Assistance programs for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are all designed to support Filipinos working abroad and their families. These programs aim to address the unique challenges OFWs and returning OFWs generally face, such as employment issues, financial instability, reintegration needs, and emergency repatriation. They are essential because OFWs, while being hailed as modern-day heroes for their remittances, often encounter harsh working conditions, contract violations, or displacement that require timely support and protection.
The history of assistance programs for OFWs traces back to the 1970s, when the Philippine government started formal labor export policies, leading to the creation of support mechanisms like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) which was later restrictured to become the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). These institutions were established to ensure that OFWs receive proper legal, financial, and livelihood aid while working abroad and upon returning home. Understanding these programs is necessary for everyone, especially the OFWs, because they offer accessible help during crises, promote sustainable reintegration, and empower OFWs to make informed decisions about their future.
Assistance Programs for OFWs and Returning OFWs
The different programs available to OFWs and returning OFWs are designed to offer support in the form of the following:
- Business and Livelihood Loan Programs: These programs support OFWs who want to start or expand a business in the Philippines.
- Housing Programs: Programs aimed at providing affordable housing options to OFWs and their families.
- Emergency and Welfare Assistance: These programs provide financial, medical, or legal support during emergencies or crises.
- Donations and Community Development Support: Programs that allow OFWs to contribute to development projects in the Philippines.
Now that you know the different categories of assistance programs, you may now check on the actual programs to see how they can help you.
1. OFW Reintegration Program (ORP)
Provider: LANDBANK in partnership with the OWWA
This program helps OFWs start and manage their own business in the Philippines. It offers affordable loans to support small enterprises as an alternative to working abroad. The goal is to help OFWs reintegrate into local life with financial stability.
Purpose: To provide business financing for OFWs who want to build a sustainable livelihood in the Philippines.
Features and benefits:
- Open to OWWA-certified OFWs who completed the required training
- Funds viable projects in franchising, agri-business, trading, transport, and more
- Loan amount:
- Up to ₱2 million for individual OFWs
- Up to ₱5 million for OFW groups (coops, partnerships, etc.)
- Interest rate: 7.5% fixed per year
- Repayment terms:
- Short-term: up to 1 year
- Term loan: up to 7 years (with max 2-year grace period on principal)
- Borrower equity: At least 20% of total project cost
- Collateral required: Project assets or other acceptable securities
2. DBP OFW Enterprise Development Loan Program (EDLP)
Provider: Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in partnership with OWWA and Land Bank
This loan program supports OFWs and their families in starting or growing a small business. It offers financial assistance with a fixed 7.5% interest rate per year. Loan amounts go up to ₱2 million for individuals and ₱5 million for group borrowers.
Purpose: To help OFWs reintegrate and generate income through sustainable business ventures.
Features and benefits:
- Training support: Includes business seminars and skills training referrals
- Loan eligibility: Open to OFWs who completed the Enhanced Enterprise Development Training (EEDT)
- Loanable amount: Up to ₱2M (individual) and ₱5M (group)
- Fixed interest: 7.5% annually
- Reintegration focus: Helps returning OFWs build a stable livelihood
- Job creation: Encourages community employment through enterprise
- Application channel: Apply via OWWA regional offices or website
- Loan period: Available within 3 years after returning home (if no existing business)
- No hidden charges: Direct disbursement through partner banks using PESONet
3. Helping the Economy Recover thru OFW Enterprise Start-ups (HEROES) Loan Program
Provider: OWWA, in partnership with SB Corporation and DTI
The HEROES Loan Program helps repatriated OFWs start their own small business in the Philippines. It offers a no-interest, no-collateral loan through the government’s P3 CARES Program. The goal is to support displaced OFWs in rebuilding their lives after returning home.
Purpose: To help OFWs who lost jobs abroad due to the pandemic start their own business and recover financially.
Features and benefits:
- Loan amount: ₱10,000 to ₱100,000
- Zero interest, no collateral required
- Two loan terms:
- 24 months with a 6% service fee
- 36 months (with 12-month grace period) and an 8% service fee
- 12-month grace period before payment starts (for 36-month term)
- Free online training from PTTC
- Business mentoring and support
- Access to marketing and business resources
- Open to land-based and non-professional repatriated OFWs
- Online application only
4. Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL)
Provider: Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)
LINKAPIL connects overseas Filipinos with small but impactful projects back home. It encourages donations for education, livelihood, health, and local infrastructure. Launched in 1989, it has supported millions of Filipinos across the country.
Purpose: To give OFWs and Filipino migrants a way to support development efforts in the Philippines.
