Can a Voluntary SSS Member Claim Maternity Benefits for Miscarriage?
/
Can a Voluntary SSS Member Claim Maternity Benefits for Miscarriage?
Losing a pregnancy is heartbreaking, whether it happens early or late in term. For many women, the emotional pain is compounded by the financial burden of medical costs. This raises an important question for thousands of SSS members in the Philippines:
“Kung voluntary member ako, pwede pa rin ba akong mag-claim ng maternity benefits kung nagka-miscarriage ako?”
The good news is YES — voluntary SSS members can claim maternity benefits for miscarriage, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
This article will walk you through who qualifies, how to apply, common mistakes to avoid, and how much you might get.
Understanding SSS Voluntary Membership
A voluntary member is someone who is not currently employed but continues paying SSS contributions to maintain active membership.
Examples:
Former employees who resigned but still pay SSS
Housewives paying their own contributions
Freelancers or self-employed individuals without formal employer reporting
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who switched to voluntary status
Does SSS Cover Miscarriage for Voluntary Members?
Yes ✅. Under SSS rules, miscarriage is covered at any stage of pregnancy — whether it’s before 12 weeks or later. Voluntary members receive the same 60-day maternity benefit for miscarriage as employed members.
Eligibility Requirements for Voluntary Members
To qualify, you must:
Be a female SSS member in voluntary status at the time of miscarriage.
Have at least 3 posted monthly contributions in the 12 months before the semester of miscarriage.
Submit proof of miscarriage (OB-Gyne medical certificate, ultrasound, or hospital records).
File your maternity notification and benefit claim within the SSS-prescribed deadlines.
Common Reasons for Denial or Delay
Cause
Why It Happens
How to Solve
Missing recent contributions
Stopped paying before qualifying period
Pay monthly without gaps
Unposted payments
Payment not yet reflected in SSS records
Keep official receipts and follow up posting
Incomplete medical documents
No OB certificate or ultrasound
Request certified copies from your doctor/hospital
Late notification
Failed to file maternity notification
Submit a notarized explanation letter for late filing
Step-by-Step Claim Process for Voluntary Members
1. File Maternity Notification
Log in to My.SSS portal.
Go to E-Services → Submit Maternity Notification.
Attach proof of pregnancy/miscarriage if prompted.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Valid ID
Maternity Benefit Application Form
Proof of miscarriage (medical certificate, ultrasound, discharge summary)
Proof of SSS contributions (especially recent ones)
3. Submit Your Application
Online: Upload documents in My.SSS.
In-Person: Visit the nearest SSS branch with all requirements.
4. Wait for Processing
Keep track of your claim status through My.SSS.
Can You Process It Yourself?
Yes âś…. Voluntary members can do the entire process online without a fixer. Just make sure your documents are complete and your membership details are updated.
If Your Claim is Still Rejected
Ask SSS for the exact reason for denial.
Fix missing or incorrect requirements — resubmit if needed.
If the issue is lack of contributions, start paying again to secure future eligibility.
How Much Will You Receive?
The benefit amount depends on your Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC), based on your contributions. You can check your estimated payout using the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator for Miscarriage.
TL;DR – Quick Summary
Voluntary SSS members can claim maternity benefits for miscarriage.
You don’t need to be employed — you just need 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before the semester of miscarriage.
Maintain active status, pay on time, and file complete documents to avoid delays.
Use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator for Miscarriage to estimate your payout.
FAQs
1. Do voluntary members get the same amount as employed members? Yes. The benefit is based on contributions, not employment status.
2. How many contributions are needed? At least 3 monthly contributions in the 12-month period before the semester of miscarriage.
3. Is miscarriage covered even if it happened early in pregnancy? Yes, SSS covers miscarriage at any stage.
4. Can I still claim if I forgot to notify SSS before the miscarriage? Yes, but you need to submit a notarized explanation for late notification.
5. Can OFWs in voluntary status claim maternity benefits for miscarriage? Yes, as long as they meet contribution requirements.
