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Apply for OWWA Calamity Benefits

Whether natural or man-made, when calamities unexpectedly strike, it causes turmoil, stress, and even loss of property and livelihood. During disasters, seeking help from others is more frustrating, and some may feel hopeless. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is there to help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, providing them with Calamity Benefits if they encounter natural and even man-made calamities, like terrorism and super typhoons.

Also Read: Apply for OWWA Death Burial Benefits

The OWWA Calamity Benefits provide OFWs and their eligible beneficiaries up to P3,000 cash aid, given they suffered from calamities. Although OWWA doesn’t offer Calamity Loan, the cash assistance can help disaster victims acquire their basic needs. It will also benefit many OFWs and their families, considering the consecutive disasters the country experience yearly.

So to learn more about OWWA Calamity Benefits, keep reading as we share the qualification, requirements, and applicant procedures.

Table of Contents

What is OWWA Calamity Assistance?

A program launched under the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP), OWWA Calamity Assistance assists OFWs and their families who experienced natural or man-made calamities.

This OWWA program aims to provide cash assistance of up to P3,000, which the disaster victims can use to purchase necessities while they cope and recover. Do note that this program is not a Calamity Loan, which means the beneficiaries no longer have to repay the cash assistance that OWWA will grant them.

Benefits

Through the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) Calamity Assistance, OFWs and their families will receive cash assistance based on the cause of the disaster. For those affected by natural disasters, OWWA will grant the beneficiaries cash assistance worth P1,000. On the contrary, beneficiaries who encountered man-made disasters will receive cash assistance worth P3,000 maximum.

Apart from the monetary aid that the government gives to disaster victims, the OWWA Calamity Benefits will surely benefit many OFW members and their families. However, the cash assistance may also vary depending on the OFW claimant’s OWWA membership status. The stated amounts earlier apply if the claimant is an active OWWA member. If inactive, the claimant will only receive half of it, P500 for natural calamities and P1,500 for man-made disasters.

Qualifications

Same with other OWWA programs, the OWWA Calamity Assistance has qualification criteria that applicants should meet, including:

The applicant should be an active OWWA member or legal beneficiary to receive the maximum calamity aid.
The applicant should be an inactive OWWA member or legal beneficiary to receive half of the designated assistance amount.
OFW OWWA members and their families are affected by natural and man-made disasters.

Meanwhile, OWWA did not specify the calamities covered under this program. But based on the usual disasters in the country, victims of earthquakes, typhoons, heavy flooding, and landslides may qualify for cash assistance. Aside from natural calamities, this program also covers those affected by man-made disasters. For instance, if there’s terrorism, war, or arson, the victims are also covered by OWWA Calamity Benefits.

Requirements

Here are the following documentary requirements that applicants should secure to avail of OWWA Calamity Benefits:

For OFW claimants:

2×2 ID picture
Photocopy of a valid ID (if possible, a valid OWWA ID card)
Duly-accomplished claim form, declaring that other OFW family members have not claimed the Calamity Assistance

For the Spouse of OFWs:

2×2 ID picture of the claimant
Photocopy of a valid ID with address
Duly-accomplished claim form
Photocopy of Marriage Contract with the OFW

For the Child of OFWs (18 years of age and above):

2×2 ID picture of the claimant
Photocopy of valid Passport and valid ID of the OFW
Duly-accomplished claim form
Photocopy of the Child’s Birth Certificate
Authorization letter from the OFW

For the Guardian of the OFWs child (Below 18 years old):

2×2 ID picture of the claimant
Photocopy of valid Passport and valid ID of the OFW
Duly-accomplished claim form
Photocopy of the Child’s Birth Certificate
Letter of Affidavit of the Guardians
Authorization letter from the OFW

For the Parent of Single/Unmarried OFWs:

2×2 ID picture of the claimant
Photocopy of valid Passport and valid ID of the OFW
Duly-accomplished claim form
Photocopy of the OFW’s Birth Certificate

For the Sibling of Single/Unmarried OFWs:

2×2 ID picture of the claimant
Photocopy of valid Passport and valid ID of the OFW
Duly-accomplished claim form
Photocopy of the OFW and claimant’s Birth Certificate
Authorization letter from the OFW

Also, note that the signature in the Authorization letter must be identical to the valid Passport and ID signatures.

