Can I Still Claim SSS Maternity Benefits If I Miscarried Before 12 Weeks of Pregnancy?
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Can I Still Claim SSS Maternity Benefits If I Miscarried Before 12 Weeks of Pregnancy?
A miscarriage, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy, is an emotional and physical challenge. Many women who experience a pregnancy loss before 12 weeks often wonder:
“Am I still entitled to SSS Maternity Benefits if my pregnancy ended this early?”
The simple answer is YES — SSS covers maternity benefits regardless of how early the miscarriage happens, as long as you meet the required contributions and submit the right documents.
Knowing your rights and the process can help you recover without added financial stress. Let’s go through everything step-by-step.
Does SSS Cover Miscarriages Before 12 Weeks?
Yes âś…. Under SSS rules, miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) or emergency termination of pregnancy is covered, whether it happens:
Before 12 weeks (first trimester)
Mid-pregnancy
Late pregnancy or stillbirth
The number of weeks pregnant does not matter — what matters is your SSS membership status and eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for Early Pregnancy Loss
To claim maternity benefits for miscarriage before 12 weeks, you must:
Be a female SSS member — employed, self-employed, OFW, or voluntary.
Have at least 3 monthly contributions within the 12 months before the semester of miscarriage.
Submit proper notification to your employer (if employed) or SSS (if self-employed/voluntary).
Provide complete medical proof that miscarriage occurred (even at early stages).
Example Scenario
Maria is 8 weeks pregnant when she experiences a miscarriage. She is employed and has made 9 contributions in the past 12 months. She submits her ultrasound report, OB-GYN medical certificate, and miscarriage notification form to her employer within 5 days.
âś… Result: Maria is eligible for 60 days of maternity benefit from SSS, even though her pregnancy was less than 12 weeks.
Common Causes of Claim Denial for Early Miscarriage
Reason for Denial
Why It Happens
How to Fix It
Missing medical documents
No ultrasound or OB certificate
Get certified records from your doctor or clinic immediately
Incorrect personal info
Name or birth date mismatch in SSS records
File E-4 form to update your records before filing claim
Insufficient contributions
Less than 3 months paid in required period
Continue paying for future eligibility (cannot be fixed for current miscarriage)
Late notification
Failure to inform employer or SSS promptly
File as soon as possible and attach an explanation letter
Step-by-Step Filing Guide for Miscarriage Before 12 Weeks
1. Gather the required documents:
Maternity Notification Form (if employed)
Maternity Reimbursement Form (if self-employed/voluntary)
Medical certificate from OB-GYN or attending physician
Ultrasound report or hospital records (e.g., D&C report if applicable)
Valid ID(s)
2. Notify SSS or Employer:
Employed: Submit documents to your employer; they will process with SSS.
Self-Employed/Voluntary/OFW: File directly via SSS branch or My.SSS online portal.
3. Submit Your Claim:
Online (My.SSS) or over-the-counter at an SSS branch.
Keep copies and get a receiving copy as proof of submission.
Can You File the Claim Yourself?
Yes, you can handle it without a fixer.
Create or log in to My.SSS account.
Go to Maternity Benefit Application section.
Upload scanned documents.
Review before submitting to avoid delays.
What If the Claim Is Still Rejected?
If you’ve followed the process but your claim is denied:
Ask for the official denial reason in writing.
Correct any missing documents or errors.
If you believe the decision is wrong, file an appeal with supporting proof.
Estimate Your Benefit Amount
You can check how much SSS will give you for your miscarriage claim (even before 12 weeks) using the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator for Miscarriage. It helps you plan your finances while you recover.
TL;DR – Quick Summary
Yes, you can claim SSS maternity benefits even if you miscarried before 12 weeks.
Requirement: At least 3 monthly contributions in the last 12 months before the semester of miscarriage.
Must submit medical proof (ultrasound, OB certificate) and notify SSS/employer promptly.
Benefit is 60 days cash allowance.
Use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator for Miscarriage to know your benefit amount.
FAQs
1. How many days of maternity leave for miscarriage before 12 weeks? SSS grants 60 days regardless of pregnancy length.
2. Do I need an ultrasound if the miscarriage was very early? It’s highly recommended; if not available, a medical certificate and hospital records may be accepted.
3. Can unemployed members claim? Yes, as long as you are an active SSS member with enough contributions.
4. What if I only found out I was pregnant after the miscarriage? You can still file if you have medical proof from a doctor.
5. Is the benefit amount lower for early miscarriage? No, the amount is based on your contributions, not the stage of pregnancy.
