Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait and their families may qualify for different types of assistance offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The agency provides financial support, scholarships, training grants, livelihood assistance and emergency services for qualified Filipino workers.
These programmes may be useful for OFWs experiencing work-related difficulties, supporting children in school or preparing to return to the Philippines.
However, eligibility depends on the program, membership status and individual circumstances. That’s why it is important that you renew your OWWA and keep it active.
Here is a breakdown of the main OWWA benefits available to qualified OFWs.
1. Financial Assistance and OWWA Social Benefits
OWWA provides several forms of financial protection to eligible members and their families.
These include assistance for illness, disability, bereavement and other emergencies.
Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)
ELAP provides educational support to eligible dependents of deceased OWWA members.
It may also provide livelihood assistance to the surviving spouse or another qualified family member.
Death and Disability Benefits
Active OWWA members may receive financial benefits for covered accidental injuries, disability or death.
Qualified beneficiaries may also receive burial assistance.
Supplemental Medical Assistance Program (MEDplus)
MEDplus helps qualified active OWWA and PhilHealth members cover eligible medical expenses following hospitalisation for certain serious illnesses.
Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP provides cash relief to eligible workers and families facing calamities, medical emergencies, bereavement, disability, displacement and other difficult situations.
Some WAP benefits may also be available to inactive OWWA members, depending on the circumstances.
2. OWWA College Scholarships for Dependents
Filipino parents working in Kuwait may apply for education assistance on behalf of qualified dependents.
OWWA’s main scholarship programmes include:
Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
EDSP provides up to Php 60,000 per school year to qualified dependents taking approved four- or five-year college courses.
OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP)
ODSP offers Php 20,000 per school year to eligible dependents pursuing approved undergraduate or associate courses.
Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)
CMWSP provides scholarships of up to Php 60,000 per school year to qualified applicants pursuing priority science and technology degree courses.
Each programme has different academic, income and eligibility requirements.
Read our article on OWWA scholarship applications for OFWs and their dependents for more information.
Applicants should monitor https://scholarship.owwa.gov.ph/ for the next application period.
3. Training Programmes for Better Job Opportunities
OWWA also supports eligible workers who want to improve their skills or gain additional qualifications.
Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)
SESP provides up to Php 14,500 for qualified OFWs and dependents enrolling in approved technical or vocational courses.
Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP)
Eligible maritime workers may receive up to Php 7,500 for approved short-term upgrading courses.
Information Technology Training Program
The programme provides basic computer and digital skills training to qualified OFWs and their dependents.
Training availability and requirements depend on the specific programme.
4. Livelihood and Business Support After Returning Home
OWWA also helps qualified Filipinos preparing to return permanently to the Philippines.
The agency offers reintegration services to support returning workers who want to find employment or start a business.
Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay Program
This programme offers livelihood assistance to eligible returning OFWs.
Support may include business start-up assistance, entrepreneurship training and referrals to other government services.
OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program
The programme supports qualified workers interested in business financing.
It involves entrepreneurship preparation and access to loans through participating banks.
Applicants must meet the financing requirements, and approved loans must be repaid.
For more context, read our report on over 10,000 OFWs receiving Php 304 million in government assistance.
5. Pre-Departure Education and Emergency Assistance
OWWA provides orientation programmes for Filipinos preparing to work overseas.
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
PDOS helps workers understand employment contracts, travel requirements, workplace rules, rights and responsibilities.
Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)
CPDEP provides additional preparation for departing household service workers.
Topics include language, culture, workplace expectations and adjustment to everyday life abroad.
Repatriation Program
OWWA also helps distressed, sick or stranded OFWs return to the Philippines.
Depending on the case, assistance may cover travel coordination, temporary accommodation, airport reception and onward transportation.
Workers facing emergencies in Kuwait should contact the Philippine Migrant Workers Office or the Philippine Embassy for appropriate assistance.
How Kuwait-Based OFWs Can Access OWWA Services
Filipino workers in Kuwait can ask about their benefits through OWWA representatives at the Migrant Workers Office.
Those who need to check or update their membership can read our guide to renewing OWWA membership in Kuwait.
OFWs returning home may also approach an OWWA Regional Welfare Office for reintegration assistance.
For additional information on services for returning workers, read our guide to DOLE’s Assist WELL Program. The article covers an earlier government reintegration framework, so readers should confirm which services remain available under current rules.
The full list of OWWA programmes is available at https://owwa.gov.ph/programs-and-services/.
Before applying for financial support, scholarships or livelihood assistance, members should verify the latest requirements directly with OWWA.
Benefits are not automatically granted to every OFW, and eligibility depends on the type of assistance requested.