The Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), supports families of deceased OFW members and those incarcerated or sentenced to the death penalty abroad. This program provides educational assistance to qualified dependents and livelihood aid to surviving family members, helping them sustain their needs. Understanding the application process and requirements ensures eligible individuals benefit from this program.
This guide will cover all aspects of applying for ELAP, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re seeking educational financial support or livelihood assistance, this article will provide the information you need.
What is OWWA ELAP?
The OWWA ELAP is a dual-approach OWWA-designed program for families of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of death or OFWs facing capital punishment abroad. It offers financial aid for school-age dependents and a livelihood grant for surviving family members to help the surviving family members sustain their income. ELAP also extends benefits to families of OFWs convicted and sentenced to the death penalty abroad.
Under this OWWA program, livelihood assistance as well as educational assistance is given to address both education and livelihood needs, allowing ELAP to offer comprehensive financial support to families affected by the loss of their breadwinner.
ELAP Benefits
The ELAP program provides substantial benefits to ensure that the families of deceased OFWs or those in distress receive long-term support. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to helping OFW dependents maintain financial security and access education. Please see this list below for the program’s benefits in detail:
1. Livelihood Assistance
- Families of deceased OFWs are eligible for a ₱15,000 cash grant to start or sustain a small business.
- This support helps augment the family’s income, ensuring financial stability despite the loss of their loved one.
2. Educational Assistance for Qualified Dependents
- School-age dependents of deceased OFWs receive financial support depending on their educational level:
- Kindergarten: ₱5,000 annually
- High School: ₱8,000 annually
- College: ₱10,000 annually
- The eldest dependent is the primary beneficiary, but if they are unable, the next child may be selected.
3. Supports active and inactive OWWA member OFWs
- ELAP supports dependents of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members or OFWs incarcerated or sentenced to death abroad.
- Dependents must meet specific requirements and be within the prescribed age limits.
4. Additional Support Services
- Qualified applicants undergo Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) to guide them in managing livelihood projects effectively.
- Scholarship orientation ensures dependents understand the program and their responsibilities as beneficiaries.
5. Easy Availment Process
- Applications are processed at the nearest Regional Welfare Office (RWO).
- A step-by-step system is in place, from document submission to the release of funds, making it convenient for families.
Target Beneficiaries
The ELAP showcases OWWA’s commitment to uplifting the lives of the OFW families and their beneficiaries through financial support, education, and livelihood opportunities. Some of the target beneficiaries of the program include:
1. Children of Deceased OFWs
- The eldest school-age child qualifies for educational assistance.
- If the eldest is unable to qualify, the next child in line becomes eligible.
2. Siblings of Single OFWs
- Siblings of deceased, single OFWs can apply if they meet the program’s requirements.
3. Families of OFWs Convicted and Sentenced Abroad
- Dependents of OFWs who face capital punishment in foreign countries are eligible for the same assistance.
4. Surviving Family Members
- Livelihood aid is provided to immediate family members to support small business ventures.
5. Qualified Dependents in Different Education Levels
- Primary (Kindergarten): PHP 5,000 annually.
- Secondary: PHP 8,000 annually.
- Tertiary: PHP 10,000 annually.
Qualifications
While the program is open to the dependents of deceased OFW members or OFWs convicted abroad, there are certain qualifications they must meet to successfully abail of the benefits. These include the following:
Educational Assistance
The dependent must be:
- A child of an active OWWA member or a sibling if the OFW was single.
- Enrolled in elementary, secondary, or tertiary education.
- Single.
- Between 12 and 30 years old, depending on their education level.
- With a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80% in the last school year attended.
- Not a recipient of any other OWWA scholarship program.
Livelihood Assistance
- The surviving family members of the deceased OFW must demonstrate a need for financial support to start or improve a business.
Required Documents
To apply for either the educational or the livelihood assistance, the interested applicants need to provide the following documentary requirements:
General Requirements
- Two recent 2×2 ID photos.
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) if the OFW was single.
- Valid government-issued IDs of the applicant and claimant.
For Educational Assistance
- OFW Membership Record (from OWWA).
- PSA or LCR Birth Certificate of the applicant and OFW.
- Marriage Certificate (if the applicant is a spouse).
- Form 137/138, Transcript of Records, or Certificate of Grades (depending on educational level).
- Certificate of Good Moral Character.
- Medical Certificate (if applicable).
For Livelihood Assistance
- Death Certificate of the deceased OFW (from PSA or LCR).
- Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) Certificate.
- Business Plan.
How to Apply for ELAP
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for ELAP:
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment
- Visit the OWWA website at [appointment.owwa.gov.ph](http://appointment.owwa.gov.ph) to book an appointment.
- Select the nearest Regional Welfare Office (RWO) and secure a queuing number.
Step 2: Submit Initial Documents
- Present the OFW Membership Record and completed endorsement form from OWWA’s Social Benefits Desk.
- Obtain the application forms and checklist of requirements.
Step 3: Complete the Requirements
- Gather all required documents for educational or livelihood assistance, depending on your application type.
- Submit the completed forms and documents to the Reintegration Unit/Desk.
Step 4: Attend Training or Orientation
- For livelihood assistance, attend the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) as scheduled.
- For educational assistance, join the Scholarship Orientation and sign the scholarship agreement.
Step 5: Receive Assistance
- After processing, qualified applicants will receive:
- Livelihood assistance in cash or through a check.
- Educational assistance as periodic cash releases, depending on the dependent’s school level.
Processing Time and Other Details
Other important information to remember include the following:
- Processing Time: Applications typically take 2-3 weeks for evaluation and scheduling of orientations/training.
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Fees: The application is free of charge.
- Applicants are encouraged to ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.
- Note that schedules for orientations may vary depending on the location and complexity of the case.
Where to Get the Application Form
The application and endorsement forms for the ELAP can be obtained from the Social Benefits Unit/Desk at the nearest OWWA RWO. The duty officer will provide the forms and a checklist of requirements for both educational and livelihood assistance. Once completed, submit the forms to the Reintegration Unit/Desk of the same office for evaluation.
Tips for a Successful Application
To ensure success in the application for the ELAP benefits, you need to keep these things in mind:
- Prepare Early: Gather all required documents before your appointment to ensure smooth processing.
- Attend Orientations: Take note of the schedule for training sessions and attend them promptly.
- Follow Up: Stay in contact with the Regional Welfare Office for updates on your application status.
Video: OWWA ELAP
For a visual walkthrough on the application procedures for ELAP, please see this video from RICROD-PH:
Summary
The OWWA ELAP is a valuable resource for the dependents of deceased OFW members. Not only does it provide valuable financial support for education and opportunities for livelihood, but it also helps families rebuild and secure their future after the provider passes away. Through this program, OWWA continues to honor the contributions of OFWs by supporting their loved ones during challenging times. If you believe that you are eligible for this program, make sure to check and follow the steps outlined above to apply and maximize the benefits of this OWWA program today!