Features and benefits:
- Scholarships, school support, and classroom projects
- Livelihood programs for poor communities
- Water and sanitation projects
- Feeding programs and medical missions
- Over Php 3.4 billion in donations raised
- Helped more than 16 million beneficiaries
5. Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) for OFWs
Provider: Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC)
The ANYO for OFWs program offers financial support to overseas Filipino workers who were repatriated or unable to return abroad due to COVID-19. It helps qualified OFWs start or expand agri-fishery businesses. Loans are provided through partner financial institutions, with no collateral required.
Purpose: To help repatriated or stranded OFWs build sustainable income through agriculture and fisheries.
Features and benefits:
- Loan amount: Up to ₱300,000
- No collateral required
- Loan term: Up to 5 years
- Eligible loan uses:
- Production
- Processing
- Marketing
- Equipment/machinery purchase
- Construction of modern agri-facilities
- Must be in the Philippines during application
- Open to OFWs certified by OWWA
- Must be registered with RSBSA
- Free training on:
- Business planning
- Financial literacy
- Bookkeeping
- Marketing
- Sustainable enterprise management
- Apply online via acpcaccess.ph
- Handled by partner lending conduits such as rural banks and cooperatives
6. Tahanan ng Bagong Bayani (TBB)
Provider: National Housing Authority (NHA)
TBB is a housing program designed specifically for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It offers affordable house-and-lot packages through flexible payment schemes. Both active and former OFWs, as well as their qualified dependents, can apply.
Purpose: To provide decent and affordable housing options to OFWs and their families.
Features and benefits:
- Open to OFWs aged 18 to 65 (up to 70 years old at loan maturity)
- Former OFWs and qualified dependents may also apply
- Developed in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Flexible payment options:
- Outright cash
- Staggered in-house (12 months, 0% interest)
- Installment via Pag-IBIG Fund or other government financing agencies
- Delinquency charge of 0.50% for late payments
- Requirements checklist available online
- Applications accepted through NHA district/regional offices
7. Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program
Provider: Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in partnership with the DMW and Pag-IBIG Fund
The 4PH Program is the national housing initiative that aims to provide affordable homes to low-income Filipino families, especially those without decent housing. Recently, at least 100 OFWs and their families have been approved to join the program. Through a joint agreement, OFWs now have a clearer, easier way to apply and benefit from the housing services under 4PH.
Purpose: To make homeownership possible for underprivileged Filipinos, including OFWs, by offering subsidized and accessible housing options.
Features and benefits:
- Open to low-income families, informal settlers, OFWs, government workers, PUV drivers, and more
- Prioritizes applicants without any existing house or prior housing assistance
- Government-subsidized interest rates and amortization
- Pag-IBIG Fund loans tailored for OFWs and other eligible sectors
- Requires at least 24 months of Pag-IBIG contributions
- Applicants must be 18–65 years old (not older than 70 at loan maturity)
- Must be nominated by an LGU, national agency (NGA), or GOCC
- No existing or canceled Pag-IBIG loan accounts
- Reintegration support for OFWs under the DMW’s “Kalinga” initiative
- Pre-qualification and validation required by local LGUs
8. Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (DOLE OWWA AKAP) for OFWs
Provider: DOLE in partnership with OWWA
This program offers a one-time cash assistance of $200 (about PHP 10,000) to OFWs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers documented, undocumented, repatriated, and on-site workers. The goal is to provide emergency financial support to OFWs who lost income or were stranded due to the pandemic.
Purpose: To help OFWs who were displaced, stranded, or financially impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and employment disruptions.
Features and benefits:
- One-time cash aid: $200 or PHP 10,000
- Covers all OFWs: Documented, undocumented, repatriated, and on-site
- Online application: Easy and accessible for repatriated and Balik-Manggagawa workers
- Fast release: Within 5 working days after approval
- Support available: From OWWA, DOLE, and POLO offices
9. Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund
Provider: DMW
The AKSYON Fund stands for Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan. It’s a special fund designed to offer emergency financial help to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. Assistance includes cash aid, legal help, medical support, and repatriation services.
Purpose: To support OFWs and their families during emergencies, legal issues, illness, job loss, emergencies or crisis situations, or other urgent situations.
