Guidelines on OWWA Burial Assistance

Applies to deaths of OCWs occurring on or after May 1, 1982.
Includes deaths by presumption in cases of seamen officially reported as missing at sea.
Death must occur during overseas employment or within six months post-termination of such employment.

Monetary assistance applies to deaths occurring after June 30, 1991.
Also covers cases after exhaustion of all available memorial service plans under previous guidelines (MOI No. 061, series of 1989).

Beneficiaries must show proof of at least one recorded contribution by the deceased to the OWWA fund.
The deceased OCW must not be covered by the new OWWA insurance program effective July 1, 1991.

Priority of claimants for the burial assistance is as follows:
a. Surviving Spouse
b. Children
c. Parents

Claimants must complete the prescribed application forms.
Applications submitted personally or by mail to relevant OWWA divisions or regional offices, depending on the deceased's employment type (landbased or seabased).
Required documentation to accompany application forms includes:
a. Original and photocopies of death certificate.
b. For missing-at-sea cases, official report from manning agent, shipowner, charterer, or Philippine foreign mission.
c. Employment-related documents such as employment contract, Notice of Employment (NOE), Travel Exit Pass (TEP), Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), or Information Sheet approved by POEA.
d. Certificate of overseas employment period issued by local employer or recruitment agency.
e. Proof of family relationship depending on claimant status:
e.1 Marriage certificate for surviving spouse.
e.2 Birth certificate of children and death certificate of deceased spouse for children claimants.
e.3 Birth certificate of deceased OCW and proof of no surviving spouse or children for parents claiming.
- If birth certificate is unavailable, secondary proofs such as certification of non-record, baptismal certificate, and affidavits of relationship must be provided.
  f. Two (2) one-inch by one-inch identification photos of claimant.

Disputes or contests among beneficiaries regarding claims shall be resolved by the Legal Department of OWWA Secretariat.
The Legal Department’s decision on Burial Assistance Program claims is final and binding.