Your Journey Continues Back Home

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are vital contributors to their families and the Philippine economy. Returning home marks a significant transition, often raising questions about available support. A key question for former OFWs is: What benefits can they still access from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)? This guide outlines the essential OWWA support available as you start this new chapter.

OWWA's Enduring Commitment

Established by Republic Act No. 10801, OWWA's mission is to protect and promote the welfare of OFWs and their families, including during their reintegration. This responsibility extends beyond active overseas employment, with core programs designed to help former OFWs transition back. Access to many benefits hinges on having been an active OWWA member during overseas employment, typically requiring proof of past contributions. Membership usually lasts two years per contribution.

Key OWWA Benefits After Your Return

OWWA offers programs focused on economic stability, skills enhancement, education, and social welfare for returning OFWs.

Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Support

OWWA provides significant support for those starting businesses:

• Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH): Offers immediate relief, primarily for distressed or displaced returning members, through a one-time cash grant for small livelihood projects, plus mandatory entrepreneurship training. Eligibility requires proof of distress and return.

• OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP): Provides business loans (Php 100k - Php 2M for individuals, up to Php 5M for groups) via partner banks like LBP, with a fixed 7.5% annual interest rate. Requires training, a viable business plan, and meeting bank criteria. Former OFWs generally must apply within three years of returning.

• Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFW (Tulong PUSO): Supports groups of returning OFWs with grants (potentially up to Php 1M) for collective business projects.

• General Support: Includes business counseling, financial literacy, skills training, and potential market access help.

Skills Enhancement and Training

OWWA offers various skills training programs (technical, vocational, IT, business management) to boost local employability or support career shifts.

Educational Assistance

Support for education is available, often requiring prior active membership:

• Scholarships for Dependents: Programs like EDSP and ODSP offer financial aid to qualified dependents meeting specific criteria (age, academics).

• Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP): Supports dependents of deceased members with educational allowances and a livelihood package for the surviving spouse/parent.

Social Benefits and Welfare Assistance

OWWA provides a safety net, though eligibility often requires active membership at the time of the event:

• Death & Disability Benefits: Financial aid for death (Php 100k natural, Php 200k accidental) or disability (up to Php 100k) for active members, plus a Php 20k burial gratuity.

• Welfare Assistance Program (WAP): Crucially, WAP offers cash relief for specific crises (calamities, certain medical needs not covered by other programs, bereavement for inactive members' families, relief from mass displacement) to active or non-active members ineligible for other OWWA social benefits. This acts as a vital safety net.

Repatriation Assistance

OWWA assists distressed OFWs returning home and, importantly, helps families with the repatriation of human remains.

Understanding Eligibility

• Past Active Membership: Generally required for most programs; keep proof.

• Specific Criteria: Each program (BPBH, OFW-EDLP, scholarships) has unique rules.

• WAP Exception: Provides potential aid for inactive members facing specific crises if ineligible elsewhere.

• Verify: Always confirm eligibility directly with OWWA for your desired program.

Accessing OWWA Benefits

• Contact OWWA: Reach out via Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs), the official website (owwa.gov.ph).

• Apply: Generally involves inquiry, submitting required documents (proof of membership, ID, return/displacement proof, program-specific forms), attending seminars if needed, and awaiting evaluation.

Conclusion: Your Welfare Remains a Priority!

OWWA provides substantial support for former OFWs returning to the Philippines, covering livelihood, training, education, and welfare needs. Even after overseas employment, assistance is available. Explore these benefits, understand the requirements, and contact OWWA directly to access the support that can help you successfully navigate your return and reintegration.

Rely on Official Information

Program details can change. Always use official OWWA sources for the latest information:

• OWWA Website: owwa.gov.ph