The reason why the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chose its name as it is, is because its main purpose is to secure the welfare of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It creates and administers programs and services that will greatly benefit OFWs and their families.
One of the programs of OWWA is called the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). This program provides financial assistance to all active or inactive OFWs and their beneficiaries. It offers various assistance such as Calamity Assistance, Bereavement Assistance, Medical Assistance, Disability Assistance, and Relief Assistance. These financial assistance are NOT loans from OWWA so, you do not have to worry about paying it back.
Qualification
The Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) is open to OWWA members and their families who are not yet eligible for other OWWA’s regular programs and services.
Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) Program
Calamity Assistance
Calamity Assistance provides financial aid to OFWs and their families in case of natural calamity, typhoons, earthquakes, heavy flooding, and even human-caused disasters. The Calamity Assistance can only be claimed if there is a declared ‘State of Calamity’ by the Local Government Unit (LGU) or Office of the President in the applicants’ area.
- 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 member
- Natural Disaster
- Requirements
- Two (2) valid government-issued identification of the OFW and claimant
- Authorization Letter (If the applicant is the beneficiary of the OFW)
- Barangay Certificate as resident of disaster/emergency affected community
Bereavement Assistance
Death is inevitable and sudden death is more devastating when you have to deal with it financially. Luckily, the WAP also included Bereavement Assistance in its program to help bereaved families financially.
- Financial Assistance
- Php 20,000 for funeral expenses
- Requirements
- Two (2) valid government-issued identification of the claimant
- Medical Certificate or Examination Procedure Result
- Accident/Police Report
- Special Power of Attorney
Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance is offered to those OFWs who are not covered by the MedPlus program. OWWA members who are suffering from diseases and injuries due to accidents or crimes can apply to this program. This is a one-time cash assistance and must not be treated as health insurance.
- Requirements
- Two (2) valid government-issued identification of the OFW and claimant
- Authorization Letter (If the applicant is the beneficiary of the OFW)
- Original Medical Certificate/Abstract with PTR No. of attending physician
Disability Assistance
OFWs who are victims of crime or accident can apply for this program. The amount of financial grant they will receive depends on the injury they sustain.
- Financial Assistance
- Php 2,500 to Pph 25,000 for partial or temporary injuries
- Php 50 to Php 100,000 for permanent injuries
- Requirements
- Two (2) valid government-issued identification of the OFW and claimant
- Medical Certificate or Examination Procedure Result
- Accident/Police Report
- Special Power of Attorney
Relief Assistance
Relief Assistance was created to help OWWA members who lose their jobs due to economic, political, or health crises, or any unforeseen conditions. This program is offered both to active and inactive OWWA members.
- Requirements
- Two (2) valid government-issued identification of the OFW and claimant
- Authorization Letter (If the applicant is the beneficiary of the OFW)
- Proof of displacement (termination of contract, working Visa, etc.)
- Certification from OWWA-POLO of OFW’s job sites
Application Process
The OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) is available both in the Philippines and abroad. If you are in the Philippines, you can apply to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) and if you are in your host country, you can go to the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). If you want to apply to any of the programs under WAP, make sure to contact the office first before going as some of them require a booked appointment. Once you are done with that, follow these easy steps on how to apply for WAP.
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.
Before going to the OWWA offices or POLO, make sure that all documentary requirements are complete, all your identification cards are valid, and you have active bank accounts.
Video: ALAMIN: OWWA WELFARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Watch this video by DWSI 864 Santiago as they talk about the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) together with the OIC-Regional Director of OWWA-Regional Office 2, Ms. Juvilyn Ann Gumabay.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)?
The Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) is another program created by OWWA to assist OWWA members who are not yet eligible to apply for the regular programs and services of OWWA.
What are the programs offered under the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)?
The programs under WAP are Calamity Assistance, Bereavement Assistance, Medical Assistance, Disability Assistance, and Relief Assistance.
Is a family member allowed to apply on behalf of the OFW?
Yes. The OFW beneficiaries can apply on behalf of an OFW. Just make sure to bring valid government-issued IDs and Special Power of Attorney.
Is there any guarantee that my application will be approved?
No. Just like any other programs and services in OWWA, there is no guarantee that you will be approved. Every application must be reviewed and assessed by OWWA.
Is there any way to know if my application has been approved?
Applicants can track their application using the reference number or serial number given to them upon application. Applicants can call, text, and even email OWWA to get an update.
Summary
As the saying goes ‘No Man Left Behind’, the OWWA wanted to make sure that all its members, whether active or inactive, would receive assistance from them. For OFWs who are not yet eligible for other programs and services of OWWA, the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) is the best choice for you. The financial grants in this program are not loans so make sure to take advantage of what they are offering.