The OWWA Calamity Assistance is a benefit offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to both active and inactive members via the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). It was meant to offer support to OFWs and their families to help with their recovery efforts after being affected by calamities and natural disasters. As a social benefit offered to both active and inactive member OFWs and their eligible dependents, the OWWA Calamity Assistance is offered in hopes that all OFWs can get the protection and support they need in the face of disasters.
Also Read: Complete List of OWWA Programs, Benefits, and Services
In this guide, we looked into the complete process of applying for the OWWA Calamity Assistance. By complete, we mean that this guide will detail everything you need to know—from the qualifications to the requirements and detailed application procedures and the offices to visit—to make the process as simple as possible for you.
What is the OWWA Calamity Assistance
The OWWA Calamity Assistance is one of the four benefits offered by the agency through its Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). It is a part of the OWWA Social Benefit Program and was meant to offer financial and livelihood assistance and training to help OFWs and their families bounce back from the damages brought by natural and man-made calamities or disasters.
Being one of the countries heavily affected by calamities and natural disasters on a regular basis, the Philippine government has put in place programs like the OWWA Calamity Assistance in an effort to help the affected OFWs and their families residing in areas where a State of Calamity has been declared by either the Local Government Unit (LGU) or the Office of the President.
It was also made available to both active and inactive OFWs, though an active OWWA membership is always more preferable in terms of availing other OWWA programs.
OWWA Calamity Benefits
As one of the many provisions of the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP), the OWWA Calamity Assistance Program offers its availees the following benefits:
- Cash aid amounting to ₱500.00 For OFWs who are inactive OWWA members and their family members who suffered due to natural disasters in areas where a state of calamity has been declared.
- Cash aid amounting to ₱1,000.00 For OFWs who are active OWWA members and their family members who suffered due to natural disasters in areas where a state of calamity has been declared.
- Cash assistance amounting to ₱1,500.00, for OFWs who are inactive OWWA members or their families in the event of man-made disasters
- Cash assistance amounting to ₱3,000.00, for OFWs who are active OWWA members or their families in the event of man-made disasters
- Other additional assistance for relief offered by the government to help supplement their income
Qualifications
To qualify for the benefits of the OWWA Calamity Assistance Program, the claimants must meet the following criteria:
- He/she be an OWWA member, active or otherwise, or an eligible dependent of one
- He/she must have suffered from calamities or other types of disasters, natural or man-made
- He/she must be living in areas where either the LGU or the Office of the President has declared a state of calamity
- He/she must have suffered from having their place razed by calamities like typhoon or earthquake or disasters like war
Requirements
If you are interested in availing the OWWA Calamity Assistance Program, then you or your dependents must prepare to secure and submit the following documentary requirements:
For OFW claimants of the Calamity Assistance
- Photocopy of at least two (2) valid IDs, preferably the OWWA ID
- 2 x 2 ID picture of the OFW
- Barangay Certificate to prove that claimant is a resident of the disaster/emergency affected community
- If victim of fire incident, secure Certification
- A completely filled out claim form declaring that no other OFW-family member had already availed of the assistance offered
- Active bank account
If the claimant is the spouse of the OFW
- Photocopy of their marriage contract
- A duly accomplished claim form declaring that no other OFW-family member had already availed of the assistance offered
- 2 x 2 ID picture
- A photocopy of at least two (2) valid IDs with address
If the claimant is an unmarried child of the OFW who is of legal age
- Photocopy of his/her birth certificate
- A duly accomplished claim form declaring that no other OFW-family member had already availed of the assistance offered
- 2 x 2 ID picture
- A photocopy of a valid ID with address
If the claimant is the guardian of the OFW’s child who is a minor
- Authorization letter from the OFW
- Photocopy of the birth certificate of the OFW’s (minor) child
- A duly accomplished claim form declaring that no other OFW-family member had already availed of the assistance offered
- 2 x 2 ID picture of the claimant
- A photocopy of a valid ID/passport with address of the claimant
If the claimant is the parent of an unmarried OFW
- Photocopy of the birth certificate of the OFW
- A duly accomplished claim form declaring that no other OFW-family member had already availed of the assistance offered
- 2 x 2 ID picture of the claimant
- A photocopy of a valid ID/passport with address of the claimant
If the claimant is the sibling of the unmarried OFW
- Authorization letter from the OFW
- Photocopy of the birth certificate of the OFW and the claimant
- A duly accomplished claim form
- 2 x 2 ID picture of the claimant
- A photocopy of a valid ID/passport with address of the OFW and claimant
Once the documentary requirements are complete, you can start initiating your application starting with the application form online.
Procedure to Avail of the OWWA Calamity Assistance
To claim the benefits of and avail the OWWA calamity assistance, here are the steps to follow:
Via the OWWA Website (Online)
Step 1: Visit OWWA calamity assistance application page via the link: https://calamity.owwa.gov.ph.
Step 2: Fill in the online application form with all the personal details about the OFW.
