For millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), being an active member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) opens the door to a wide range of government programs designed to support them and their families—before deployment, during employment, and upon their return home.
Whether it’s educational scholarships, livelihood grants, medical aid, or emergency repatriation, OWWA provides crucial support throughout an OFW’s journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the programs and services available to active OWWA members.
Social Benefits: Assistance in times of crisis
OWWA provides social protection programs that offer financial support in cases of emergency or loss:
Disability and Dismemberment Benefit: Up to ₱100,000 for injuries due to accidents while working abroad.
Death and Burial Assistance: ₱100,000 for natural causes and ₱200,000 for accidental death, plus ₱20,000 for funeral support.
Welfare Assistance Program (WAP): Cash assistance for members or families affected by natural disasters, calamities, or emergencies.
MEDplus: Supplemental medical relief of up to ₱50,000 for OWWA members hospitalized due to serious or dreaded diseases.
Education and scholarships: Supporting the next generation
One of the most valued benefits of being an OWWA member is access to educational assistance for dependents:
EDSP (Education for Development Scholarship Program): Up to ₱60,000/year for a dependent of an OFW entering college.
CMWSP (Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program): ₱60,000/year for dependents pursuing science and tech courses.
OFWDSP (OFW Dependent Scholarship Program): ₱20,000/year for dependents of OFWs earning less than $600/month.
ELAP (Education and Livelihood Assistance Program): For families of deceased OFWs—₱5,000 to ₱10,000/year per dependent, plus ₱15,000 livelihood cash aid for the surviving spouse.
SESP (Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program): Up to ₱14,500 for short TESDA-accredited technical-vocational courses.
Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP): ₱7,500 support for skills training and certifications.
IT/Computer Literacy Training: Programs to improve digital literacy for OFWs and their families.
Pre-Departure and on-site services: Equipping OFWs for abroad
OWWA prepares and supports OFWs from the moment they prepare for deployment:
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS): Mandatory for first-time OFWs, covering contract details, country-specific regulations, and coping mechanisms.
Comprehensive PDOS (CPDEP): Special training for Household Service Workers, including cultural familiarization and language lessons.
On-Site Services: Includes legal counseling, mediation, hospital and prison visitations, airport assistance, and even rescue operations during conflict or calamity abroad.
Repatriation services: Bringing OFWs home safely
When situations turn dire, OWWA steps in with full repatriation support:
Emergency Repatriation: In case of war, disasters, or personal distress, OWWA coordinates the safe return of OFWs and even human remains.
Airport Assistance: OFWs receive help upon arrival, including shelter, transportation, and psychological first aid at OWWA’s Halfway Homes.
Medical Repatriation: Support for sick OFWs returning to the Philippines for treatment.
Reintegration support: Starting over in the Philippines
For OFWs returning for good, OWWA offers several reintegration programs:
Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay! Program: ₱20,000 livelihood starter kits for distressed or displaced OFWs.
Enterprise Development and Loan Program (EDLP): Up to ₱2 million for individuals or ₱5 million for groups to start businesses, with low-interest loans through LandBank and DBP.
Job Referrals and Career Guidance: Returning OFWs are assisted in finding jobs locally or abroad and offered skills training to transition smoothly.
Who can avail?
Only active OWWA members are eligible. Membership is valid for two years and must be renewed if the OFW changes employer or contract. Application and verification can be done through the OWWA mobile app, regional offices, or POLO offices abroad.
Basic Requirements:
Valid passport
Active employment contract
Proof of OWWA contribution or receipt
Program-specific documents (e.g., business plan, school certification, medical report)
