional Welfare Office, an Overseas Welfare Office, or the 24-hour OWWA Hotline at 1348.
Filipinos based in Dubai can visit OWWA via the Migrant Workers Office located beside the Philippine Consulate General Office in Al Qusais.
Also Read: How to Renew OWWA Membership in Dubai