How to Apply for Calamity Benefits Program from OWWA

You have two options if you need to apply for OWWA Calamity Benefits. You can apply for the program via OWWA’s Online Website and by booking an appointment with the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or POLO-OWWA office if abroad. To do so, follow the steps below:

Via OWWA Calamity Assistance Online Website

For convenience, you can apply online for Calamity Assistance by visiting this link: https://calamity.owwa.gov.ph/.
Fill out the required details regarding the OFW.
If the applicant is the OFW, click SELF and enter your name. But if the applicant is the beneficiary, select your relationship with the OFW and click Next.
Tap Choose File. Then, upload the applicant’s 2×2 ID picture.
Also, upload the following documentary requirements:
Valid passport of the OFW
Valid ID of the Beneficiary or Claimant
Supporting documents that prove the applicant’s relationship to the OFW (as listed above)
Next, submit your application, and wait for the confirmation note saying the Record Added Successfully.
Then, wait for the OWWA evaluator to contact you and confirm your application.

Via OWWA or POLO Office

If in the Philippines, you may book an appointment at the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office to apply for Calamity Assistance. However, if abroad, you should book an appointment with the designated POLO-OWWA office in your host country. After booking an appointment, visit the concerned office and submit your complete documentary requirements. Wait for the evaluation of your application and follow the instructions provided by the office to claim the cash assistance if approved.

Reminders

Please take note of the following reminders if you wish to apply for OWWA Calamity Benefits:

The Calamity Assistance under WAP only provides a cash grant to eligible beneficiaries. It’s not a loan program that OFWs and their families should repay.
Although this program is open to active and inactive OWWA members, the cash assistance will differ based on the OWWA membership status of the applicant.
The OWWA Calamity Assistance is open to OFWs and their families who are victims of natural or man-made disasters.
The applicant should declare that the Calamity Assistance is not yet accessed if there is more than one OFW family member.
Claimants who wish to apply for the Calamity Aid can apply online or on-site with OWWA RWO and POLO-OWWA offices overseas.
Since OWWA did not specify the calamities covered by this program, we advise the applicants to contact their office thru their Facebook page, hotline, or email for more details.

Video: OWWA CALAMITY ASSISTANCE

For more information on OWWA Calamity Benefits, please watch the video below:

As discussed in the video, the OWWA Calamity Assistance intends to help OFWs and their families affected by calamities in the Philippines. This program is for active OWWA members and their legal beneficiaries. The OWWA membership is also valid for two (2) years and mandatory for OFWs before they leave the country. In addition, the beneficiaries of this program will receive cash aid amounting to P1,000 to P3,000, which can help many disaster victims.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to claim Calamity Assistance from OWWA?

You may claim the OWWA Calamity Assistance under the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) by applying online at https://calamity.owwa.gov.ph/. Another way to apply for the program is to book an appointment with the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). You may also process this at the POLO-OWWA office in your host country. Submit the complete documents and wait for the approval of your application. Then, follow the instructions from OWWA on how to claim the Calamity Assistance.

Who qualify for OWWA Calamity Assistance?

The OWWA Calamity Assistance is for active OWWA members and their legal beneficiaries who encountered natural or man-made disasters, like heavy flooding, earthquake, super typhoons, war, or terrorism. On the other hand, inactive OWWA members may also be avail of the Calamity Assistance. But they will only receive half of the designated cash aid amount

How much is Calamity Assistance from OWWA?

The Calamity Assistance from OWWA differs based on the OFW OWWA membership status. If the OFW is an active OWWA member, the applicant will receive P1,000 for natural calamities and P3,000 for man-made disasters. However, inactive OWWA members will only get half of the previously stated amount, P500 for natural calamities and P1,500 for man-made disasters. Thus, OFWs should keep their OWWA membership active to enjoy the maximum benefits from OWWA.

