The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) wanted to create a program that would help all its members, especially those in dire need but still not eligible for regular programs and services of OWWA. And in doing so, they devised a program that will provide financial help to OFWs and their families called the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). Under this program are Calamity Assistance, Bereavement Assistance, Disability Assistance, Medical Assistance, and Relief Assistance.
With the large number of typhoons that go in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and climate change, one of the services under WAP that will come in handy is the Calamity Assistance aims to provide financial help to OWWA members and their families who have been affected by natural calamities/disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, heavy flooding, etc.
OWWA Calamity Benefits
The OWWA Calamity Assistance is a one-time financial grant and this is not a loan so, you have no obligation to pay it back. The amount that you will receive is up to Php 3,000.
- Financial Assistance
- Natural Disaster
- Php 1,000 for active member
- Php 500 for inactive member
- Human-Caused Disaster
- Php 3,000 for active member
- Php 1,500 for inactive member00
- Natural Disaster
OWWA Calamity Qualifications
Just like any other programs and services of OWWA, the Calamity Assistance also provided a list of qualifications for OFWs to meet.
- OWWA Membership – The OWWA Calamity Assistance is open to all OWWA members and their families, regardless of their employment status, and whether they are active or inactive members.
- Victim of Calamities or Disaster – The OFWs or their beneficiaries must be a victim of any calamities or disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and even war.
- State of Calamity – The Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) local residential area must be declared ‘State of Calamity’ by the Local Government Unit (LGU) or Office of the President.
OWWA Calamity Requirements
The documentary requirements needed to apply for the Calamity Assistance are mostly common to all OWWA programs and services. Here is the list of documents you need and make sure to complete all of them before applying to the Calamity Assistance Program.
If the claimant is the OFW, he or she must bring:
- OWWA Calamity Claim Form
- Photocopy of two of any valid government-issued identification documents such as passport and seaman’s book, OWWA ID
- Barangay Certificate as resident of disaster/emergency affected community
- 2×2 ID picture of the claimant
- Sworn Affidavit declaring that no other relatives of the OFW applied for the Calamity Assistance
If the claimant is a beneficiary of the OFW, he or she must bring:
- Spouse of the OFW:
- OWWA Calamity Claim Form
- Copy of passport and any valid government-issued identification documents of the OFW
- Any valid government-issued identification documents of the claimant
- Proof of Relationship
- Marriage Contract – for spouses
- Sworn Affidavit declaring that no other relatives of the OFW applied for the Calamity Assistance
- 2×2 ID picture of the claimant
- Child of the OFW (must be 18 years old and above):
- OWWA Calamity Claim Form
- Any valid government-issued identification documents of the claimant
- Birth Certificate of the child of the OFW
- Letter of Authorization from the OFW
- Barangay Certificate as resident of disaster/emergency affected community
- 2×2 ID picture of the claimant
- Sworn Affidavit declaring that no other relatives of the OFW applied for the Calamity Assistance
- Guardian of the OFW’s child
- OWWA Calamity Claim Form
- Any valid government-issued identification documents of the claimant
- Birth Certificate of the child of the OFW
- Letter of Affidavit of the Guardians – for children of OFW under 18 years old
- Letter of Authorization from the OFW
- Barangay Certificate as resident of disaster/emergency affected community
- 2×2 ID picture of the claimant
- Sworn Affidavit declaring that no other relatives of the OFW applied for the Calamity Assistance
- Parents of unmarried OFW:
- OWWA Calamity Claim Form
- Any valid government-issued identification documents of the claimant
- Birth Certificate of the OFW
- Sworn Affidavit declaring that no other relatives of the OFW applied for the Calamity Assistance
- 2×2 ID picture of the claimant
- Barangay Certificate as resident of disaster/emergency affected community
Double-check all your documents and make sure that all signatures are the same and all identification documents are valid.
OWWA Calamity Application
The application for the OWWA Calamity Assistance can be done in any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). However, make sure to make a call before going to any of the government offices as they might require applicants to book a scheduled appointment beforehand.
On-Site Application:
Step 1: Go to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) near your permanent address or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) near your workplace.
Step 2: Get a number and wait to be called.
Step 3: Go to the Membership Verification Desk and present your OFW identification card.
Step 4: Fill out the application form and submit all the required documents. Wait for your documents to be evaluated.
Step 5: Once approved, get a claim stub and present it to claim your financial assistance.
Online Application:
Step 1: Go to the OWWA Website and proceed to the OWWA Calamity Assistance page or simply click on this link: https://calamity.owwa.gov.ph/.
Step 2: Fill out the form on the page. Make sure that the information you give is true and accurate. Prepare to input details such as Name, Birthdate, Gender, Passport Number, Civil Status, Contact Number, Email Address, Permanent Address, and Name of the claimant.
- Click ‘SELF’ if the OFW is the applicant.
- For relatives, choose the appropriate relationship option.
Step 3: Prepare to upload your documentary requirements.
Step 4: Tick the two (2) boxes at the bottom of the page and tick the ‘I’m Not a Robot’ box, too.
Step 5: Double-check all the information and make sure all numbers and spellings are correct. Then click ‘Submit Application’.
Once you have submitted your application, the OWWA will evaluate and assess it. If you are eligible for assistance, the OWWA will contact you. You may also call or email the OWWA office to follow up on your application.
Video: OWWA CALAMITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM | CASH ASSISTANCE FOR OFWs
Watch this video by RICROD-PH as he talks and guides you in applying for the OWWA Calamity Assistance Program.
Summary
Calamities and disasters can happen to all of us and most of the time, it happens unexpectedly. Luckily, there’s a program that helps OFWs and their families in this time of need. The OWWA Calamity Assistance is ready to extend a helping hand to all OWWA members and provide them with financial assistance. So, if you are a victim of a natural or manmade disaster, apply and take advantage of this program.