Inquiry On OWWA Death Insurance Benefit

by Maria Leah Guayco
(San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan)

Where could I make an inquiry regarding the status of my sister in law as an Overseas Filipino Worker? She was a domestic helper in Hong Kong for four straight years from 1996 to 2000. As far as I know she was a member of OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration). She passed away already last April 06, 2006.

My brother, her husband, was not able to fix her papers if ever he would get some help from OWWA. My brother doesn’t know how to start here. I am now a surrogate mom of their 3 kids here. Actually their youngest son just passed away last Sept 9th, 2010 and the 2 kids are with me.

May I ask where to get some inquiries regarding her status as an overseas worker now that she passed away?

Please do respond.

Thank you so much. God bless.

Maria Leah Guayco

P.S. Kindly tell me what to prepare so we could start asking some help.


Dom’s reply: Based on the OWWA website, an OWWA member is covered with life insurance for the duration of his/her employment contract. The coverage includes Php100,000 for death due to natural cause and Php200,000 for death due to accident. The legal heir shall receive another Php20,000 for funeral expenses.

These benefits are listed on this social benefits page at the OWWA website while this page lists the requirements for death claim.

To inquire whether your brother is entitled to receive these benefits, please get in touch with OWWA through the following:

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
7th St. Cor. F. B. Harrison
Pasay City, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 8917601 to 24
TEXT OWWA: (63)917-8986992
E-mail: admin.csdatowwa.gov.ph, owwa_opcenter247atyahoo.com

I also forwarded the link of this page to the said OWWA email addresses so the agency could make comment.

Hope this helps.

Dom

Update: I received the email below from Ms. Lulu Montes, OWWA Social Benefits Unit Head, after sending the link to the agency:

Regarding the inquiry on Death Benefit Program, please be informed that only death of member-OFWs which occured during the validity of their OWWA membership are covered.

Thank you for the quick reply, Ms. Montes!