The OWWA Rebate Program is a program launched by virtue of the OWWA Act or Republic Act 10801. It was created for OFWs who have been active members for 10 years or more but have never used or received any benefit from the agency. Under the program, OFW or their dependents and beneficiaries (in the event the OFW is deceased) can get a rebate (percentage cashback) depending on the number of contributions the member has made.
Also Read: OWWA Status Verification Online for Members
Under the program, OFWs can get rebates ranging from ₱941.00 to ₱13,000.00 which they can also use to pay for their OWWA membership or to donate to the less fortunate beneficiaries of the OWWA Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP). In this guide, you can learn more about how to apply for the OWWA Rebate Program online as well as the requirements, qualifications, and other important details for those who are interested in getting their rebate.
What is OWWA Rebate
The OWWA Rebate Program is a program launched in compliance with Section 54 of Republic Act 10801 or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Act. It was intended to give long-term OWWA members the opportunity to get a portion of their total contribution back. Although OWWA stresses out that this is not a complete refund or a cashback, you can actually benefit from this program since ot can be claimed by dependents and beneficiaries even if the member OFW is long gone.
It mandates the payment of a corresponding sum to OWWA members who have been members for ten years or more and have not benefited from any of the agency’s other programs, services, or benefits, including:
- Scholarship Programs (ODSP, EDSP, ELAP)
- Death and Burial Benefits
- Welfare Assistance Programs (Calamity, Bereavement, Medical, and Relief Assistance)
- Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program (BPBH)
- Short-Term Training/Upgrading Courses (SESP, SUP, MDA)
- Disability and Dismemberment Benefits
- MEDplus
- Enterprise Development & Loan Program (Business Loan)
These rebate can be used in various ways, including:
- As donation to the beneficiaries of the OWWA Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP) to help send less fortunate OFW kids to school.
- As payment for OWWA membership renewal of OFWs who still have active employment contracts abroad.
How much can I Get as OWWA Rebate
Under the program, seafarers, OFWs, and their qualified beneficiaries can get rebates ranging from ₱941.00 to ₱13,000.00, depending on how much they contributed. This calculation was based on the actuarial study commissioned by OWWA which determined the OWWA Fund’s capability.
As per the OWWA database, a total of ₱1 billion was originally set aside for distribution to the program’s 556,000 beneficiaries. A total of ₱2 billion has also been set aside for distribution to the next batches of qualified OWWA members.
The actuarial study also offered the rebate schedule as follows:
Number of Contributions Rebate Amount
- 5 years – 941.25
- 6 years – 1,129.50
- 7 years – 1,317.75
- 8 years – 1,506.00
- 9 years – 1,694.26
- 10 years – 1,882.50
- 20 years – 3,765.00
- 30 years – 5,647.50
- 40 years – 7,530.00
- 50 years – 9,412.50
- 60 years – 11,295.00
- 70 or more years – 13,177.50
Who can Avail the OWWA Rebate Program
The OWWA Rebate Program is available to OWWA member OFWs provided that they satisfy the following conditions:
- OFWs who have been members of OWWA for at least ten (10) years
- With at least five or more contributions made as of December 31, 2017; and
- OFW-member or his/her family has not availed of any program or benefit from OWWA.
- Legal beneficiary of deceased OWWA member OFW
What are the Requirements to Avail the OWWA Rebate
To avail of the OWWA Rebate, you will need to prepare the following requirements:
- OWWA membership ID (this will be used during inquiry)
- One (1) government-issued valid ID
- Active bank account (this is where will OWWA deposit your money)
If a family member or an authorized representative will process the OWWA Rebate application, here’s a list of requirements to prepare:
If the OFW member is overseas:
- Appointment code
- Authorization letter from the OFW
- Proof of relationship with the OFW
- Marriage contract
- PSA birth certificate
- One (1) valid ID of the OFW
- One (1) valid ID of the authorized representative
If the OFW is sick and unable to process the OWWA Rebate application personally:
- Appointment code
- Medical certificate
- authorization letter signed or with thumb mark of the OFW
- Proof of relationship with the OFW
- Marriage contract
- PSA birth certificate
- One (1) valid ID of the OFW
- One (1) valid ID of the authorized representative
How to Process or Claim OWWA Rebates – Step by Step Guide
Here are the steps you need to take to process and claim your OWWA Rebate, provided that you meet the qualifying criteria stated above:
Step 1: Visit the OWWA homepage at https://www.owwa.gov.ph.
Step 2: Click the OWWA Rebate Program banner under the Programs and Services, then eServices, and access the OWWA Rebate portal which will lead you straight to the OWWA Rebate Verification Form at https://rebate.owwa.gov.ph/.
Step 3: Fill out the OWWA Rebate Verification Form by keying in the following details:
- First Name
- Middle Name
- Last Name
- Extension Name
- Birthdate
- Mobile No.
Step 4: Click the “Inquire” button.
