OFW active OWWA members who face a tragedy such as national disasters or human-induced calamities, one of the benefits you can apply for from OWWA is a Calamity cash assistance. Here we share details of the requirements and how you can apply for this financial aid.
Take note that there is NO OWWA Calamity Loan, instead OWWA is offering a cash aid financial help. You do not need to pay anything back to OWWA after you claim the calamity assistance.
One of the Social Benefits provided by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) which is to extend help to active or non-active OWWA members and their families who are not qualified for other programs and services. The Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) covers Calamity Assistance, Bereavement Assistance, Medical Assistance, and Relief Assistance.
Also Read: OWWA Region 11 Hands Out Financial Assistance to Calamity Victims in Digos City
With the successive disasters coming to the country, it is important for OFWs and their families to know more about the Calamity Assistance Welfare Program. This is a program where OWWA members can get a PHP 1000 or PHP 3000 cash grant in the event of a calamity (whether natural or man-made). Here we share information on qualifications, requirements, and steps on how you can claim the calamity cash assistance.
Contents
What is the OWWA Calamity Assistance?
The OWWA Calamity Assistance is a program under the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) established to help and provide cash assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families who are affected by natural disasters and/ or manmade disasters.
OWWA Calamity Benefits – How Much cash assistance is given to qualified applicant?
The Calamity Assistance is a special program dedicated to provide financial assistance up to an amount worth three thousand pesos (Php 3,000.00) for qualified OWWA Members.
If you are affected by a natural disaster, you are entitled to a financial assistance worth One Thousand pesos (Php 1,000.00). On the other hand, if you are affected by a manmade disaster, you are going to receive a financial assistance worth Three Thousand pesos (Php 3,000.00).
Note: This calamity assistance is NOT a cash loan.
Qualifications
The Calamity Assistance Welfare Program is for Active OFW OWWA Members who are affected by natural disasters and man-made disasters.
The OWWA Membership is valid for two (2) years, you are active as long as your membership did not expire yet. You may also check your status as an OWWA Member through the OWWA Mobile Application.
Document Requirements
To claim the OWWA Calamity Assistance, you must prepare the following documents:
- If the Claimant is the OFW, you must provide any Valid Identity Document (ID).
- If the Claimant is a Beneficiary of the OFW in the Philippines:
- Valid ID of the OFW
- Proof of Relationship to the OFW
- For the Spouse of the OFW
- Marriage Contract of the OFW
- For the Child of the OFW (18 years old and above)
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Valid Copy of Passport and Valid ID of the OFW
- Letter of Authorization from the OFW
- For the Spouse of the OFW
**Signature from the Valid ID, Passport, and Letter of Authorization MUST be the same.
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- For the Child of the OFW (below 18 years old)
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Letter of Affidavit of the Guardians
- Valid Copy of Passport and Valid ID of the OFW
- Letter of Authorization from the OFW
- For the Child of the OFW (below 18 years old)
**Signature from the Valid ID, Passport, and Letter of Authorization MUST be the same.
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- For the Parents of the OFW (if OFW is Single)
- Birth Certificate of the OFW
- For the Siblings of the OFW
- If the OFW is Married:
- For the Parents of the OFW (if OFW is Single)
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- Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate of the Claimant
- Marriage Certificate of the OFW
- Valid Copy of Passport and Valid ID of the OFW
- Letter of Authorization from the OFW
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**Signature from the Valid ID, Passport, and Letter of Authorization MUST be the same.
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- If the OFW is Single:
- Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate of the Claimant
- Birth Certificate of the OFW
- Valid Copy of Passport and Valid ID of the OFW
- Letter of Authorization from the OFW
- If the OFW is Single:
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**Signature from the Valid ID, Passport, and Letter of Authorization MUST be the same.
Step by Step Guide: How to Claim OWWA Calamity Assistance
So generally, there are two ways for you to apply for a calamity assistance (or any program from OWWA). The first one is to apply for the Calamity Assistance via online website. The second one is to book an appointment online and visit the nearest OWWA regional office, or POLO-OWWA office (if you are abroad). Please see the detailed list of steps for both procedures:
Calamity Assistance Online Application Form
For more convenience, it is better to apply online. After all, we are all facing a pandemic situation and it is best to try and stay safe as much as possible. Below are the steps to apply for the OWWA Calamity Assistance online.
- Visit this site at https://calamity.owwa.gov.ph for the Calamity Assistance Form.
- Provide all the necessary details about the OFW.
- If the applicant is:
- the OFW – Click SELF and provide the name of OFW.
- the Beneficiary – Click the appropriate relationship with the OFW.
- Click Next.
- Click Choose File and upload a 2×2 ID Picture of the Applicant.
- Attach the Passport of the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
- Attach next the Valid ID of Claimant/ Beneficiary.
- For the Proof of Relationship, attach the necessary documents provide above.
- Click Submit Application and wait for the note “Record Added Successfully!”
- Wait for your application evaluator to contact you.
Going to the Nearest OWWA Office
For other cases, please check with the OWWA office near you for further inquiries. Be aware of the safety protocols advised in your region. You may need to book an appointment schedule before visiting the OWWA office.
- You can claim the Calamity Assistance Welfare Program by visiting the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) – for OFWs in the Philippines, or any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) – for OFWs in abroad.
- They will provide detailed information about the Calamity Assistance and procedures for claiming the cash benefits under the program.
- Your respective Regional Welfare Office (RWO) will provide a deadline to your municipality with regards to receiving a financial assistance after reviewing and approving your application.
Video: OWWA CALAMITY ASSISTANCE
Check out this video guide uploaded on YouTube to know more information about what you can expect and the steps to apply for the Calamity Assistance benefits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6zfQ7YAvrI
Summary
So these are the steps for OWWA members to apply for Calamity Assistance. If you are facing a tragedy or disaster in your area, don’t forget to take advantage of this program. Apply and get your claim as this any form of support is beneficial during times of need.
For more information, visit the OWWA Website at https://owwa.gov.ph. Or visit their Directories for OWWA Offices near you at https://owwa.gov.ph/index.php/contact-us.