Functions and Scope: Fund Management and Claims Processing
- Insurance Benefit Program Fund (IBPF) funds are transferred to RWOs through Regional Operations Coordination Service (ROCS).
- RWOs maintain a separate Insurance Claims Fund (ICF) bank account where the Central Office deposits funds.
- RWOs use ICF to pay claims; RWO Directors or authorized representatives approve disbursements.
- Existing signatories handle vouchers and checks; RWOs release checks to claimants upon proper ID presentation.
Accounting and Validation Procedures
- RWOs must follow accounting instructions from Central Office to record utilization of funds.
- Separate book of accounts maintained by Regional Accountants/designates.
- Membership Processing Center (MPC) validates coverage effectiveness and prevents double claims.
- MPC acts as clearing house for claim availment; issues electronic Certification of Availment/No-Availment.
- RWOs submit monthly list of claimants via ROCS to MPC for control and consolidation.
Entitlement and Coverage
- Beneficiaries prove OWWA membership in effect at time of member OFW's death to claim benefits.
- Death benefits: PHP 100,000 for natural death, PHP 200,000 for accidental death.
- Burial benefit of PHP 20,000 as add-on rider.
- Coverage includes all OFWs who paid OWWA contributions, including voluntary members.
- Coverage is effective upon contribution payment, lasting till contract expiration plus 60 days.
- OFWs with indefinite contracts or under Voluntary Membership Program covered for max two years plus 60 days, minimum one year plus 60 days.
- Terminally ill OFWs diagnosed or contracted illness during coverage receive extended coverage not exceeding two years.
Documentary Requirements for Claims
Basic Requirements:
- Completed application form.
- Membership certificate or verification from MPC.
- Passport (landbased) or Seaman's Service Record Book (seabased).
- 2x2 claimant photo.
- Certified civil documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates, CENOMAR) depending on claimant's relation.
Insurance Benefit Claims:
- Death certificate certified by LCR/NSO or Philippine Embassy/Consulate.
- Accident report for accidental deaths.
- Declaration of Presumptive Death if applicable.
Burial Benefit Claims:
- Official receipt for funeral expenses.
- Burial permit.
General Guidelines
- Death benefits payable from date worker is presumptively declared dead by law.
- Burial benefits granted even if body not recovered or burial not performed.
- Deploying agencies responsible for paying OWWA contributions; failure to do so makes them liable to pay equivalent benefits.
- Agencies failing to remit contributions intentionally are also liable for damages.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent prior OWWA issuances are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Memorandum of Instructions took effect immediately upon adoption on November 6, 2006.