Aside from livelihood and educational projects, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can also avail of the OWWA Rebate Program. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers this program to OFWs who have been active OWWA members for at least ten (10) years, allowing them to rebate a percentage of their contributions. But how much and who qualifies for the OWWA rebate? Read on as we share how to apply for OWWA Rebate Program and other details, including the requirements.
Also Read: How to Verify Employment Contract for OFWs Abroad
The OWWA Rebate Program is in accordance with Section 54 of the Republic Act 10801 or OWWA Act, which states that OFWs who are active OWWA members for ten (10) years can get a specific rebate amount given they have not received any service or program from the agency. Furthermore, the OWWA Rebate Program portal was launched on September 1, 2019, aiming to help OFWs and their families through rebates that will vary based on the number of paid OWWA contributions.
What is OWWA Rebate Program?
The OWWA Rebate Program is an initiative to help OFWs and their qualified dependents through a percentage cashback of their OWWA contributions. It provides a specific rebate amount to eligible beneficiaries, given the OFW member did not receive any service, program, or benefit from OWWA. The rebate amount also depends on the number of OWWA contributions the OFW paid. In addition, the rebate amount of this program can be claimed by qualified dependents of deceased OFWs or donated to beneficiaries of the OWWA Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP).
Benefits
Under the OWWA Rebate Program, OFWs or their qualified dependents can receive a rebate amount ranging from P941.25 up to P13,177.50 based on the number of their contribution. The said amount depends on the agency’s commissioned actuarial study to determine the capacity of OWWA’s fund. As per OWWA’s database, P1 billion is allocated to around 556,000 beneficiaries of the OWWA Rebate Program, while another P2 billion is for the upcoming batch of qualified OFWs.
Below is the OWWA Rebate Program corresponding amount based on the number of contributions:
- 5 Contributions- P941.25
- 6 Contributions- P1,129.50
- 7 Contributions- P1,317.75
- 8 Contributions- P1,506
- 9 Contributions- P1,694.26
- 10 Contributions- P1,882.50
- 20 Contributions- P3,765
- 30 Contributions- P5,647.50
- 40 Contributions- P7,530
- 50 Contributions- P9,412.50
- 60 Contributions- P11,295
- 70 Contributions- P13,177.50
Also, note that the OWWA rebate is not a refund or cashback of the OWWA contributions. It only provides a percentage of OWWA contribution.
Qualifications
If you are wondering if you can apply for this program, here are the following qualified applicants for OWWA Rebate:
- OFWs with active OWWA membership for ten (10) years or more
- OWWA members with at least five (5) or more membership contributions
- OFWs or their families who did not receive any service, program, or benefit from OWWA
- Must be a legal beneficiary of deceased OFW who meets the above qualifications
Meanwhile, a family member of the OFW can process the OWWA Rebate given the following circumstances:
- If the qualified OFW is still abroad, apply online for OWWA Rebate Program to secure an appointment with OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). Then, the authorized family member of the OFW in the Philippines can claim the OWWA rebate.
- A family member can also process the OWWA rebate if the qualified OFW is critically ill.
Remember, the OWWA Rebate Program applies to land-based and sea-based OFWs who meet the qualifications.
Requirements
For OFWs who are qualified for OWWA Rebate Program, here are the requirements to get the corresponding cashback:
- Membership ID for inquiry purposes
- One (1) valid government-issued
- Active bank account where OWWA can deposit the rebate amount
If the OFW is still abroad, the authorized family member should secure the following requirements to process the OWWA Rebate Program:
- Appointment code
- Authorization letter from the OFW
- One (1) valid ID of OFW and the authorized representative
- Proof of relationship with the OFW (such as Birth Certificate or Marriage Contract)
If the OFW is critically ill, the authorized family member must present the following:
- Appointment code
- Medical Certificate
- Authorization letter from the OFW
- One (1) valid ID of OFW and the authorized representative
- Proof of relationship with the OFW (such as Birth Certificate or Marriage Contract)
Also, don’t forget to bring the appointment code you receive via SMS during your visit to OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO).
How to Apply for OWWA Rebate as an OFW or Seaman
To apply for the OWWA Rebate Program, follow the steps below:
- Go to the OWWA Rebate Portal at https://rebate.owwa.gov.ph/.
- Fill out the required details on the online OWWA Rebate Verification Form. Also, provide an active Mobile Number to receive the appointment code.