Step 5: If you are eligible based on your entered information, you can check the rebate amount you can receive from the display on the screen.
Step 6: Make an appointment with OWWA by following the steps listed below:
- Go to the nearest OWWA branch.
- Go to https://www.owwa.gov.ph/index.php/contact-us to check the branches or get more information.
- Use the OWWA Appointment Scheduler at the OWWA website.
- Use the OWWA Mobile app to set an appointment.
Note: Make sure you have a working phone number when you schedule your appointment as you will need them on your actual appointment date.
Step 7: Proceed to your chosen OWWA branch at the appointed date and time.
Step 8: Show your appointment code, which was sent to your mobile phone via text message, on the day of the appointment.
Step 9: Submit the documentary requirements and get the OWWA Regional Welfare Officer to have it verified. Step 10: Once the verification is completed, provide your bank account details into which the OWWA rebates claim will be deposited.
Important Reminders
For those who are interested in availing the OWWA Rebate, here are some things you need to remember:
- The OWWA membership fee amounting to US$25 is valid for two years.
- You need a minimum of five (5) payments or ten (10) years of membership before you can even be eligible for an OWWA rebate.
- Setting an appointment to visit any OWWA offices can be done via the website, the mobile app, or by calling OWWA directly.
- The OWWA Rebate Portal is where you actually submit the application.
- The OWWA Rebate can also be claimed by eligible beneficiaries of OFWs who have already died.
Video: How to Claim OWWA Rebate
For more information about how to process your OWWA Rebate, simply follow the steps as instructed in this video posted by Darwanderer TV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For questions or concerns regarding the OWWA Rebate, here are some frequently asked questions and answers that you can use as reference:
1. How to verify if I am eligible for an OWWA Rebate?
To verify your eligibility, you simply need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Check that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the agency.
Step 2: Access the OWWA Rebate Portal at https://rebate.owwa.gov.ph/.
Step 3: Accomplish the OWWA Rebate Verification Form and click Inquire. You should see whether you are eligible or not after this.
2. Can I still avail of other OWWA programs after availing the OWWA Rebate?
Yes. However, do note that the availment of the OWWA programs is governed by guidelines and policies of the specific program or services you wish to avail of.
3. What requirements do I need to present when I visit the OWWA Office on the appointed date?
You will need to present the appointment code along with any one (1) of the following government-issued IDs:
- OWWA eCARD
- Passport
- Company ID
- NBI clearance
- Postal ID
- SSS ID
- GSIS ID
- Driver’s License
- PRC ID
- Senior Citizen’s ID
- Voters ID
4. Who is eligible to avail of the OWWA Rebate?
The following may avail of the OWWA Rebate:
- OFWs who have been members of OWWA for at least ten (10) years
- OWWA member OFWs with at least five or more contributions made as of December 31, 2017;
- OFW-member or his/her family who has not availed of any program or benefit from OWWA.
- Legal beneficiary of deceased OWWA member OFW
5. In what other ways can I get or take advantage of the OWWA Rebate other than online appointment?
OWWA rebates are also available for claiming in the following ways:
- If the OFW still has an active employment contract in another country, the rebate claim can be used to renew the OWWA membership.
- The rebate claim can also be donated to the Tuloy Aral Project (TAP) of OWWA to help finance the educational needs of the children of underprivileged OFWs.
6. Can any family member of the OFW process the OWWA Rebate if the OFW is still abroad, has a serious illness, or has died?
Yes. Depending on the situation, the following processes may be observed.
- If the OFW is still in another country, he can apply online to get an appointment. The designated member of his family here in the Philippines may claim his rebate at his chosen pick-up location.
- If the OFW is seriously ill, his family may process his rebate.
- The family can also process the OWWA rebate of the OFW if he has passed away, provided the OFW is qualified for the rebate
7. Where can I go if I have an appeal about the OWWA Rebate?
For appeals, you may reach out to OWWA via the following:
- The OFW Rebate Program Help Desk at all OWWA Regional Welfare Offices for any questions regarding obtaining the rebate;
- You may also call the OWWA Hotline 1348
Summary
The OWWA Rebate Program is one of OWWA’s ways of keeping up its mandate to support the millions of OFWs and their families worldwide. The program offers cashback of sorts provided that the member OFW has satisfied the qualifying conditions set by the agency, including having made at least five (5) membership contributions and being a member for at least ten (10) years. Under the program, the rebate amount may vary but the benefit is available regardless if it’s the OFW or any of his eligible dependents who are making a claim.
Claiming the OWWA rebate doesn’t take much. The requirements and procedures are simple and few. However, the program comes with very specific qualifying conditions. Not only that, claiming the rebate doesn’t restrict the member OFW from availing of other OWWA programs or services, so there really is no reason not to take advantage of it if you are qualified. After all, it is still part of the benefits of being an OWWA member, regardless if the member is dead or alive. In any case, it can be claimed through a family member or an authorized representative and is also available anywhere in the world.