Summary

If you or your family in the Philippines are experiencing a disaster, take advantage of the OWWA Calamity Benefits. Also, don’t forget that even if you’re not in the country, your legal beneficiaries may apply for the Calamity Assistance to receive cash aid, given they meet the qualifications and requirements for application. Thus, if you need immediate help, apply for this program or share this guide with your families to claim the OWWA Calamity Benefits.

OWWA Repatriation Program: How to Apply for OFWs

According to law, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration must create an emergency repatriation fund in order to immediately evacuate Overseas Filipino Workers during disasters, epidemics, or conflicts in their host country. Hence, the repatriation assistance program is designed for OFWs who need to return to the Philippines due to unforeseen events.

This assistance is available through the Consulate, Philippine Embassy, or Philippine Overseas Labor Office (now called Migrant Workers Office) in various countries where there are OFWs. In times of calamities, whether man-made or natural, the OWWA is ready to repatriate Filipino migrant workers through the help of foreign agencies in affected countries.

The OWWA will take care of all the costs incurred in repatriating OFWs if the recruitment agency or sponsor can’t be found. Initially, the Philippine government allotted Php 100,000,000 as emergency repatriation fund including any outstanding balances under the supervision and administration of the agency.

Table of Contents

What Is the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program

The OWWA Repatriation Program is an assistance wherein the OWWA helps OFWs return to the country safely. Repatriation includes assisting returning migrant workers, mentally or physically ill OFWs, and even human remains or belongings. During natural disasters or civil instability, the OWWA carries out emergency repatriation for affected OFWs.

The repatriation team works with Local Government Units and other government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Southern Philippines Medical Center to provide assistance to distressed OFWs. In case the recruitment agency or principal can’t be contacted, the OWWA will shoulder the costs of the repatriation.

Benefits of OWWA Repatriation Program

The OWWA is given an emergency repatriation fund in order to assist returning OFWs, from their host country back to the Philippines. The benefits and services of the repatriation program include airport assistance, stress debriefing, psychosocial therapy, temporary accommodation via the OWWA Halfway House, packed meals, free transportation to quarantine facilities, free quarantine accommodations, and transportation fares and facilities to different provinces.

Any OFW who experiences all kinds of abuse, or those who are affected by conflicts in the country where they work should have immediate access to POLO or OWWA’s repatriation services. It’s advised to contact the nearest POLO office in case a Filipino migrant worker needs to seek repatriation assistance.

OWWA Repatriation Loan Programs

In addition to the repatriation services that OWWA provides for OFWs across the world, the agency also offers loan programs and financial grants in order to help displaced and distressed Filipino migrant workers recover and get back on their feet. If you’re interested in the repatriation loan, check out the following programs that qualified returning OFWs can get cash assistance from:

Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Livelihood Program

Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Livelihood Program

Reintegration Programs for OFWs

OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program

Tulong PUSO Livelihood Program for OFWs

Qualifications for OWWA Repatriation Program

There is a list of documentary requirements to submit when applying for the OWWA Repatriation Program. But before that, it’s important to consider the qualifications in order to see whether you meet them or not. Of course, you must meet the following:

Must be a Filipino citizen

Active or non-active OFW

Land-based or sea-based migrant worker

Requirements

Below are the requirements you need to complete before submitting an application for the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program:

Copy of a valid Philippine passport

Copy of the Exit Visa

Active mobile phone number

Current home address or local residence

How to Apply for OWWA Repatriation Program

All OFWs are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the repatriation process so that the concerned agencies can help them immediately during trying times. You need to meet the qualifications and secure all the documentary requirements before you can apply for the OWWA Repatriation Program for OFWs.

If you need repatriation assistance abroad, make sure to follow these steps in order to get immediate assistance from the POEA, POLO, OWWA, or any designated office near you:

Step 1: Go to the Philippine Embassy, POLO, or Consulate office in your area.

Step 2: Prepare a copy of the Exit Visa issued by the Passport Office or via online application.

Step 3: Accomplish the form for OWWA repatriation assistance.

Step 4: Get a repatriation program request form from the agency.

Step 5: Wait for the Embassy’s response to the letter of request.

