The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is a government agency in the Philippines that is responsible for the protection and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers across the globe. The thing is, you need to be a member in order to enjoy their benefits and privileges. It works like insurance for OFWs in case they need financial assistance and other needs.
OWWA membership is exclusive for Filipino migrant workers but their beneficiaries such as family members can also benefit from the programs implemented by OWWA. It’s important to keep your membership active by renewing it before it expires to keep enjoying its benefits. If you haven’t signed up yet, register now for an active OWWA membership.
What Is OWWA Membership and Renewal
The OWWA membership offers certain benefits and perks that are exclusive to active members who are OFWs and their beneficiaries. These benefits can be in different forms, but they are mostly designed according to the unique needs of OFWs. To avail of this membership, OFWs must sign up and register an account, then pay the contribution.
On the other hand, OWWA renewal is the process of renewing your expiring or expired membership in order to stay active. Renewal of OWWA membership is a must for OFWs so that they remain entitled to all the benefits that come with it. Moreover, you need to have an active overseas employment contract and pay the USD25 contribution to renew your membership.
Benefits of OWWA Membership
Active OWWA members are entitled to all the benefits and welfare services that OWWA offers to OFWs. The agency also ensures fund viability and capital build-up for every OFW member and their dependents. Active members have immediate access to welfare services and benefits that are offered in the Philippines and abroad.
When you renew your OWWA membership, you don’t just keep your account active, but you also continue to benefit from OWWA services and privileges including life insurance coverage, social benefits, training, outreach programs, conciliation and psycho-social services, educational, financial, and legal assistance.
Requirements for OWWA Membership
Before you secure all the requirements for OWWA membership or renewal, make sure you meet the qualifications. To become eligible for OWWA membership renewal, you need to be an OFW with a valid and active employment contract verified by the Department of Migrant Workers. You must also have a good work visa and permit, remains a Filipino citizen despite having permanent residency, and still be employed but with expired OWWA membership.
The following are the important documentary requirements you need to sign up or renew your OWWA membership:
- OWWA OFW Information Sheet
- Copy of valid passport with personal details
- Certificate of Oath with the identification page
- Proof of employment such as a Work Permit Card, Employment Pass, Employment Contract, or latest payslip
- Active email address
- USD25 membership fee
How to Sign Up or Renew an OWWA Membership
To sign up for an OWWA membership, you need to download the OWWA Mobile app first via the Google Play Store or App Store. Install the app on your mobile device and open it to register an account using your personal information. Once you have signed up, you can enjoy the services OWWA offers via your smartphone.
Here’s how to register for the OWWA membership:
Step 1: Open the OWWA Mobile App and click Don’t Have An Account? Sign Up
Step 2: Complete the required information on the Registration Form. Click Register to proceed to the next page.
Step 3: A notification pop-up will appear to confirm successful registration. Login details will be sent via email.
Step 4: Check the email message for the username and temporary password.
Step 5: Return to the app to log in using the temporary password in the email.
Now, to renew your OWWA membership online, you can do it via the OWWA Mobile app or via email. If you want to renew your membership via email or the official website, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Print the OWWA OFW Information Sheet and complete the required details. The sheet is available on the OWWA website.
Step 2: Scan the duly accomplished OWWA OFW Information Sheet.
Step 3: Attach the documentary requirements including the valid work permit, Philippine passport, and employment contract or any related proof of employment. For dual citizens, attach the Certificate of Oath with the Identification page.
Step 4: Go to the country-specific OWWA website and search for the active email address to where the request should be forwarded.
Step 5: After assessing the requirements, an email will be sent which contains the instructions and other additional requirements or information.
Step 6: Wait for the notification that OWWA will send, and then pay the contribution fee. There are available online payment methods to choose from.
Expired OWWA memberships are automatically re-activated once the payment has been made. Its validity period is within two years before renewal again.
For those who want to renew their OWWA memberships using the OWWA Mobile App, just follow the steps below:
Step 1: Download and install the OWWA Mobile App on your mobile device via the Google Play Store or the App Store.
Step 2: Open the app and click Log In. Enter your email or username and password to log in to your account.
Step 3: Check your membership status under the Information category. If you have an inactive status, it’s time to renew your OWWA membership.
Step 4: Click Renew Membership Here and pay the renewal fee of USD25. You can pay the fee through the OWWA app or other payment methods including a Bancnet ATM account, Landbank of the Philippines, or MLhuillier.
Step 5: On the next page, the registration information pop-up will appear. Enter the employment contract details, then click on the Submit button.
Step 6: Once payment has been made and it was accepted by the system, re-confirm the membership status on the Information tab.
Step 7: Membership status will change from inactive to active after the confirmation. Membership validity can be checked via the Information tab.
Video: How to Renew Your OWWA Membership Online: Step By Step
In this video, you will learn how to renew your expired OWWA membership online with just a few clicks on your mobile device. It also includes other helpful tips to expedite the process and make sure you get a hassle-free experience throughout. Watch until the end to know how you can access the perks and benefits of this government life insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important to renew my OWWA membership?
Overseas Filipino Workers should keep their OWWA memberships active in order to continue enjoying the benefits and welfare services offered by OWWA. Renewal of membership is done every two years only so it’s easy and affordable to maintain. This life insurance for OFWs protects them from unexpected expenses in the future.
2. Is it okay if I don’t renew my OWWA membership?
While there’s no penalty for OFWs who don’t renew their OWWA memberships, it’s important to process your renewal in order to enjoy the benefits that come with this membership. Inactive members may still get some benefits, but all the programs offered by OWWA to OFWs will be no longer available to them.
3. How much is the contribution fee when signing up for an OWWA membership?
The fixed contribution fee for OWWA members is USD25 or the equivalent amount in Philippine pesos. Whether you’re a first-timer or renew your OWWA membership, you need to pay this fee every two years to stay active.
4. Where should I process my OWWA membership application if I work abroad?
For OFWs who are not in the Philippines and want to process their OWWA membership, they can use the OWWA Mobile App to register or renew. You may also email POLO or OWWA Regional Welfare Office to process your registration or renewal.
5. How long is the OWWA membership processing?
The amount of time needed to become an active OWWA member depends on how long your complete the OWWA OFW Form, attach the scanned copies of the requirements and settle the contribution fee online or through other payment methods. The validity of OWWA membership is two years.
Summary
Signing up or renewing OWWA membership for OFWs is not difficult when you understand how the entire process works. Now that you’re aware of where to start signing up for OWWA membership, it would be easier to renew your expired OWWA membership anytime and anywhere you want through the OWWA Mobile App.
It’s important for OFWs to be properly documented in order to avoid future penalties and other legal actions. Not only that, you need to sign up for an OWWA membership to get the benefits that you and your family deserve. These privileges and welfare services are helpful for OFWs who are struggling to provide a comfortable life for their loved ones.