The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is set to release the Rebate starting today, September 10, 2019. The OWWA Rebate Program is in compliance with the provision of the OWWA Act which is to implement the grant of rebate to long-time members of OWWA.

Qualified beneficiaries of the rebate program are (1) OFWs who have been members of OWWA for at least ten years with at least five or more contributions made as of December 31, 2017 and (2) OFW-member or his/her family has not availed of any program or benefit from OWWA.

Last September 1, OWWA opened the OWWA Rebate Portal that aids in the distribution of the OWWA Rebate Program. It is an online system where member-OFWs can easily verify if they are eligible for rebate. It also serves as an appointment system where qualified beneficiaries can set an appointment to the nearest OWWA office.

Qualified OFWs may present their appointment code that was sent through a text message and bring at least one (1) valid government-issued ID to their chosen OWWA office for verification. Next-of-kin/family members of OFWs abroad or sick/deceased OFWs are eligible to claim rebate on their behalf.

For OFWs who are abroad, next-of-kin/family may present the following:

(a)  Appointment code

(b)  Authorization Letter from OFW

(c)  Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage contract, birth certificate)

(d)  1 valid ID of OFW and authorized representative

For OFWs with medical concerns, next-of-kin/family may present the following:

(a)  Appointment code

(b)  Medical certificate of the OFW-member

(c)  Authorization Letter with either signature or thumb mark

(d)  Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage contract, birth certificate)

(e)  1 valid ID of OFW and authorized representative

For deceased OFWs, next-of-kin/family may present the following:

(a)  Appointment code

(b)  Death certificate of OFW

(c)  Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage contract, birth certificate)

(d)  1 valid ID of OFW and authorized representative

After the verification process, the beneficiaries will provide their banking details where OWWA will deposit the amount of their rebate and will be credited to them after 1 banking day.

Qualified OFWs may be able to claim Php 941.25 up to Php 13,177.50 based on the number of their contributions. The computation for the Rebate Program is based on an actuarial study commissioned by OWWA which determined the capability of the OWWA Fund to implement the rebate program without negatively affecting the regular programs and services of the agency.

OFW-members will be able to access the OWWA Rebate Portal via the OWWA website owwa.gov.ph. For further inquiries about the OWWA Rebate Program, visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office in your area or call OWWA Hotline 1348. (END)