Active members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) can access various programs and services, including social benefits, scholarships, training, repatriation assistance, reintegration programs, and more. But what about those whose memberships are no longer active?
OFWs who are inactive members may still be eligible for certain types of assistance through OWWA’s Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). This program provides cash relief in times of calamities, medical emergencies, disability, bereavement, and displacement, specifically for those who are not covered by other OWWA social benefits.
What is the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)?
The Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) extends cash relief assistance to OWWA members — active or inactive — who are not eligible for other social benefit programs and services from the agency.
A person’s eligibility for WAP depends on his/her situation, the type of assistance needed, and whether he/she is already covered by another OWWA program. Likewise, there is no fixed cash amount; this is also based on the person’s particular needs and circumstances.
Types of Assistance Under WAP
There are different types of assistance that may be availed of under WAP: calamity, medical, disability, bereavement, and relief assistance.
Calamity Assistance
This is given to OFWs and their families who are affected by natural calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and floods. It also applies to human-induced crises like political unrest, conflict, etc.
Medical Assistance
This is for OWWA members who have been hospitalized, but whose illnesses are not covered by the agency’s Supplemental Medical Assistance (MEDplus) Program, which provides medical assistance on top of PhilHealth benefits.
Disability Assistance
This is given to OWWA members who suffer from partial or permanent disability caused by crimes or accidents.
Bereavement Assistance
This type of assistance is extended to families of OWWA members who are not covered by the agency’s regular death and burial benefit. It includes those who have died due to crimes or accidents.
Relief Assistance
This is for OWWA members who have been displaced or laid off in large numbers due to a political, economic, or health crisis, company bankruptcy, or other similar situations.
NOTE: Before making a request, applicants must confirm the necessary documents for their situation, as these requirements may vary depending on the type of assistance they need, be it calamity, medical, disability, bereavement, or relief assistance.
Contact OWWA Hong Kong for Assistance
For OFWs in Hong Kong who need assistance, but are not sure about their eligibility or the required documents, do not hesitate to contact OWWA Hong Kong. You can call them directly through their hotline (+852) 6345 9324, or by sending an email to hongkong@owwa.gov.ph.
You can also visit their office at 2902, 29th Floor, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong. Their operating hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sundays to Thursdays.
For the latest updates, be sure to follow the OWWA Hong Kong Facebook page, or visit the official OWWA website.
If your membership with OWWA is not active, don’t worry because you may still qualify for cash relief assistance through the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). That being said, if you want to have full access to the agency’s programs and services, you can always renew your membership. Read this guide on how to renew your OWWA membership online.