- Name
- Birthdate
- Gender
- Passport number
- Civil status
- Contact number,
- Email address
- Facebook account
- Address
- Name of the claimant
Step 3: Select whether you are making the application for yourself as the member OFW or as an OFW beneficiary.
- If the applicant is the OFW: select “SELF” and input the OFW’s name.
- If the applicant is a beneficiary of the OFW: select the fitting relationship.
Step 4: Click “Next” to go to the next page where you will see more instructions on how to submit your application.
Step 5: Upload the following requirements by selecting “Choose File” and attaching the following documents:
- a 2×2 ID photo of the applicant
- OFW’s passport
- Claimant or applicant’s valid ID
- Supplementary documents to prove relationship to the OFW
Step 6: Submit the application form, and wait for the message confirming the successful recording of your application.
Step 7: Wait for your application to be confirmed by the OWWA evaluator.
Via the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), OWWA Satellite Office, or POLO-OWWA offices
Step 1: Secure an appointment to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) for local applications or at the POLO-OWWA office for applicants abroad by:
- Using the appointment scheduler on the OWWA website (appointment.owwa.gov.ph).
- Using the appointment scheduler on the OWWA Mobile App.
Step 2: On the day of the scheduled appointment, visit the OWWA office.
Step 3: Secure a priority number (ticket), and wait for your turn to be accommodated.
Step 4: Present your OFW ID or info to the Membership Verification Desk and obtain the application form and checklist of requirements based on status of your membership.
Step 5: Submit the accomplished claim form along with the documentary requirements for validation and evaluation.
Step 6: Once your application is approved, present your claim stub and claim the cash assistance through check or cash pay-out.
You may also visit the nearest OWWA Satellite Office for inquiries. They will provide you with the information you need to claim your calamity assistance straight from your municipality, if the application is approved.
Important Reminders
If you are looking to avail the OWWA Calamity assistance, then here are some things you need to remember:
- The OWWA Calamity Assistance offered via the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) is not a loan.
- It is a one-time cash aid offered to active and inactive OWWA members.
- Valid IDs and active bank accounts are necessary when availing of this benefit.
- If OWWA distributes the fund in cash, a bank account is no longer required.
- The signatures on the OFW’s valid ID, passport, and the authorization letter must be identical.
- Like any other OWWA programs, application for the OWWA calamity assistance can be done either through their website, or by visiting the nearest OWWA or POLO Offices.
- The payout of the calamity assistance is scheduled per municipality after thorough evaluation and approval of applications.
- OWWA releases a list of qualified severely affected municipalities, when application for calamity assistance opens.
Video: A Closer Look at the OWWA Calamity Assistance Program
To learn more about the OWWA Calamity assistance benefits, you may watch this video posted on Youtube by Lihbay San Juan:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You may also check out this list of the most commonly asked questions and answers regarding the OWWA calamity assistance program:
1. What is the OWWA Calamity Assistance?
The OWWA Calamity Assistance is a benefit afforded by OWWA to its active and inactive members under the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) to help them bounce back through a one-time no-commitment cash aid to OFWs and their dependents.
2. Who is qualified to apply for and avail the OWWA Calamity Assistance?
Since the program belongs under the OWWA WAP, both active and inactive OWWA member OFWs are allowed to apply for and avail of the one-time cash assistance as long as they satisfy all the conditions of the program.
3. How much cash aid is given to qualified claimants of OWWA Calamity Assistance?
The program offers cash aid ranging from ₱500.00 to ₱3,000.00 to OFWs or their eligible dependents. The amount varies depending on the type and severity of the disasters.
4. How may I claim my benefit from the assistance?
Once your application for the Calamity Assistance has been approved, the local Regional Welfare Office, OWWA Satellite Office, or POLO-OWWA office will provide you with instructions about how to claim your benefit through your municipality.
5. How can I apply for assistance on behalf of an OFW relative?
If you are a legal beneficiary or an eligible dependent of an OFW, you will just need to submit the accomplished application form along with the documentary requirements to apply for the calamity assistance.
Summary
The OWWA Calamity Assistance is government’s attempt at showing support to the millions of OFWs worldwide. With this program, the OFWs can rest assure that OWWA has their backs when calamity strikes or when faced with emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.
For the Calamity Assistance benefit, it doesn’t matter whether you are an active OWWA member or not. As long as you satisfy the conditions set by the program, you are eligible to enjoy the one-time, no commitment special cash assistance when you need it.
Contact Information
For more information on the Calamity Assistance and other OWWA programs, you may contact OWWA at:
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Tel. No: 8891-7601 to 24
OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International)
OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph, commandcenter@dole.gov.ph
OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial
OWWA website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
You may also reach out to the dedicated OWWA customer service hotline, OWWA Cares.
OWWA Cares
OWWA Cares Hotline: 1348 (for Metro Manila), (02) 1348 for outside Metro Manila, 0632-1348 for those overseas / international calls