The loss of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is a devastating event, and the financial burden associated with death and burial expenses can be overwhelming. To ease this burden, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides a Death and Burial Benefit under its Social Benefits Program.
The OWWA Death and Burial Benefit provides financial assistance to the dependents of deceased OFWs, offering a death benefit and a funeral grant. This is designed to help ease the financial burden of death and provide both the living and the dead with a dignified farewell during this difficult time for the families of the deceased OFWs. With this guide, you can learn more about the program, along with the application process, the benefits, the requirements needed, and how to claim the financial assistance.
Program Scope and Coverage
The OWWA Death and Burial Benefits program provides financial assistance to the qualified dependents of deceased Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were active members of OWWA at the time of their death. It covers two types of benefits: a Death Benefit, which provides financial assistance for natural deaths and accidental deaths, and a Burial Gratuity, which offers a one-time funeral grant designed to help the family with the expenses during an already challenging time. The financial assistance is given to help cover the costs associated with burying a loved one properly. By providing this support, OWWA ensures that the families of OFWs can focus on grieving their loss and are not left financially strained in the wake of such an unfortunate event.
What are OWWA Death and Burial Benefits?
The OWWA Death and Burial Benefits provide me assistance to the dependents of deceased active OWWA members. These benefits are part of the OWWA Social Benefits Program, which aims to support OFW families during unfortunate events like the death of their loved one.
- Death Benefit
- For Natural Deaths: Php 100,000.00
- For Accidental Deaths: Php 200,000.00
- Burial Gratuity
- Funeral Grant: Php 20,000.00 for the funeral and burial expenses of the deceased OFW.
These benefits are designed to alleviate the financial strain on the surviving family members during their time of grief.
Target Beneficiaries
The OWWA Death and Burial Benefits are specifically intended for the dependents of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members. The following individuals are eligible to receive these benefits:
- Spouse of the deceased OFW
- Children of the deceased OFW (if the OFW was the parent of the claimant)
- Parents of the deceased OFW (if the OFW was unmarried)
Who Can Apply?
Only the qualified dependents of a deceased OWWA member are eligible to apply for these benefits. The following individuals can claim the benefits:
- Spouse of the deceased OFW (if the OFW was married at the time of death)
- Children of the deceased OFW (if the OFW was the parent of the claimant)
- Parents of the deceased OFW (if the OFW was unmarried)
Requirements
To apply for the Death and Burial Benefits, you will need to provide several documents to verify both the death and your relationship to the deceased OFW. Below is a checklist of requirements:
- Identification Documents
- Two (2) Valid IDs of the claimant (e.g., passport, driver’s license, government-issued IDs).
- One (1) ID picture (1×1) of the claimant.
- Proof of Membership and OFW Status
- OFW Membership Record (MR): Available from the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO).
- Copy of the OFW’s Passport or Seaman’s Identification Record Book (SIRB): This can be obtained from the Philippine Embassy or MARINA (for seafarers).
- Proof of Death
- Death Certificate (can be local or foreign). If the death was due to an accident, you must provide a police or accident report.
- Burial Permit: Issued by the local government (City or Municipal LGU).
- Official Receipt of payment for the funeral services.
- Proof of Relationship to the OFW
- If you are the child of the OFW, provide the birth certificate of the OFW.
- If you are the spouse, provide the marriage certificate.
- If you are the parent of the deceased, provide the birth certificate of the OFW.
- If you are a child of the deceased, provide the birth certificate of the claimant and the death certificate of the deceased spouse.
- Affidavit of Undertaking: If required, the claimant will need to submit this document, executed by a notary public, confirming the intent to claim the benefits.
How to Apply for OWWA Death and Burial Benefits
Applying for OWWA Death and Burial Benefits involves several straightforward steps. Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents
Ensure that you have all the required documents listed above. Double-check for completeness and correctness, as missing documents can delay your application.
Step 2: Secure an Appointment
To start the application process, you need to make an appointment with the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). Here’s how:
- Visit the OWWA website or download the OWWA mobile app.
- Use the appointment scheduler to select your preferred date and time.
- Ensure you have all required documents ready for submission on the day of your appointment.
Step 3: Visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office
On the day of your appointment, go to the OWWA RWO that serves the area of the OFW’s permanent address. Bring your identification and any supporting documents with you.
- When you arrive, get a queuing number and wait for your turn.
- Proceed to the Membership Verification Desk, where the staff will verify the OFW’s membership status and provide you with the necessary claim forms.
Step 4: Submit Your Claim Form
Once you have completed the claim form, submit it along with all the required documents to the OWWA staff for validation and evaluation. This process ensures that all the necessary documents are in order before your application is approved.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
After submitting your claim, the OWWA will process the documents and evaluate the eligibility of the claim. If your application is approved, you will be given a claim stub.
Step 6: Claim Your Financial Assistance
Once your application has been approved, you can proceed to claim the financial assistance. The OWWA will issue the death and burial benefits either via check or cash, depending on your preference.
Where to Secure the Application Form
The application and claim form for the OWWA Death and Burial Benefit can be secured at the Membership Verification Desk of the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) that covers the OFW’s permanent residence. Upon visiting the office, you will need to present the necessary documents for membership verification, after which you will be provided with the claim form and a checklist of requirements.
Important Tips
For a hassle-free application to avail the OWWA Death and Burial Benefit, here are some tips worth remembering:
- Act Quickly: The sooner you file the claim, the quicker you can receive the assistance. The processing time can vary depending on the completeness of your documents.
- Verify OWWA Membership: Make sure the deceased OFW’s membership is active at the time of death. If the OFW was not an active member, they will not be eligible for these benefits.
- Keep Copies: Always make copies of all documents you submit for your records.
Video: OWWA Death and Burial Benefit Requirements
Because death and burial usually comes at the most unexpected or inopportune time, the financial support offered by OWWA to its member OFWs via the OWWA Death and Burial Benefit, can be quite helpful. In this video from Brenz Nothing Impossible, you can learn about the essential documents needed to ensure a smooth application process. Watch until the end for a step-by-step breakdown and some useful tips on how to secure the support your family needs during this challenging time.
Summary
The OWWA Death and Burial Benefits program provides a much-needed financial assistance to support the families of deceased OFWs at their time of mourning. The benefits can help ease the financial burden of funeral and burial costs during an incredibly difficult time. By following the application process and ensuring all required documents are in order, you can access these valuable OWWA social benefits and provide your loved one with a dignified farewell.
Remember, If you are an OFW or a family member of one, OWWA is here to support you in your time of need, offering a safety net for the dependents of active OWWA members who have died.