No one knows when an accident will happen, but you can prepare in case you sustain some severe injuries from a mishap. It’s essential to save for this unfortunate event in order to settle your medical or hospitalization bills. You need to build an emergency fund to cover treatments and medication, especially for OFWs with dependents in the Philippines.
If you don’t have enough savings to pay for hospital bills due to medical emergencies, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will help you through their Disability and Dismemberment program. They support eligible OFWs during emergencies related to disability and dismemberment as part of the OWWA Social Benefits program. So how can you qualify for this OWWA assistance to OFWs?
What Is the Disability and Dismemberment Benefit
The Disability and Dismemberment program offered by OWWA is a social benefit that is available for active Overseas Filipino Workers and employed members. The purpose is to help OFWs with OWWA membership to cover partial or permanent disability after an accident. The assistance will be provided via cash aid which can be up to Php 100,000 depending on the condition.
It relieves those who sustained injuries due to an accident and need to pay a hefty bill for hospitalization and rehabilitation. For OFWs who don’t qualify for the OWWA Disability and Dismemberment benefit, they can apply for the OWWA Welfare Assistance Program. Whether you sustained a partial or permanent disability, this cash assistance will cover your recovery needs.
Benefits of Disability and Dismemberment
The benefits of the OWWA Disability and Dismemberment program include cash assistance of up to Php 100,000 for eligible OFWs and OWWA members. If you’ve got sick or injured while working overseas, this social benefit program is available for you. However, the amount you will receive from this program varies depending on the type of disability or dismemberment incurred.
For partial or temporary disability, OWWA offers financial assistance ranging from Php 2,500 to Php 25,000 for OFWs in contract. On the other hand, members can get cash aid between Php 50,000 to Php 100,000 for permanent disability. You can enjoy these benefits as long as you qualify and provide the required documents to claim your cash assistance.
Requirements
If you’re planning to avail of the OWWA Disability and Dismemberment Benefit, you need to meet all the qualifications first. Here are the things you need to satisfy in order to qualify for this social benefit:
- Active OWWA membership
- Sea-based or land-based Filipino migrant worker with an ongoing employment contract
- With sustained injuries and fall under these conditions: temporary or partial disability such as PTSD, bone damage, loss of senses due to an accident; complete permanent disability including organ damage, amputation, etc. due to an accident
To apply for the OWWA Disability and Dismemberment benefits, you will need to submit the following requirements:
- One 1×1 ID picture
- For seafarers, a valid passport or Seaman’s Identification Record Book
- OFW Membership Record
- Medical Certificate from a foreign healthcare facility or medical institution with English translation
- Medical Certificate including the medical examination process issued by a Philippine-based physician such as CT scan, MRI, X-ray, and other medical exams; for seafarers, Master’s Report or Accident Report; for authorized claimants, valid IDs of OFW and claimant, and Letof Authorization executed by the OFW
How to Apply
The following are the steps to follow when applying for OWWA Disability and Dismemberment benefits:
Step 1: For local applicants, go to the nearest OWWA Satellite or Regional Office to obtain the application form. For OFWs abroad, the application form can be obtained from the nearest POLO Office. Secure a ticket or priority number from the queuing machine. Wait until your number is called at the Registration Desk.
Show a valid passport or OFW ID at the Social Benefits Desk for membership record verification. For valid memberships, the application form and medical evaluation schedule can be obtained.
Step 2: Fill out the application form and prepare the requirements.
Step 3: Go back for the medical evaluation according to the given schedule at the Social Benefits Desk, Counter 9.
Step 4: Submit the duly accomplished application form and requirements to the POLO-OWWA or OWWA office.
Step 5: Wait for the authorized OWWA staff to call you in order to see if you get approved for the Disability and Dismemberment benefits.
Step 6: At the Cashier/Releasing Window, show your claim stub and valid IDs to claim your cash assistance for cash payout or check issuance.
Video: Hanggang P100K Disability Benefit Maaaring Makuha ng OFW
In this video, you will learn how to claim the Disability Benefit for OFWs which can amount to up to Php 100,000 for complete permanent disability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all OFWs qualified to apply for the OWWA Disability and Dismemberment Benefits?
No, OFWs with an inactive OWWA membership are not qualified to apply for the Disability and Dismemberment benefits.
2. How do I know whether my application was accepted or not?
Applicants can track their application using the serial number or reference number received through email, text, or phone calls from the authorized OWWA or DOLE representative.
3. Can I submit multiple applications for OFWs as an authorized claimant?
No, authorized claimants are only allowed to apply for one OFW contact.
4. How do I qualify for the OWWA Disability and Dismemberment Benefits?
OFWs with active OWWA membership and who have incurred a complete permanent or partial disability or dismemberment while working abroad are eligible to apply.
5. How does OWWA or DOLE inform applicants who have been accepted?
OWWA or DOLE Regional Offices will receive an email, text, or call if they have been accepted for the OWWA Disability and Dismemberment benefits.
Summary
At this point, you already know how to claim Disability and Dismemberment Benefits from OWWA in case you figured in an accident and suffered from partial or complete permanent disability and injuries. Make sure to check out the qualifications and requirements before submitting your application to POLO-OWWA or the Regional Welfare Office.