When the COVID-19 pandemic struck worldwide, many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were displaced or didn’t receive their salary. Fortunately, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched a financial assistance program for OFWs affected by Covid-19, land-based and sea-based. This program is one-time cash assistance amounting to P10,000 or converted to the local currency of the OFW’s host country. So read on to find out how to apply for DOLE-AKAP cash assistance for OFWs.
Also Read: OWWA Membership: How do I Become a Member of OWWA?
The DOLE-AKAP program assists OFWs who were displaced or are not receiving their salary. In addition, the program is accessible for OFWs who temporarily lose their jobs due to lockout or in quarantined. But to access cash assistance, OFWs should meet the qualification and documentary requirements. Priority is also given to OFWs applying in certain countries for workers requiring immediate assistance if their employer or the host country can’t provide adequate support.
What is DOLE-AKAP?
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines launched the DOLE-AKAP Financial Assistance Program, aiming to assist displaced OFWs due to the Covid-19 outbreak. This program provides one-time financial assistance to land-based and sea-based OFWs who lost their jobs temporarily or permanently. The financial aid is worth P10,000 or converted to the local currency of the host country. The OWWA DOLE-AKAP is also called “Ayuda” (help).
It aims to assist OFWs by providing them with financial funds, especially for displaced workers who don’t have an income. Meanwhile, the DOLE-AKAP program is not a loan. But instead, financial assistance from the government for OFWs directly affected by Covid-19. Thus, OFWs are not required to pay back the money after receiving the P10,000 financial aid. The application for this program is also free and doesn’t involve any fees.
Moreover, the program is in line with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of the Philippine Government with the primary purpose of assisting displaced OFWs in varying countries as a consequence of Covid-19. Under the DOLE-AKAP financial assistance program, priority OFWs who urgently need assistance due to the lack of aid from their employers or the host country they are working.
Qualifications
Now, the question is, who qualifies for the DOLE-AKAP cash assistance program? If you’re wondering who can avail of the DOLE-AKAP for OFWs, here are the following qualifications:
Regular/Documented OFWs (as per 2016 Revised POEA Rules and Regulations)
- Documented active/inactive OWWA members
- With a valid Philippine passport and work visa in the host country (or appropriate visa)
- A contract of employment process by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
Qualified Undocumented OFWs
- Previously recorded employees who have lost their documented status due to some circumstance or reason
- Employees without POEA registration or contract of employment not yet processed by POEA or POLO but have acted to amend their status or contract
- Active OWWA members not yet registered with POEA or with contracts but not yet processed by POEA or POLO
- Balik-Manggagawa or returning OFWs unable to return to the host country as a result of lockdown in the Philippines and vice versa
On the other hand, the following individuals are no longer qualified to apply for DOLE-AKAP financial assistance program:
- OFWs who have already received the DOLE-AKAP financial assistance of P10,000
- OFWs with expired or terminated employment contracts due to other reasons
- OFWs who have received a P10,000 cash assistance through the OWWA Special Order No. 053, Series No. 2020, Special Financial Assistance to the Stranded OFWs due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Requirements
The DOLE-AKAP financial assistance program is open for all qualified land-based and sea-based OFWs directly affected by Covid-19. If applying for this program, please secure the following documentary requirements:
- Passport or travel document
- Proof of Overseas Employment:
- Overseas Employment Contract (OEC)
- If BM, Balik Manggagawa (BM) Online Certificate
- Visa/Re-entry Visa
- Other documents requested by the evaluation office
- Proof of loss of employment due to Covid-19, such as termination or summary letter
- For ROF, proof of return to the Philippines:
- Airline ticket
- Boarding Pass or arrival stamp
- For stranded BM, obtain requirements 1 to 3 and include the following:
- Valid visa
- Return ticket or boarding pass of the last arrival to the Philippines
Priority Countries/Territories that Benefit from DOLE-AKAP
For on-site OFWs, here are the following countries/territories that have priority to access the DOLE-AKAP financial assistance:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Cyprus
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Korea
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Oman
- Qatar
- Russia
- Singapore
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom of Great Britain
- United States of America
How to Apply for DOLE-AKAP Online
For Balik Manggagawa repatriated to the Philippines or OFWs that returned to their home country
- Launch your browser and visit https://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph/.
- Fill out the required information and click Next.
- Upload the required documents.
- Next, DOLE-OWWA will evaluate your documents, so you’ll have to wait.
- DOLE-OWWA will inform you via email if incomplete requirements.
- Once approved and the documentary requirements are complete, DOLE-OWWA will give you instructions on how to claim the P10,000 financial assistance.