For the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Form, you can fill it out online through the OFW Assistance Information System form. You need to accomplish the application form within five days before your flight. If you can’t accomplish the form online, you can download the form via DOLE OASIS Form at https://oasis.owwa.gov.ph/ and print it.

You can download the document and print it through this link: https://www.dole.gov.ph/php_assets/uploads/2020/06/OASIS-Form-as-of-9-June-2020-9-pm.pdf. When filling out the physical copy of the application form, make sure that all personal details are clearly visible and accurate. Once you’re done, submit it to any authorized personnel of POLO, POEA, OWWA, or DOLE.

General Guidelines to Consider

When you fill out the DOLE-OASIS Form, you automatically provide your personal information to OWWA, POEA, DOLE, and POLO. This allows these agencies to centralize OFW information so that they can easily act during emergency situations and respond to requests or concerns.

You should accomplish the DOLE-OASIS Form within five days prior to your departure flight back to the Philippines.

You can register for DOLE-OASIS online to quickly update personal details in case you need immediate repatriation assistance or other OWWA services.

If you can’t contact the nearest OWWA-POLO office, it’s highly advised to reach out to your recruitment agency for repatriation assistance. All registered manning and recruitment agencies are required to provide repatriation assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers. These agencies can register OFWs on their behalf so they have access to their personal details for repatriation application purposes only. In addition, these agencies must report to POEA the list of OFWs who need repatriation assistance, including their departure flight details, location details, and other important information.

Applicants may still be required to fill out the e-CIF Form before they are repatriated to the country for quarantine and immigration clearance.

Video: OFW Tulong Para Maka Uwi ng Pilipinas

In this video, you will learn everything about the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program including the qualifications, requirements, processing tips, and other helpful guidelines to ensure that you can get immediate action from OWWA, POEA, POLO, or DOLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions about the OWWA Repatriation Program and the answers you need to know:

1. What should I do if I need to go home for emergency reasons?

If you need to return to the Philippines due to war, epidemic, or other unforeseen events in your host country, you should secure an Exit Visa before you will be allowed to leave the country.

2. How can I obtain an Exit Visa?

To obtain an Exit Visa, ask your employer to apply for the Exit Visa online, or visit the Passport Office for your Exit Visa application. You can also request the POLO or Embassy to process your Exit Visa with the Passport Office if you’re an undocumented OFW, don’t have a valid employer, have an expired passport, or don’t have a valid passport.

3. How to get my Exit Visa approved?

To get your Exit Visa approved, you need to conclude your criminal case as well as the individual’s private rights who filed the case if there’s any. You can accomplish the Philippine Red Cross Case Investigation Form online via this link: https://ecif.redcross.org.ph/.

4. What should I do if I can’t book a flight?

If you can’t book a flight for your repatriation, you can contact the nearest POLO or your recruitment agency to help you schedule a flight. You are required to provide a flight schedule going back to the Philippines prior to repatriation.

5. Is the Exit Visa the same as a travel document?

No, your Exit Visa is not considered a travel document. However, it is a requirement for returning OFWs before they leave their host country for repatriation.

6. What does repatriation exactly mean?

Repatriation refers to the process of repatriating or returning an individual, his/her remains, or his/her belongings to his/her home country. This doesn’t basically mean a financial benefit, but it does offer some benefits for Overseas Filipino Workers who are affected by public health, environmental, economic, or political crises. Also, the OWWA offers loans and other programs through repatriation assistance to help displaced or distressed OFWs go home safely.

Summary

It’s one of the major concerns of every Overseas Filipino Worker to get caught up with unforeseen events such as political conflicts, epidemics, or wars in the country where they are currently working. Knowing how to process and claim repatriation services from OWWA is a huge help for our modern-day heroes abroad.

owwa hasc program humanitarian assistance for saudi claims

HASC-OWWA Program: Humanitarian Assistance for Saudi Claims Program

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration continues to provide services and programs that align with the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers around the world. These OWWA services and programs include one-time financial assistance such as the Humanitarian Assistance for Saudi Claims Program. If you’re working in Saudi Arabia, you can apply for this claims program and get some cash assistance.

