Remittance receipts as proof of income for OFW loans
Quick answer
For a Pag-IBIG housing loan or other loans, OFWs usually prove income with a Certificate of Employment and Compensation or a contract, plus payslips. Remittance receipts are often accepted as supporting proof that money is regularly sent home. Keep every receipt, in paper and as a photo or PDF, for at least the last 12 months. This guide only covers records. We do not compare remittance services or rates.
Requirements
- Keep these in one folder, paper and digital.
- Certificate of Employment and Compensation (COEC) from your employer abroad, showing position and salary.
- Employment contract, verified by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO, formerly POLO) if needed.
- Latest payslips, usually 1 to 3 months.
- Remittance receipts or transaction history for the last 6 to 12 months.
- Passport and visa or residence permit copies.
- Proof of Pag-IBIG or SSS contributions. See Pag-IBIG for OFW and SSS for OFW.
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) if a family member will file for you. An SPA signed abroad may need consular acknowledgment or apostille.
Steps
1. Ask what the lender accepts
Check the loan checklist on the Pag-IBIG or SSS website first. Requirements differ by loan.
2. Save every remittance receipt
Take a clear photo on the day you send money. Include the date, amount, sender and receiver names, and reference number.
3. Download transaction history each month if your remittance channel offers it
Save it as a PDF.
4. Name files clearly, for example "2026-03 remittance.pdf"
Keep one folder per year.
5. Get your COEC early
Ask your employer for a signed and stamped certificate. Some lenders need it translated into English or authenticated.
6. Match names
The names on receipts, IDs and the loan form should match. Fix spelling differences before you apply.
7. Back up your files to a second place, like email or cloud storage you control
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Keeping remittance receipts | Free |
| COEC from employer | Usually free |
| Consular acknowledgment of SPA abroad | Set by each post |
| Apostille or authentication of foreign documents | Depends on host country |
Processing time
- Getting a COEC: a few days, depending on your employer.
- SPA consular acknowledgment: often same day with an appointment.
- Loan evaluation: set by Pag-IBIG or SSS.
Where to go
- Pag-IBIG loans: pagibigfund.gov.ph, Virtual Pag-IBIG, or a Pag-IBIG branch.
- SSS loans: My.SSS.
- SPA and document acknowledgment abroad: the Philippine embassy or consulate. See country pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use remittance receipts as proof of income?
Often only as supporting proof. Lenders usually also want a COEC, contract or payslips.
How many months of remittance records should I keep?
Keep at least 12 months, and ideally all records while you work abroad.
Are photos of receipts accepted?
Clear photos or PDF statements are often accepted, but some lenders ask for originals.
Can my family apply for a loan for me?
For some loans, yes, with a Special Power of Attorney. An SPA signed abroad may need consular acknowledgment.
Does the receiver's name matter?
Yes. It helps if the receiver is the co-borrower, attorney-in-fact or a close family member named in the loan papers.
Does Listo Papeles recommend a remittance service?
No. We do not compare or recommend remittance services. We only explain which records to keep.
Can I get an SSS salary loan as an OFW?
Yes, if you meet the SSS contribution rules. You can apply online through My.SSS.
Was this page helpful?