Question & AnswerQ&A (OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTIONS No. 009)
The main objectives are to realign the focus of OWWA operations from the Central Office to the Regional Offices to improve delivery of programs and services, and to expedite processing of claims for faster delivery in the regions.
Funds for the program shall be sourced from the existing Insurance Benefit Program Fund (IBPF).
The Central Office transfers funds to Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs) which open a separate Insurance Claims Fund (ICF) bank account. RWOs use the ICF to cover payment of claims and fund disbursement requests are approved by RWO Directors or authorized representatives.
The death benefit amounts are: P100,000.00 for natural death and P200,000.00 for accidental death.
A burial benefit of P20,000.00 is granted as a rider provision to the life insurance coverage.
All OFWs who have paid the OWWA contribution, including those under the Voluntary Membership Program, are covered, with coverage starting upon payment and lasting until the expiration of the employment contract plus 60 days.
Their coverage extends for a maximum of two years plus 60 days after expiration, but not less than one year plus 60 days.
Terminal illnesses such as Cancer, End-stage Renal Disease, HIV Positive, Steven Johnson's Disease, or similar, provided the illness was diagnosed during the insurance coverage period or contracted during overseas employment.
Requirements include a duly accomplished application form, Certificate of Membership/Verification Sheet, Passport or Seaman's Service Record Book, 2x2 photo of claimant, and relevant civil registry documents like marriage or birth certificates certified by LCR or NSO.
Death benefits are reckoned from the date when a worker is declared presumptively dead after being reported missing by proper authority, and burial benefits are granted even if the body is not recovered or no burial occurred.
Such agencies are liable to provide benefits equivalent to those due from OWWA and may be held liable for damages by OWWA aside from paying the benefits.
The Membership Processing Center (MPC) is responsible for validation and preventing double availment, acting as a clearing house for all claims from RWOs.