Repatriated OFWs from Saudi Arabia due to the economic downturn between January 2016 to December 2019 are eligible to claim a certain amount through this program. However, there is a process to follow as well as qualifications and requirements to meet before applying. Make sure to check out this guide if you’re interested to apply in the HASC-OWWA Program.

Table of Contents

What Is the HASC-OWWA Program?

The Humanitarian Assistance for Saudi Claims Program or HASC-OWWA Program is a one-time financial assistance for OFWs who were repatriated to the country from 2016 to 2019 because of the economic downturn and still have an ongoing money claim in the Saudi Labor Court. You can apply online via the online application portal by providing your personal information which is protected by the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

The information provided in the application will be used by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and OWWA to process claims by qualified OFWs. As of this writing, there were 36 displaced OFWs in Saudi Arabia that composed the pioneering batch who already received their cash aid from the Philippine government.

Benefits of the HASC-OWWA Program

The main benefit of the HASC-OWWA Program is the cash aid amounting to Php 10,000 provided by the government. This is available for OFWs who still have unpaid wages in Saudi since 2016 due to the recession. The first batch received an amount of Php 10,000 from the DSWD and an additional amount of Php 5,000 from OWWA.

HASC is the government’s financial intervention for OFWs who were displaced due to the closure of establishments and companies in Saudi Arabia including the Mohammad Al Mojil Group of Companies and Saudi Oger Ltd to name a few. The assistance will benefit repatriated Filipino migrant workers as they wait for their claims settlement from the Saudi Labor Court.

Requirements for HASCC-OWWA Online Application

Qualified applicants must complete a set of requirements before they can apply for HASC-OWWA Program. Below is a list of documentary requirements you need to secure:

Valid Philippine passport

Active email address

Active phone number

Current home address

Copy of OFW valid government ID

How to Apply for the HASC-OWWA Program

Once you have secured all the requirements, you can now proceed to the application. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to submit your HASC-OWWA Program application online:

Step 1: Go to the Humanitarian Assistance for Saudi Claims Program by clicking on this link: https://hasc.owwa.gov.ph/ and then tap the Apply button.

Step 2: You will be directed to the HASC-OWWA Program online form. Supply all the required details including your full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, contact number, email address, and so on.

Step 3: In case you have a representative, claimants must provide their personal information including their relationship to you, full name, civil status, date of birth, and the required documents such as a valid government ID of the OFW.

Step 4: Upload the copy of OFW’s valid government ID, then review the statements before you check each box.

Step 5: Confirm that you are not a robot before clicking on the Submit Application button.

Video: How to Apply Php 10,000 OWWA HASC Humanitarian Aid

In this video, you will learn how to process your HASC-OWWA Program application via the online portal. It also includes all other important details that will help you complete all the requirements and then successfully claim cash assistance from OWWA or DWSD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is the cash assistance given with the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims package?

The Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program offers financial assistance of up to Php 10,000 for displaced OFWs from Saudi Arabia since 2016 due to the economic downturn. They are Filipino migrant workers who seek unpaid wages after construction companies and establishments have closed during the recession.

2. What are the government agencies that implement the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program?

The Philippine government agencies that implement the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program are the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration through the help of the Department of Migrant Workers abroad.

3. What are the requirements when applying for Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims?

The requirements you need for your HASC-OWWA Program application include a passport, valid email address, phone number, home address, and a copy of the OFW valid government ID. Additional documents may be required by the DSWD or OWWA to process applications.

4. Can I apply for the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program of OWWA?

The main qualification for OFWs who are interested to apply for the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims is that they must be a displaced migrant worker from Saudi who lost their jobs in 2016 due to the economic downturn.

5. How can I apply for the HASC-OWAA Program?

To apply for the HASC-OWWA Program, go to https://hasc.owwa.gov.ph/ and then fill out the online form with your personal information. Check all the details and review the terms before clicking on the Submit Application button.

Summary

At this point, you have all the information you need to apply for the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program implemented by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Make sure you are qualified before applying for this special financial assistance provided by the government in order to enjoy the benefits that come with it.