OWWA Membership 2026 — Benefits, Fees & Registration Guide
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides essential protection for over 2 million active OFW members. For just PHP 1,500 per contract, you get life insurance, education grants, repatriation coverage, and legal assistance.
OWWA membership is mandatory for all departing OFWs. It is included in the OEC/deployment processing. Renew at any Philippine Embassy, POLO/MWO office, or through the OWWA Mobile App.
OWWA Membership Fee
PHP 1,500
~USD 27 per contract
What's Included:
- Valid for the duration of your employment contract (up to 2 years)
- Life and disability insurance
- Repatriation coverage
- Education benefits for dependents
- Skills training and livelihood programmes
- Legal assistance through MWO
- Medical and burial assistance
OWWA Benefits Breakdown
1. Death and Disability Benefits
| Benefit | Amount | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Death benefit (work-related) | USD 10,000 | Death during employment period |
| Death benefit (natural cause) | USD 7,000 | Natural death during contract |
| Total disability | USD 7,000 | Permanent total disability |
| Partial disability | USD 2,000–5,000 | Depending on severity |
| Burial assistance | PHP 50,000 | In addition to death benefit |
2. Education and Training Benefits
Education for OFW Dependents (EDSP)
- PHP 10,000/year — elementary/high school
- PHP 15,000/year — college/vocational
- PHP 20,000/year — post-graduate
- Maximum 2 dependents per OFW member
Skills Training for OFWs
- Free TESDA skills training programmes
- Language training (Nihongo, Korean, Arabic)
- Computer and IT skills
- Entrepreneurship and financial literacy
3. Repatriation Assistance
OWWA provides full repatriation support for distressed OFWs, including:
- Airfare back to the Philippines
- Temporary shelter upon arrival (OWWA halfway homes)
- Airport assistance and transport
- Psychosocial counselling
- Livelihood assistance for repatriated workers
4. Additional Programmes
- OFW Loan Programme: Loan assistance for OFW families in the Philippines
- OFW Enterprise Development: Business start-up training and micro-loans for returning OFWs
- Country-Specific Programmes: Welfare programmes tailored to destination countries
- Agarang Tulong Medical: Medical assistance up to PHP 50,000 for OFWs with active membership
How to Register / Renew OWWA Membership
Option 1: At Philippine Embassy (POLO/MWO)
- Visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or Migrant Workers Office (MWO) at your nearest Philippine embassy or consulate
- Bring: valid passport, employment contract or OEC, 2x2 photo
- Fill out the OWWA Membership Application Form (OFW Info Sheet)
- Pay PHP 1,500 (or equivalent in local currency)
- Receive your OWWA membership receipt and e-card details
Option 2: OWWA Mobile App / Online
- Download the OWWA Mobile App (iOS/Android)
- Register with your passport number and OEC details
- Upload required documents (passport, contract, photo)
- Pay through online banking, GCash, Maya, or other e-wallets
- Receive digital membership confirmation
Option 3: Before Departure (Philippines)
OWWA membership is automatically processed during your OEC application at the DMW. The PHP 1,500 fee is included in your pre-deployment costs.
How to Check OWWA Membership Status
- OWWA Mobile App: Log in and check your membership validity
- OWWA Website: Visit owwa.gov.ph and use the member verification tool
- Text/SMS: Text OWWA STATUS [Your OWWA Number] to designated number
- In Person: Visit any OWWA regional office or POLO/MWO abroad
Related Resources
OFW Guide
Complete OFW handbook
PhilHealth Abroad
Healthcare coverage
Pag-IBIG Abroad
Housing fund & MP2
OWWA Quick Facts
- Fee: PHP 1,500 per contract
- Validity: Duration of contract (max 2 years)
- Death benefit: Up to USD 10,000
- Education grant: PHP 10,000–20,000/year
- Medical aid: Up to PHP 50,000
- Hotline: +63 2 8551-6641
OWWA Contact
- Website: owwa.gov.ph
- Email: owaborod@owwa.gov.ph
- Hotline: +63 2 8551-6641
- Address: OWWA Bldg, F.B. Harrison St, Pasay City, Metro Manila