Can I Get SSS Maternity Benefits for Miscarriage if I’ve Already Received Benefits for a Delivery Earlier in the Year?

Imagine this scenario: You gave birth early in the year and received your SSS maternity benefits. A few months later, you experience a miscarriage. Naturally, you wonder:

“Pwede pa ba akong makakuha ng maternity benefits ulit, kahit nakatanggap na ako earlier this year?”

This is an important question because maternity benefits are a vital financial cushion during recovery—whether from childbirth or miscarriage. Let’s dive into what the law says, the eligibility rules, and what you can do in different situations.

The SSS Rule on Multiple Maternity Benefit Claims in a Year

Under SSS policy, you can only claim maternity benefits once for every pregnancy—but there’s more to it.

If you’ve already claimed for a full-term delivery earlier this year, you cannot claim again for a miscarriage in the same year if the miscarriage is part of the same pregnancy (which is impossible in this case).
However, if the miscarriage is due to a new pregnancy that occurred after your earlier delivery, you may be eligible again—provided you meet all the contribution and notification requirements.

Key Factors That Determine Eligibility

1. Is It a Separate Pregnancy?

Yes – You may claim again, even in the same year, as long as it’s a new pregnancy.
No – If it’s the same pregnancy event, you cannot double-claim.

2. Contributions Before the Semester of Contingency

SSS requires at least 3 monthly contributions within the 12 months before the semester of the miscarriage.

3. Proper Notification

Employed: Notify your employer immediately via MAT-1.
Self-Employed/Voluntary: Notify SSS directly.

Example Scenarios

Situation	Eligible for New Claim?	Why?
Gave birth in January, then had a miscarriage in October from a new pregnancy	✅ Yes	It’s a separate pregnancy with its own eligibility period.
Gave birth in January, then had complications or fetal loss related to the same pregnancy	❌ No	Only one claim per pregnancy.
Had a miscarriage in March, got pregnant again in July, miscarried in December	✅ Yes	Each pregnancy counts separately if requirements are met.

💡 To estimate your benefit amount for miscarriage, try the
SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator for Miscarriage.

Common Reasons Claims Get Denied

The miscarriage was not a separate pregnancy.
Insufficient contributions before the semester of contingency.
Late or no notification to SSS or employer.
Missing proof of miscarriage (medical certificate, histopathology, or ultrasound).

How to Solve Potential Problems

1. If You’re Unsure if It’s a New Pregnancy

Consult your OB-GYN for medical documentation stating pregnancy dates.

2. If You’re Missing Contributions

Check your My.SSS account and see if voluntary payment is possible before the next pregnancy’s semester cutoff.

3. If Employer Doesn’t Know the Rules

Provide a printed copy of SSS Maternity Benefit guidelines.

What to Do If It Still Can’t Be Resolved

If SSS denies your claim after you’ve submitted complete proof:

Request a written explanation from SSS.
File an appeal through the SSS branch or the Commission on Audit if you believe your case qualifies.
Keep all documentation for future pregnancies to avoid the same issue.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

You can claim SSS maternity benefits for miscarriage even in the same year if it’s from a separate pregnancy.
Must meet contribution and notification rules.
No double-claim for the same pregnancy event.
Use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator for Miscarriage to know your potential payout.

FAQs

1. Can I claim twice in one year for different pregnancies?
Yes, if they are separate pregnancies and you meet the requirements.

2. Does SSS count miscarriage as a full maternity claim?
Yes, miscarriage is covered and counts as one maternity claim per pregnancy.

3. How many contributions do I need?
At least 3 monthly contributions within the 12 months before the semester of contingency.

4. What if my employer refuses to process the second claim?
Show proof it’s a separate pregnancy and submit requirements directly to SSS if needed.

5. Can I get 105 days for miscarriage?
No, miscarriage is covered for 60 days only.