Features and benefits:
- One-time cash aid for OFWs
- ₱50,000 one-time cash aid for OFWs affected by:
- Job loss (e.g., layoffs, bankruptcy, company closure)
- Abuse, illegal recruitment, or trafficking
- Natural disasters abroad
- Next of kin of jailed OFWs
- ₱75,000 for OFWs who:
- Suffer from serious illness or mental health issues
- Were injured due to abuse or exploitation
- Were displaced by war or unrest
- Have family members on death row
- ₱100,000 for:
- Families of OFWs who died abroad (natural or accidental causes)
- Families of OFWs who passed away within one year of returning home
- ₱50,000 one-time cash aid for OFWs affected by:
- Free legal help for work-related issues
- Medical support for OFWs in need
- Repatriation aid for stranded OFWs
- Rescue or evacuation during emergencies
- Available to both OFWs abroad and their families in the Philippines
- Funded by the government with full support from the President and Congress
- Applications must be filed within 1 year of arrival in PH
- Submit documents onsite at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) or at the DMW Central/Regional offices
- Financial aid can be claimed at airports, DMW offices, or sent via bank transfer or remittance centers
- Transaction costs are covered by the AKSYON Fund
10. Health Program for Overseas Filipino Workers (HEALTHPRO)
Provider: OWWA
HEALTHPRO is OWWA’s medical assistance program for active and distressed OFWs who suffer from serious illnesses acquired abroad. It covers both local and overseas hospitalization, including emergency reimbursements. The goal is to help OFWs access affordable healthcare during or after their overseas employment.
Purpose: To provide financial support for OFWs needing medical care due to catastrophic or emergency illnesses, either at home or abroad.
Features and benefits:
- Coverage for Active and Distressed OFWs
- Active: Valid or recently expired OWWA membership (within 6 months)
- Distressed: OFWs in medical emergency, regardless of membership status
- Three main components:
- Domestic Hospitalization (in the Philippines)
- In-patient care (room, board, diagnostics, doctor fees, equipment, medicines)
- Out-patient care (check-ups, diagnostics, prescriptions)
- Referral to partner hospitals
- Jobsite Hospitalization (overseas)
- In-patient services for OFWs still abroad
- Emergency Reimbursement
- For OFWs who paid upfront for emergency care (local or overseas)
- Domestic Hospitalization (in the Philippines)
- Coverage limits:
- Domestic Hospitalization:
- ₱100,000 for active members
- ₱50,000 for distressed OFWs
- Jobsite Hospitalization:
- $3,000 for active members
- $1,500 for distressed OFWs
- Domestic Hospitalization:
- Eligible illnesses:
- Dreaded, catastrophic, or intensive illnesses (based on ICD-10)
- Illnesses that manifested within 6 months after returning to the Philippines
- Other inclusions:
- Multiple availment allowed for related or progressive conditions
- Covers follow-up treatments like dialysis or chemotherapy
- Partner hospitals and government facilities used for treatment
- Exclusions:
- Cosmetic procedures
- Alcohol/drug dependency treatment
- Non-prescription drugs
- Optical services
- Requirements (sample for local hospitalization):
- Application form and passport photo
- Proof of OWWA membership
- Passport copy with arrival stamp
- Medical report from overseas
11. Maritime Educational Development Loan Program (MEDLOP)
Provider: OWWA
MEDLOP is an interest-free loan for students taking up maritime courses like BSMT or BSMarE. It’s a “Study Now, Pay Later” program handled by OWWA and partnered manning agencies. The loan comes with guaranteed onboard training and employment after graduation.
Purpose: To address the global shortage of Filipino marine officers and engineers and support students aiming for a maritime career.
Features and benefits:
- Interest-free student loan (admin fee only)
- Up to ₱499,200 per student (₱166,400/year max)
- Covers tuition, board and lodging, and school fees
- Available for up to 3 school years
- For students with guaranteed onboard employment from manning companies
- 20% of the loan paid during training; 80% payable in 36 monthly installments
- Grace period: repayment starts 30 days after graduation
- 1% monthly penalty for missed payments
- Loan processed and repaid through the sponsoring company
- Requires a company guarantee and surety bond
- Participating maritime schools must be CHED-recognized
- Initial OWWA fund allocation: ₱29.6 million
12. SSS Flexi-Fund Program
Provider: Social Security System (SSS)
The Flexi-Fund is a savings and investment program for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are SSS members. It allows them to grow their money through government-secured investments, while remaining tax-free. It’s meant to add to the regular SSS retirement and pension benefits.
Purpose: To help OFWs save more for their future while earning safe and competitive returns.
