Many Filipinos willingly work abroad despite the risk of their jobs to provide a brighter future for their families. There are many stories of misfortune and difficulties where Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) got severely injured while working. But instead of getting assistance, most workers are permanently forbidden to pursue their job, making them jobless and in despair. Luckily, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides Disability Benefits to help OFWs who encounter accidents.
This program provides cash assistance to OFW OWWA members who got into an accident while working overseas, leaving them with a partial or permanent disability. Through this program, OFWs will get cash assistance to cover maintenance or medical cost, fund their recovery, or prepare for their return to the Philippines. So if you or someone you know need this assistance, read on to learn more about OWWA Disability Benefits, from the qualifications, requirements, and procedures for the application.
What are OWWA Disability Benefits?
The Disability and Dismemberment program is one of the OWWA social benefits, providing up to P100,000 cash assistance to employed and active OWWA members suffering from partial or permanent disability due to an accident while working abroad. In addition, active OWWA members who got sick while fulfilling their employment contract overseas can avail of the cash assistance.
Disability Benefit thru Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)
On the other hand, OWWA offers a Disability Benefit thru the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) for inactive OWWA members or those not qualified to avail of the Disability and Dismemberment Benefits. With this program, OFWs who are victims of accidents or crimes will receive disability support, whether active or inactive OWWA members.
Benefits
Under OWWA Disability Benefits, eligible active OWWA members will receive the following benefits:
- For partial or temporary disability- beneficiaries will receive cash aid ranging from P2,500 to P25,000
- For complete permanent disability- beneficiaries will receive cash aid ranging from P50,000 to P100,000
Qualifications
If you’re wondering who can avail of OWWA Disability and Dismemberment Benefits, here are the following qualification criteria that applicants must meet:
- Active OWWA members (land-based or sea-based)
- OFWs who sustained partial or temporary disability due to an accident while in contract
- OFWs who sustained complete permanent disability due to an accident while in contract
- Any sustained injury due to an accident while working abroad that can hinder the OFWs’ performance or continuation of work
Do note that OFWs can apply for WAP Disability Benefit, regardless if they are active or inactive OWWA members.
Requirements
If eligible for OWWA Disability Benefits, here are the following documentary requirements you must comply with for the application:
- OFW Membership Record (MR) (from OWWA RWO)
- Copy of passport or Seaman’s Identification Record Book (SIRB) of the OFW member (from MARINA)
- One (1) copy of a 1×1 picture (from OFW Member)
- At least one (1) valid ID of the authorized claimant (from OFWs authorized claimant)
- Present an Authorization Letter with the ID of OFW if the claimant is not OFW (from OFWs authorized claimant)
- Accident Report/Masters Report for seafarer (from employer)
- Foreign Medical Certificate with English Translation (from OWWA-POLO)
- Medical Certificate with the indicated procedure of the medical examination/procedure of the doctor in the Philippines (from a competent medical practitioner from a legitimate medical institution/facility)
How to Apply OWWA Disability and Dismemberment Benefits
Follow the steps below if you wish to apply for OWWA Disability Benefits:
Step 1: Book an Appointment
- Book an appointment with the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), which covers the permanent address of the OFW member. You may book an appointment on the OWWA Mobile App or the OWWA Appointment Scheduler.
- Select the OWWA office where you want to have an appointment.
- Choose Social Benefits – Disability as the Type of Program and click the Next button.
- Select your preferred Appointment Date on the calendar. If there is no available slot, click the Next button on the upper right of the calendar to view the succeeding month.
- Then, pick the time for the appointment to proceed.
- Fill out the required fields in the Personal Information section. Also, provide a valid and active email to receive the appointment confirmation as proof.
- Double-check the entered details and confirm your appointment.
- Check your email for the appointment confirmation from OWWA. Print your appointment information and bring it to your visit.
Step 2: Apply for OWWA Disability Benefits
- Go to the concerned OWWA RWO on the day of your appointment.
- Get a priority number (ticket) and wait for the OWWA representative to accommodate you.
- Show the ID or details of the OFW to the Membership Verification Desk.
- Next, obtain an application form and requirements checklist based on the membership status.
- Submit the documentary requirements and duly-accomplished claim form for verification.
- Once approved, show the claim stub and claim financial assistance thru cash or check payout.