For Qualified Undocumented Workers
For undocumented OFWs, secure proof with an employer that you’ve completed the necessary paperwork to document their stays in the host country, like a work permit, employment contract, or payslip.
- After submitting the necessary documents, click the Submit button. Then, you’ll receive a confirmation receipt via email.
- Next, the OWWA Regional Office officer will evaluate the application with complete documentary requirements. OWWA will notify you through your contact details or Facebook account if accepted or rejected.
- If approved, the DOLE Regional office will fund your request within five (5) working days via PESO Net or money transfer.
How to Apply for DOLE-AKAP via POLO
For On-site OFWs
- Alternatively, OFWs abroad can go to the nearest POLO office to apply for DOLE-AKAP cash assistance. But an appointment may be necessary for some POLO offices. So ensure to book an appointment or contact POLO ahead of your visit.
- Book an appointment with the POLO office in your host country.
- Submit the documentary requirements, including the DOLE-AKAP application form. Also, other POLO offices may request you send your documentary requirements via email.
- POLO will evaluate your application within five (5) working days.
- Once approved, POLO will give you instructions on how to claim the P10,000 financial assistance.
How to Apply for DOLE-AKAP for Seafarers
- Launch your browser and visit https://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph/.
- Fill out the required information and click Next.
- Upload the required documents.
- Next, DOLE-OWWA will evaluate your documents, so you’ll have to wait.
- DOLE-OWWA will inform you via email if incomplete requirements.
- Once approved and the documentary requirements are complete, DOLE-OWWA will give you instructions on how to claim the P10,000 financial assistance.
How to Download DOLE-AKAP Application Form
You can access the DOLE-AKAP application form via https://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph/. But you don’t need to download it since you can fill out the form online through the DOLE-AKAP website. Below is a sample of the DOLE-AKAP application form online:
Reminders
For those who wish to apply for DOLE-AKAP financial assistance, please take note of the following reminders:
- Ensure to provide an active and valid email address when applying for DOLE-AKAP financial assistance since DOLE-OWWA will notify you via email.
- The application for DOLE-AKAP financial assistance is free and doesn’t involve fees.
- OFWs who received a P10,000 cash assistance no longer have to pay it back since it’s not a loan but financial aid.
- It’s not required to download the DOLE-AKAP application form since you should fill out the required information online via https://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph/.
- OFWs directly affected by Covid-19 can apply for DOLE-AKAP financial assistance, including workers who permanently or temporarily lost their jobs and have reduced salaries.
- Financial assistance is also accessible for OFWs that tested positive for Covid-19, both land-based and sea-based.
- The DOLE-AKAP is also for OFWs that haven’t received OWWA financial assistance.
- OFWs who haven’t accepted salary or financial aid from their employer and the host country due to Covid-19 can also apply for the DOLE-AKAP program.
Video: DOLE AKAP ₱10,OOO CASH ASSISTANCE FOR OFW MAKUKUHA NA
To learn more about DOLE-AKAP financial assistance, please check out the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs who applied for DOLE-AKAP will receive P10,000 financial assistance who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a financial assistance program launched by DOLE in line with Republic Act 11469. To qualify for financial aid, OFWs should lose their job due to lockdown, quarantine, or other reasons caused by the pandemic. So for OFWs who haven’t received financial assistance, we advise applying for the DOLE-AKAP program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply for DOLE-AKAP financial assistance?
To apply for DOLE-AKAP financial assistance, secure the documentary requirements and fill out the online application form through this link https://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph/.
How to claim DOLE-AKAP financial assistance?
If your application is approved, DOLE-OWWA will provide instructions on how to claim financial assistance.
How much is DOLE-AKAP financial assistance for OFWs?
The DOLE-AKAP financial assistance is P10,000 or converted to the local currency of the OFW’s host country.
How to check if DOLE-AKAP is approved?
Visit this link https://owwa.gov.ph/?page_id=4287 to check if your application for DOLE-AKAP is approved. Scroll down and click the Track your DOLE-OWWA AKAP application button.
Summary
To sum up, the DOLE-AKAP is open for OFWs who have been repatriated to the Philippines or are still working abroad but got salary deductions. Financial assistance is also available to OFWs who haven’t received their salary from their employers or didn’t receive aid from the host country or OWWA financial assistance. For on-site OFWs, visit the designated POLO in your host country. Repatriated Balik Manggagawa and OFWs should apply for DOLE-AKAP at OWWA Regional Welfare Offices.
Contact Details
DOLE-OWWA
OWWA Hotline: 1348
OWWA NCR Hotline: 09666250016
OWWA Reintegration Unit: 8834-0719
Website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph
