What Is OWWA?
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a Philippine government agency under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Its primary mission is to protect and promote the welfare of OFWs and their families. As an active OWWA member, you gain access to a wide range of financial, legal, and social benefits.
Who Can Be an OWWA Member?
Any Filipino worker deployed abroad through a legal recruitment process — whether land-based or sea-based — can be an OWWA member. Membership costs USD $25 per contract (or its equivalent in other currencies), and it is valid for the duration of your contract or up to two years, whichever comes first.
Key OWWA Benefits
1. Life and Disability Insurance
All active OWWA members are automatically covered by life insurance and total and permanent disability insurance. In the event of a covered death or disability, the OFW or their beneficiaries are entitled to a cash benefit. The specific amounts are set by OWWA and are reviewed periodically.
2. Medical and Hospitalization Assistance
OWWA provides financial assistance to members who are hospitalized due to illness or injury sustained while working abroad. This is separate from PhilHealth coverage and serves as a supplementary safety net.
3. Repatriation Assistance
If you are in distress abroad — due to contract termination, employer abuse, war, or calamity — OWWA covers your repatriation expenses, including airfare and temporary shelter. This is one of the most critical safety nets for OFWs in vulnerable situations.
4. Education and Livelihood Programs
- Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP): Scholarships for dependents of active OWWA members for college or vocational courses.
- OFW Dependents Scholarship Program: Covers tuition and other school fees for qualified dependents.
- Livelihood Development Program: Grants and training for OFWs and their families who want to start or grow a small business.
5. Social Integration Programs
For returning OFWs, OWWA offers the Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay! program, which provides livelihood starter kits and skills training to help reintegrate workers into the local economy.
6. Legal Assistance
OWWA, in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), provides legal assistance to OFWs involved in labor disputes, contract violations, or criminal cases abroad.
How to Verify Your OWWA Membership
You can check your OWWA membership status through:
- The official OWWA Mobile App (available on iOS and Android)
- The OWWA website at owwa.gov.ph
- Any OWWA office or POLO desk at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country
Don't Let Your Membership Lapse
OWWA membership is tied to your employment contract. If you renew your contract or switch employers, make sure to renew your OWWA membership as well. An expired membership means you are not covered by any of the benefits listed above.
Summary of OWWA Benefits
| Benefit | Who It's For |
|---|---|
| Life & Disability Insurance | Active member |
| Medical Assistance | Active member |
| Repatriation | Distressed OFW |
| Education Scholarship | Member's dependents |
| Livelihood Program | Returning OFW and family |
| Legal Assistance | Active member abroad |