Can I Get My SSS Maternity Benefit Before Giving Birth?
/
Can I Get My SSS Maternity Benefit Before Giving Birth?
One of the most common questions from pregnant SSS members is: “Can I receive my SSS maternity benefit before I give birth?”
The short answer is: Yes — but only under certain conditions. Whether you receive the benefit before delivery depends on your SSS membership type, how early you apply, and your employer’s internal policy (if you’re employed).
Who Can Get the SSS Maternity Benefit Before Giving Birth?
âś… Employed Members
Yes, employed women can receive their SSS maternity benefit before giving birth, as long as the employer releases it in advance.
According to SSS guidelines, employers are required to advance the full benefit within 30 days of receiving your maternity notification (MAT-1) and all necessary documents. SSS will later reimburse the employer.
However, some companies delay payout until after childbirth, due to internal policy or concerns about changes in circumstances (like premature birth, miscarriage, or extended leave changes).
🗓️ When Will You Receive the Benefit (If Paid in Advance)?
If your employer agrees to release the benefit early:
You should receive it within 30 days of filing your MAT-1 and supporting documents (ultrasound, medical certificate).
In practice, this means you can expect payment during your 7th or 8th month of pregnancy, depending on when you file.
✔️ Example Timeline:
Step
Week of Pregnancy
Submit MAT-1 to employer
Week 24 (6th month)
Employer reviews & processes
Week 25–28
Payout (if advanced)
Week 28–30
🔎 How to Know If Your Employer Pays the Maternity Benefit in Advance
Not sure if your company provides the advance? Here’s how to find out:
🗣️ Step 1: Ask HR or Payroll
Politely ask your HR officer or payroll team these questions:
“Does our company release the SSS maternity benefit in advance, before I give birth?”
“What’s our internal process for claiming the maternity benefit?”
“Do I need to submit additional forms to get the advance payout?”
✉️ You can also email your HR department with a subject like: Subject: Inquiry About SSS Maternity Benefit Advance Payment
đź“ť Step 2: Check the Employee Handbook or Maternity Leave Policy
Some companies outline this in their internal guidelines. Look for terms like “SSS maternity advance” or “SSS reimbursement process.”
🛑 Step 3: If No Clear Policy
If HR says there is no set policy or they only pay after childbirth:
Ask if a partial advance is possible.
Request a copy of your MAT-1 stamped “Received” to confirm filing.
Consider escalating to SSS or requesting clarification through SSS’ hotline (1455) if your employer is denying your right to advance payment without valid reason.
What If You’re Not Employed?
If you’re a voluntary, self-employed, or OFW member, you’ll need to wait until after delivery to file your Maternity Benefit Application (MAT-2) with supporting documents (like your child’s birth certificate). SSS will credit the amount directly to your registered disbursement account within 10–15 working days of approval.
How Much Will You Receive?
This depends on:
Your average monthly salary credit (AMSC) over the last 12 months before the semester of childbirth
Type of delivery: normal, cesarean, or miscarriage