Features and benefits:
- Open to OFWs paying the maximum SSS monthly contribution
- Savings go into fixed-income government securities
- Earnings are based on whichever is higher: SSS short-term placements or 91-day Treasury bill rates
- Tax-free earnings, compounded monthly
- No minimum initial deposit or required balance
- Flexible contributions: monthly, quarterly, annually, or anytime
- Withdraw full or partial amount anytime
- Eligible for an Annual Incentive Benefit (AIB) if active
- Contributions stop only after filing a final SSS claim (retirement, disability, or death)
- Can continue contributing even after working abroad, as long as SSS contributions remain at max
13. Pag-IBIG 1 Plus 1 Raffle Promo
Provider: Pag-IBIG Fund
The 1 Plus 1 Raffle Promo encourages active Pag-IBIG members to invite OFWs and informal workers to join or reactivate their membership. Both the inviter (called a “PagIBIGfluencer”) and the new member gain access to Pag-IBIG savings and housing loan programs. Participants also get a chance to win up to ₱500,000 in raffle prizes.
Purpose: To expand Pag-IBIG membership among OFWs and self-employed Filipinos who don’t have employers to enroll them in the fund.
Features and benefits:
- Open to all active Pag-IBIG members who saved in the last 3 months
- Inviter and invitee both qualify for housing loans and savings programs
- Targeted at OFWs, online sellers, freelancers, and informal workers
- Chance to win cash prizes up to ₱500,000
- Supports the government’s 4PH housing program
- Promo runs until November 30, 2025
- Sign-up via: pagibigfundservices.com/1plus1
14. Bahay para sa Bagong Bayani (3B)
Provider: LANDBANK
This housing loan program is made especially for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It helps OFWs buy, build, or renovate a home through flexible and affordable loan terms. It also covers refinancing and loan take-out options.
Purpose: To provide housing loan assistance to OFWs for homeownership or home improvement needs.
Features and benefits:
- Who can apply:
- Filipino citizens working abroad
- 21–65 years old (at loan maturity)
- With a valid job contract
- Must have clean credit history
- Loan purposes:
- Buy a residential lot, house and lot, condo, or townhouse
- Build, improve, or renovate an existing home
- Refinance an existing housing loan
- Assume another borrower’s housing loan
- Loan amount:
- Up to 80% of property value, based on borrower’s capacity and collateral
- Must be for the OFW’s main home, titled under their name
- Loan terms:
- Up to 20 years (with co-borrower)
- Up to 15 years (without co-borrower)
- Collateral:
- The property being financed
- Other assets like deposits, if needed
- Interest rates:
- Variable or fixed (2–20 years) based on current posted rates
- For socialized housing: 1% lower than standard rates (subject to annual repricing)
- Requirements (basic):
- Filled-out application form with photo
- Valid employment contract
- Land and property documents for appraisal (TCT/CCT, tax dec, tax receipts, lot plan, etc.)
- Additional documents if for construction or renovation
15. AssistWELL Program
Provider: DOLE
AssistWELL is a reintegration program designed to help returning OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). It provides a set of services to support their return to the Philippines, especially after a contract ends, a personal decision to stay, or due to emergencies abroad. The name stands for Welfare, Employment, Livelihood, and Legal services.
Purpose: To help OFWs reintegrate smoothly into Philippine society and support them in rebuilding their lives at home.
Features and benefits:
- Available to OFWs returning due to contract completion, repatriation, health issues, or crisis situations abroad
- Access to legal assistance and labor rights information
- Employment services (job matching, referrals, and placement)
- Livelihood support (training and entrepreneurship programs)
- Welfare services (counseling, psychosocial support, and family services)
- Processing Centers available nationwide in DOLE offices and partner agencies
- Emergency-ready support system for mass repatriation situations
- Enlistment in e-AssistWELL Registry for tracking and faster service delivery
16. Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP)
Provider: DMW/OWWA
LDAP provides a P10,000 start-up livelihood kit to help returning distressed or undocumented OFWs start small businesses. It also includes free training on business and financial management. The program aims to support OFWs in building a stable livelihood after returning home.
Purpose: To support the reintegration of undocumented and distressed OFWs by helping them start or grow a small business.
Features and benefits:
- P10,000 Start-Up Kit – Includes materials needed for the chosen business.
- Free Training – Covers financial literacy, business planning, and entrepreneurship.
- Business Loan Option – Access to Reintegration Program Fund via Landbank.
- Open to Undocumented OFWs – Includes those with expired visas or unprocessed contracts.
- Flexible Project Types – Examples: sari-sari store, beauty salon, rice trading, machine shop.
- Easy Application – Submit requirements to the nearest DOLE Regional Office.
Video: PH Government Agencies Work Together to Help OFWs Become Entrepreneurs
In an effort to help OFWs and returning OFWs reintegrate into the society and become entrepreneurs with a stable livelihood of their own, Philippine government agencies work together to offer better programs and services. To learn more about this, watch this video below: