Month: November 2018

You are convinced that PAG-IBIG could help you in boosting your savings, which is why you made sure you diligently paid your contributions every month. After years of paying, you felt that you deserve to get your investment back.

The question is how.

Don’t worry. This post will tell you everything you need to know about how to claim your PAG-IBIG contributions.

But first, can you just withdraw your contributions anytime you like? 

The answer is no. In fact, there are conditions that will allow you to withdraw. These conditions include:

1. Maturity

This means you made contributions for at least 20 years or an equivalent of 240 monthly contributions.

In case you are still under the PAG-IBIG Overseas Program (POP), which is different from the present PAG-IBIG savings, you may withdraw your money on the 10th, 15th, or 20th year, depending on what you chose during your registration. Simply present your POP passbook to make a claim.

2. Permanent Departure from the Philippines

In case you plan to leave the country and live abroad permanently, then you may opt to withdraw your contributions even without meeting the 240 monthly contributions requirement.

Still, PAG-IBIG needs proof that you are not coming back and that the country you plan to live in allowed you to stay there. Therefore, you must submit:

• Notarized Sworn Declaration of Intention to Depart from the Philippines Permanently. You can get a copy of the form here.
• Photocopy of passport
• Residence visa, immigrant visa, settlement visa, or any other equivalent documents

3. Retirement

As long as you reach 65 years of age, also known as the compulsory retirement, you may opt to claim your contributions from PAG-IBIG. In case you retire early, say 60 years old, then you can also claim for your contributions as long as you are at least 45 years old. 

You need to submit the following documents to make a claim:

• NSO-issued birth certificate
• SSS or GSIS retirement voucher
• At least two valid IDs with photo, birthdate, and signature
• Notarized Certificate of Early Retirement for private employees above 45 years of age
• Order of Retirement, Updated Statement of Service, and Statement of Last Payment for AFP, Philippine Army, and Navy members

4. Separation from Service due to Health Reasons 

PAG-IBIG also allows you to claim your contributions in case you can no longer work due to severe health condition. To claim, you must submit:

• Statement of Certification from a doctor indicating such condition
• Notarized sworn employer’s Certification of member’s employment termination due to health reasons
• Latest SSS Disability voucher in case you are a private employee

5. Permanent Total Disability or Insanity

PAG-IBIG members may also claim contributions in case of physical or mental disability as a result of illness or injury. Said condition must render the claimant unable to work or run a business.

The claimant must submit the following documents:

• Certification or statement from physician indicating such condition
• SSS Total Disability Voucher for private employees
• Updated Statement of Service, Statement of Last Payment, and Compulsory Disability Discharge (CDD) Order for AFP, Philippine Army, and Navy members

6. Death

For deceased PAG-IBIG members, their heirs, authorized representatives, or appointed court administrator or executor may file for a claim. In doing so, the following documents must be submitted:

• NSO-issued death certificate
• Notarized Proof of Surviving Legal Heirs (you can get a copy of the form here)
• In case the deceased member has children, NSO-issued birth certificate/s or baptismal / confirmation certificate for ALL the children
• In case the deceased member has minor children or children with PWD, submit a notarized Affidavit of Guardianship. You can get a copy of the form here.

PAG-IBIG will need proof of relationship between the deceased member and the person processing the claim (claimant). Therefore, the following documents must be submitted:

• NSO-issued birth certificate for both the deceased member and claimant
• Non-availability of Birth Record from NSO and notarized Joint Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons in case birth certificates cannot be presented.
• Certified True Copy of the claimant’s and deceased member’s baptismal or confirmation certificate
• Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) for single members
• NSO-issued Marriage Certificate and Advisory on Marriage for married members

Basic Requirements Needed to File for a Claim

• Completely filled out Application for Provident Benefits (APB) Claim form. You can get a copy here.
• PAG-IBIG Loyalty Card (in the absence of the loyalty card, two valid IDs will do)
• Original and photocopy of one valid ID of the member
• Special Power of Attorney (get a copy here) in case the member cannot claim personally

Now that your documents are ready, here’s how you can file and claim for PAG-IBIG contributions:

1. Visit the PAG-IBIG branch where your membership records are found.

2. Submit basic requirements and corresponding documents.

3. Once verified, PAG-IBIG representative will issue Provident Benefits Acknowledgement Receipt. The receipt indicates when you can claim your check.

Take note that you also have the option to have the amount credited to your bank account.

Tips to Remember when Filing a Claim 

• Make sure you have no unpaid, existing loans with PAG-IBIG such as Housing Loan, Calamity Loan, or Multi-Purpose Loan. Any unpaid loans will affect the status of your claim.
• Check if you have records in other PAG-IBIG branches. Records in multiple branches could slow down the processing time.
• Make it a habit to check your contribution payments regularly. This is to ensure that payments were made by YOU and no contributions were withdrawn without your consent. This will avoid issues in the future in case you decide to claim.
• If you opt to claim the proceeds of your contributions via check payment, then don’t forget to bring two valid IDs to prove identity.

Contrary to popular belief, OFW life is not easy. Yes, you earn in dollars and yes, you earn more than what you can earn in the Philippines. Still, you are shouldering tons of responsibilities and you have to endure a lot of sacrifices in exchange of a better life and future for your family.

Does “better life and future for the family” includes savings?

Admit it. No matter how hard you try to save, you always end up using the funds because of “emergencies” back home. Thankfully, PAG-IBIG is there to help you by offering a savings with dividends scheme that will make it difficult for you to withdraw money. After all, you are only allowed to claim your contributions after 20 years. This could be helpful because you know that no matter what happens, you have savings to back you up.

In a previous post, we shared about how to be a PAG-IBIG member, including steps for registration, ways to contribute money even while overseas, and how much you can contribute among others. In this post, we will tell you variety of ways on how you can maximize your contributions so you could claim a higher amount when your 20th year as a member comes.

Here’s what you can do:

Tip 1: PAG-IBIG contribution is equal to part of your assets. 

Mindset plays an important role when it comes to financial security. Therefore, don’t think of your contributions as something you have to do because it’s mandatory, rather make it a part of your assets.

Keep in mind that your savings earn dividends every year, which will be added to your total savings. Also, the agency has Modified PAG-IBIG II (MP2) facility wherein members can opt for additional and voluntary savings option for five years, which could be helpful in growing your money.

This leads to tip number 2.

Tip 2: Apply for the MP2 savings facility. 

Apart from the monthly, mandatory contribution of P100, PAG-IBIG also offered the MP2 program wherein you can contribute P500 per month for five years. The good thing about this facility is that you get to earn higher interest rate compared to what was offered in banks’ savings and time deposit facilities.

In case you want to renew for another five years, then you can do so.

Here comes the best part: this savings scheme is tax-free. This means unlike your regular savings account, your savings in MP2 facility will not be charged with 20 percent withholding tax. How cool is that?

Tip No. 3: Keep your contributions up-to-date. 

PAG-IBIG wants to help every Filipino, including OFWs, to have a secured future. In fact, this is the reason why the agency was established. Nonetheless, all of the benefits won’t be possible if you don’t contribute regularly.

Keep in mind that one of the important requirements in claiming your contributions is that you made 240 monthly contributions. Meeting this requirement is crucial, otherwise, you won’t be allowed to withdraw.

Therefore, make sure that your contributions are updated. PAG-IBIG desks are available in Philippine embassies or consulates where you can deposit directly. There are also PAG-IBIG-accredited banks and remittance agencies where you can remit your contribution.

In other words, there is no excuse for you to skip payments.

Tip No. 4: Increase your contribution. 

Yes, you are mandated to contribute P100 every month, but did you know that you can contribute higher than that?

When you contribute more than P100, this means you earn higher dividends, which will be added to your total savings. In case you plan to apply for a PAG-IBIG loan in the future, there is higher chances of approval because of the higher contributions you made.

Tip No. 5: Contribute in lumpsum. 

Being a PAG-IBIG member allows you to enjoy certain benefits and access to various loan facilities. Before you apply, you need to make contributions for at least two years to become eligible for their loan.

You can skip that process by paying in lumpsum the amount of P2,400, or the monetary value of 24-months contribution, upfront. This way, you can get access to PAG-IBIG facilities.

What are you waiting for? Be a PAG-IBIG member now and remember these tips to enjoy higher benefits.

On June 11, 1978 and by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1530, Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya, at Gobyerno or PAG-IBIG Fund was established.

Presently known as Home Development Mutual Fund, the purpose of this government agency is to provide national savings program and affordable shelter financing for Filipino workers with the help of these four sectors.

Back in the day and due to certain events in history, being a PAG-IBIG member was voluntary. In 1994, then President Ramos declared the membership mandatory through Republic Act 7742.

In 2009, then President Arroyo signed into law R.A. 9679 or the Home Development Mutual Fund Law, which made PAG-IBIG membership mandatory for all Filipinos, including those who are overseas Filipino workers like you.

Keep reading to know more about your PAG-IBIG membership, including how to register, how to make payments while overseas, and the benefits you can get from being a member.

On mandatory membership – 

• Filipino seafarer upon signing of the standard contract of employment between seafarer and manning agency.
• Filipinos employed by foreign-based employers, whether deployed in the Philippines or overseas, or combination.

On membership registration – 

There are several ways you can register as a PAG-IBIG member. You can submit your Membership Registration Form (MRF) together with valid ID in:

• In case you’re overseas,  in PAG-IBIG desks located in Philippine Embassy or Consulate
• Pag-IBIG Fund International Operations Group, 6th Floor, Justine Bldg., Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
• Any PAG-IBIG branch nationwide
• PAG-IBIG satellite office in the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA)
• Accredited banks and remittance centers like Metrobank, PNB, and iRemit Global Remittances, Inc.

You can also get a copy of the MRF here.

You can also register online through PAG-IBIG website.

On membership contribution –

Filipinos working overseas and whose employer is not subject to mandatory coverage shall contribute two percent of his/her monthly compensation. The Filipino worker may also opt to pay for the employer’s counterpart of two percent.

Take note that the maximum monthly compensation to be used in computing membership savings shall not be more than P5,000.00

As of this writing, the standard contribution is at P100. You may opt for higher contribution so you could get higher savings.

On duration of PAG-IBIG membership – 

Membership shall be maximum of 20 years with total of 240 monthly membership savings or upon the occurrence of any of the following:

• Retirement
• Permanent Total Disability or Insanity
• Termination of service due to health reasons
• Permanent departure from the country
• Death
• Other reasons provided for by the Board of Trustees

You also have the option to withdraw after 15 years of contribution, provided  at least 180 monthly membership contributions were made and there is no existing PAG-IBIG loan.

On paying for monthly contribution – 

The good news is you can pay your monthly contribution anywhere you are. PAG-IBIG has representatives based in the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where you can pay to them directly. There are also PAG-IBIG-accredited banks and remittance partners where you can pay your contributions.

You can check this link for a complete list of accredited banks and remittance partners of PAG-IBIG around the world.

Take note that when paying for your monthly contribution, prepare your PAG-IBIG membership ID number (PAG-IBIG MID) since this will be used to track the payments you made. In case you don’t have PAG-IBIG MID yet, you can now register so you will be given Registration Tracking Number (RTN) in the meantime.

On benefits of being a PAG-IBIG member – 

• Tax-free savings, guaranteed by the government.
• Savings are earning yearly dividends, which will be added to your savings.
• Access to short-term loans like Multi-Purpose Loan and Calamity Loan, which you can use to, say, pay your child’s tuition fee, minor repairs at home, or starting capital for your business.
• Access to Housing Loan wherein the funds can be used to buy your dream house, home renovation and improvement, or refinance existing housing loan from other lending institutions.

What are you waiting for? Become a PAG-IBIG member now to not only enjoy the benefits mentioned but also to earn higher savings.

Being an Overseas Filipino Worker is not easy. You need to make sure that you will be able to provide a better and secure future for your family. At the same time, you need to ensure that your family is well taken cared of and that their everyday needs are met.

What about you? Who could take care of you in case you get sick?

Your employer overseas may provide you with health benefits but you are limited there. Once you go back to the Philippines, you are no longer part of the employer’s responsibility.

This is where Philhealth comes in. In fact, the agency can be your “Partner in Health” in case of medical emergencies.

How do you become a member? How can you make contributions? What are the benefits of being a member of Philhealth even if you are working overseas?

Read on to find out.

Who are Overseas Filipino members? 

1. Land-based Overseas Filipino workers

2. Seafarers or individuals employed or engaged in any capacity onboard a seagoing ship that is navigating foreign seas other than a government ship used for military or non-commercial purposes.

3. Filipinos with dual citizenship

What are the advantages of being a Philhealth member? 

1. Philhealth can pay for OFW or his/her dependents’ hospital confinement and out-patient surgeries in the Philippines through the All Case Rate payment scheme.

2. Reimbursement of fees upon the overseas worker’s confinement overseas. The OFW is given 180 days upon discharge to submit claim documents to any Philhealth offices in the Philippines.

3. Overseas worker’s benefits can be extended to his/her qualified dependents.

4. OFWs are entitled to Lifetime membership, provided that they reach their age of retirement and have paid at least 120 monthly contributions.

5. Easier availment of benefits in case of confinement since most of the accredited healthcare institutions are connected to the Health Care Institution Portal.

6. Coverage of more than 4,000 medical and surgical procedures, including cancer and dialysis procedures.

What are the benefits of Overseas Filipino Workers? 

Aside from Philippine healthcare institutions, you can still avail of Philhealth benefits even if you were confined overseas. Consequently, your qualified dependents could enjoy the same benefits you are entitled to.

Nonetheless, below are the specific benefits afforded to OFWs:

Inpatient Benefits 

This is available to all confinements in accredited Health Care Institutions (HCIs) through All Case Rate. The case rate includes hospital charges and physician’s professional fees, the total of which will be deducted from the total bill.

To avail of Inpatient benefits, OFW-member must have six months contribution preceding the three months qualifying contribution within the 12-month period before the first day of confinement. Submit a copy of Member Data Record and duly accomplished Philhealth Claim Form 1.

You can get a copy of the form here.

Outpatient Benefits 

This includes day surgeries that could include minor to major surgeries, radiotherapy, hemodialysis, outpatient blood transfusion, and primary care benefits.

Primary care benefits include preventive services, diagnostic examinations recommended by the doctor, and drugs and medication.

Z Benefits

This coverage includes medical conditions such as leukemia, prostate cancer, breast cancer, renal disease, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, tetralogy of fallot in children, ventricular septal defect in children, cervical cancer, prosthesis help and rehabilitation, orthopedic implants, colon and rectum cancer, and children with developmental disabilities.

SDG Related 

This coverage includes voluntary surgical contraception procedure, malaria packages, HIV-AIDS package, anti-tuberculosis treatment, and animal bite treatment package.

Check out this link for a complete list of Philhealth benefits for OFWs as well the corresponding requirements when making a claim.

To avail of any of the benefits, make sure that:

1. Availment period falls within the validity period of the OFW-member’s coverage.

2. You have not yet consumed the 45-day annual benefit limit for hospital room and board allowance.

3. The healthcare institution and the health care professional are accredited by the Philhealth.

What if you want to claim while you are overseas? 

The following documents must be sent to any Philhealth office (main or regional office) or Local Health Insurance Office nearest your Philippine address within 180 days from the date of discharge:

1. Medical abstract or record written in English OR medical certificate stating the final diagnosis, number of days of confinement, and medical services conducted.

2. If an operation was performed, a copy of the operative record written in English.

3. Statement of account

4. Official receipt issued by the hospital or doctor

5. Completely filled out Phillealth Claim Form 1.

How to Register for Philhealth membership:

If you are in the Philippines, visit the nearest Philhealth office, Local Health Insurance office, Philhealth Business Center, or Philhealth Express, whichever is nearest to you. Fill out the Member Registration Form (you can get a copy here) and submit it.

If you are overseas and a landbased OFW, visit any branch of iRemit and Ventaja Corporation. Access the Electronic Registration facility, and follow the procedure. Aldo, download the membership registration form, fill it out, and email the form at ofp@philhealth.gov.ph

If you are a seafarer, submit a completely filled out membership registration form to the Human Resource department of your manning agency. Your manning agency will process your application and give you permanent Philhealth Identification Number (PIN).

How much should I contribute? 

The annual contribution rate is P2,400.00, which can be paid in advance for two to five years OR depending on the duration of the employment contract with the overseas employer.

Click here for premium contribution schedule.

Where can I make contributions? 

You can pay for your contributions through any of the Philhealth-accredited collecting agents in the Philippines and overseas. POEA also has Philhealth counter where you can pay premiums.

You can also check out this link for a list of tie-ups overseas.

What are you waiting for? Make sure you are a member of Philhealth to avail of these benefits. You’ll never know what could happen so it is best to know that there is someone you can lean on.

After two or so years working overseas, you were finally allowed to go home, even just for the holidays. Are you excited?

Sure you do.

Apparently, going home could take a toll on your wallet. To begin with, people think of OFWs or balikbayans as “big time.” You’re earning in dollars and surely, you are earning more than what majority of your relatives earn even if combined. Because of this, it’s not surprising when people ask you for “pamasko.” Plus, it’s a cultural thing. It is common for Filipino families to share their blessings to everyone, including friends, relatives, and inaanaks.

Don’t worry. You can avoid this. In fact, you can still share your blessings without draining everything in your wallet – and leaving debt behind. Here’s how you can do it:

Tip No. 1: Be honest about your situation. 

Yes, you earn in dollars, but you are not a millionaire – yet. There are tons of expenses you need to pay like your monthly amortization for the house and car, your kids’ or siblings’ tuition fee, Emergency Fund, and the list goes on.

That being said, be honest about your situation. Even if you earn more than what you can earn here, working overseas is not easy. Most of the time, you have to juggle two or more jobs just to make ends meet. Lower their expectations about you and make sure they know how hard your life is back there.

Tip No. 2: Buy items in bulk. 

Let’s say you have extra cash to spare and you insist on giving something to people back home, even just small items. If you prefer that, then we suggest you buy items in bulk.

Duty free stores sell items like chocolates and other food items in big portions. You can also find novelty items like ref magnets or key chains in affordable prices – and you can even try to ask for a discount when you buy in bulk. Souvenir shops that sell items like shirts or caps are also a good place to buy because it gives your relatives and friends an idea about what it’s like in the country you are working. You can portions those goods and give those items away in case someone asks for pasalubong when you get back.

These items may be cheap, but it’s the thought that counts, right?

Tip No. 3: It’s okay to say no. 

Sometimes, all it takes is this two-letter word: NO.

Surely, you want to share your blessings to other people. Still, are you willing to sacrifice your financial future just to please other people? Definitely not.

Don’t give in to all their demands just because you owe them utang na loob. Again, this is why it is important that you make them understand your situation and how hard it is to earn money. Be honest about how much you’re earning and the gazillion expenses you have to say.

Consequently, don’t make promises such as buying them gadgets or sending them money when you get back overseas just to appease them. It is not your obligation and responsibility to give. Worry about your family first.

Tip No. 4: Spend time with people who matter to you most. 

Christmas season is that time of the year where parties are everywhere. Sure, you missed your relatives and friends, but if they are those type who will jokingly force you to pay the bill since you’re earning in dollars, then it is best to stay away from them. It is best to spend time and make the most out of it with people who truly matter to you most – your family.