- Double-check the provided details and click the Inquire button.
- On the next page, you will see the corresponding rebate amount if you qualify for the program.
- Next, book an appointment with your preferred location, date, and time to claim the rebate. You will receive a confirmation via SMS containing the appointment code.
- On the day of your appointment, visit your chosen OWWA RWO.
- Present the appointment code and one (1) valid government-issued ID for verification.
- Provide your bank account details, where OWWA can deposit the rebate amount.
Other Ways to Get OWWA Rebate Program
Apart from the online appointment, there are other ways to get or benefit from the OWWA Rebate Program. OFWs who still have a current employment contract abroad can claim the rebate amount when renewing their OWWA membership.
Moreover, you can donate the rebate amount to the beneficiaries of the OWWA Tuloy Aral Project (TAP), which is a program that aims to help less fortunate OFWs with the school expenses of their children and eligible beneficiaries.
Online OWWA Rebate Verification Form
You can fill out online the OWWA Rebate Verification Form thru this link: https://rebate.owwa.gov.ph/. Below is the screenshot of the online OWWA Rebate Verification Form:
Reminders for OWWA Rebate Program
Please take note of the following reminders for those who wish to apply for the OWWA Rebate Program:
- The OWWA Rebate Program only entitles qualified OFWs and their legal dependents to get a percentage cashback of their total contributions. It is not a refund of the full OWWA contributions.
- Qualified beneficiaries can only get a rebate given they have active OWWA membership for ten (10) years or more with at least five (5) membership contributions.
- The rebate amount is only available for OWWA members who did not receive any service, program or benefit from the agency.
- Qualified beneficiaries will also receive a varying rebate amount depending on the number of contributions.
- When applying for the program, OFWs should keep a copy of the appointment code sent via SMS for verification.
- The family member of qualified OFWs can process the OWWA Rebate, given the OWWA member is still abroad, suffering from an illness, or deceased.
- After claiming a rebate, OFWs can still avail of other OWWA services and programs in accordance with its policy and guidelines.
- For more details on OWWA Rebate Program, applicants may contact OWWA thru their hotline at 1348 or email them at rebate@owwa.gov.ph. Also, OFW Rebate Program Help Desks are available in all OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs) for inquiries.
Video: OWWA REBATE PORTAL AVAILABLE / PAANO MAKAKUHA NG REBATE SA OWWA
To learn more about OWWA Rebate Program, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, the OWWA Rebate Program online portal opened on September 2019. If it is not working, it is not allowed in the OFW’s host country and is only accessible in the Philippines. The said portal also serves as an appointment system and database for qualified OFWs, where they can validate if they qualify for the OWWA Rebate Program. Also, the OWWA Rebate is for OFWs with at least five (5) contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OWWA Rebate Program?
The OWWA Rebate Program is a percentage cashback of OFWs’ total membership contribution. Under this program, qualified beneficiaries will receive a specific rebate amount depending on the number of their contributions. Most of all, the rebate can be claimed by OFWs renewing their OWWA membership or donated to the beneficiaries of the Tuloy Aral Project (TAP).
How to apply for OWWA Rebate Program?
To apply for OWWA Rebate Program, applicants should meet the qualifications of OWWA and secure the requirements. Next, book an appointment online thru the OWWA Rebate Portal. Select your preferred processing location, date, and time to claim the rebate. Then, present the requirements on the day of the appointment to claim your OWWA Rebate.
Who qualifies for OWWA Rebate Program?
Qualified beneficiaries of the OWWA Rebate Program are OFWs (both land-based and sea-based) with active OWWA membership for ten (10) years or have five (5) or more membership contributions. In addition, the OFW should not receive any service, program, or benefit from OWWA to qualify for the rebate. The legal beneficiaries of deceased OFWs can also apply for OWWA Rebate Program if the OWWA member meets the previous qualifications.
How much is OWWA Rebate?
The OWWA Rebate depends on the total number of contributions of the OFW. It ranges from P941.25 up to P13,177.50.
Summary
Through the OWWA Rebate Program, qualified OFWs and their legal dependents can enjoy a percentage rebate of the OWWA member total contributions. Although this program requires some documents, it is only for verification purposes.
The rebate amount is also beneficial in times of difficulty or to help the surviving families of deceased OFWs. Most importantly, it can be donated to help the beneficiaries of the Tuloy Aral Project (TAP).