Also, don’t forget to bring original and photocopies of your two (2) valid IDs on the releasing date of the cash assistance. Meanwhile, if the concerned OWWA RWO doesn’t offer the Disability Benefits program thru the OWWA Appointment Scheduler, contact their office directly for further assistance. The application form for Disability Benefits is also available at the nearest OWWA offices in the Philippines or POLO-OWWA offices abroad.
Reminders for OWWA Disability Benefits
For eligible applicants, here are some reminders to keep in mind if applying for OWWA Disability Benefits:
- The Disability and Dismemberment program is only for active OWWA.
- On the contrary, inactive OWWA members or those who can’t access other OWWA social benefits may apply for Disability Benefits under the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP).
- This program only provides cash assistance to OFWs who sustained injuries or disabilities due to accidents while completing their employment contract.
- To track the status of your application, use the reference number you’ll receive from OWWA via email or SMS.
- OWWA will not process applications with invalid or incomplete requirements.
- If your requirements are invalid or incomplete, you’ll receive a notification from OWWA via email or SMS.
- Eligible beneficiaries should have an active bank account to claim the Disability Benefits. Alternatively, the beneficiary should open a savings account under the name of a relative or child.
- After the approval of the application, OWWA will send the cash assistance within two (2) weeks directly to the bank account of the OFW applicant or their designated beneficiary thru an electronic payment facility or bank transfer.
- Contact OWWA via their official Facebook page, hotline, or email for inquiries and assistance.
Video: PAANO MAKAKUHA NG MGA OWWA BENEFITS – OFW NA NAAKSIDENTE, NAGKASAKIT OR PUMANAW HABANG NASA ABROAD
For more information on OWWA Disability Benefits, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs paying the OWWA membership are entitled to Social Benefits. OWWA members can apply for Disability and Dismemberment Benefits if they encounter an accident while working overseas. Moreover, OWWA offers MEDPlus to its sick members and Death Benefits to the surviving family members of deceased OFWs. OWWA can help OFWs and their families in case of unfortunate events while working abroad, so ensure an active OWWA membership.
With the Disability and Dismemberment Benefits, OFWs will receive cash assistance from OWWA ranging from P2,500 to P100,000 if they run into an accident while their employment contract is active. This benefit is open for active OWWA members, land-based and sea-based, who sustained partial, temporary, or complete permanent disability due to an accident. OFWs can ensure they will receive help from OWWA, no matter what happens while working, keeping them insured and protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to claim Disability Benefits from OWWA?
To claim Disability Benefits from OWWA, check if you qualify for the program. If you’re, get an application form from POLO or OWWA office. Complete the documentary requirements and book an appointment with OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). Next, submit your documentary requirements for evaluation. If approved, present the claim stub and wait within two (2) weeks to receive the cash assistance directly on your bank account or designated beneficiary.
Who can avail of OWWA Disability Benefits?
There are two types of Disability Benefits you can avail of from OWWA. First is the Disability and Dismemberment program, which is only for active OWWA members (land-based or sea-based) who sustained partial, temporary, or complete permanent disability due to an accident while fulfilling their employment contract. It’s also open for active OWWA members who got sick while working abroad.
The other Disability assistance from OWWA is under the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). It is open to all active or inactive OWWA members who sustained partial, temporary, or complete permanent disability due to an accident while working overseas.
How much is the financial assistance for OWWA Disability Benefits?
The cash assistance granted to the beneficiaries of OWWA Disability Benefits varies. If the beneficiary obtains partial or temporary disability, OWWA will provide cash assistance ranging from P2,500 to P25,000. But if the beneficiary sustained complete permanent disability, they will receive cash assistance ranging from P50,000 to P100,000.
Summary
While working abroad offers more career opportunities, OFWs should ensure their welfare since accidents are unforeseen events that can drastically change one’s life.
And through the Disability Benefits provided by OWWA, OFWs will always have someone to lean on if they ever run into an accident while trying to make a living for their families back in the Philippines. With that said, it is vital for OFWS to keep their OWWA membership active to access support in times of need.
Contact Details
OWWA Central Office
Address: OWWA Center Building, F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Hotline: 1348
NCR Hotline: 09666250016
Reintegration Unit: 8834-0719
Website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial
Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph
