Do I Need to Be Employed to Get Maternity Benefits for Miscarriage?
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Do I Need to Be Employed to Get Maternity Benefits for Miscarriage?
Miscarriage is a painful experience — emotionally, physically, and financially. One of the most common questions from women who go through it is:
“Kailangan bang employed ako para makuha ang SSS maternity benefits?”
The short answer is No — you don’t have to be currently employed to claim maternity benefits for miscarriage. What matters most is your SSS membership status and contributions, not whether you have a job at the moment of your pregnancy loss.
SSS Maternity Benefit Coverage for Miscarriage
The Social Security System (SSS) provides 60 days maternity leave with pay for members who experience miscarriage, regardless of pregnancy stage — whether it’s just a few weeks or late in the term.
This benefit applies to:
Employed members
Self-employed members
Voluntary members
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Do You Have to Be Employed?
âś… You can get maternity benefits for miscarriage if:
You have at least 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before the semester of your miscarriage.
You are an active SSS member (whether employed or paying voluntary/self-employed contributions).
❌ You cannot get the benefit if:
You stopped paying SSS contributions long before the qualifying period.
Your membership is inactive and you didn’t meet the required contribution count.
Real-Life Scenarios
Case 1 – Unemployed but Eligible: Maria resigned from work in January. In April, she had a miscarriage. Since she had been paying as a voluntary member for the months after resignation and had enough contributions, she still received her maternity benefit.
Case 2 – No Contributions, No Benefit: Ella stopped working and paying SSS in 2023. In 2025, she had a miscarriage. Unfortunately, she had no contributions in the qualifying period, so she was not eligible for the benefit.
Eligibility Requirements for Miscarriage Maternity Benefits
To claim the benefit (employed or not), you must:
Be a female SSS member — employed, self-employed, voluntary, or OFW.
Have at least 3 posted monthly contributions in the 12-month period before the semester of miscarriage.
Submit proof of miscarriage (medical certificate, ultrasound, hospital records).
File your maternity notification and application within the required time frame.
Filing Process
If Employed:
Notify your employer immediately.
Submit your documents to your HR or payroll officer.
Employer forwards your claim to SSS.
If Unemployed/Self-Employed/Voluntary/OFW:
Notify SSS directly through My.SSS portal or branch.
Submit your Maternity Benefit Application along with your medical documents.
Keep proof of submission.
Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection
Reason
Why It Happens
Solution
No recent contributions
You stopped paying before the qualifying period
Pay regularly to maintain active status
Missing medical proof
No OB certificate or ultrasound
Request certified documents from your doctor/hospital
Incorrect member details
Name or birth date mismatch in SSS records
File an E-4 form to correct your details before applying
Late notification
Missed the notification deadline
Submit a notarized explanation letter
Can You Process It Yourself?
Yes âś…. Many members file their claims online without a fixer. Just log in to My.SSS, submit your documents, and track your application status.
If You Still Can’t Get Approved
Ask SSS for the exact reason for denial.
Submit missing or corrected requirements.
If ineligible due to missing contributions, start paying now to secure future benefits.
You do not have to be currently employed to get maternity benefits for miscarriage.
What matters is active SSS membership and enough contributions.
Applies to employed, self-employed, voluntary members, and OFWs.
Requires 3 contributions in the 12 months before the semester of miscarriage.
Use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator for Miscarriage to know your possible payout.
FAQs
1. Do I need to be working to get SSS maternity benefits for miscarriage? No, you just need to be an active member with enough contributions.
2. How many contributions are required? At least 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before the semester of miscarriage.
3. Can an OFW claim maternity benefits for miscarriage? Yes, as long as contributions meet the requirements.
4. Is the benefit amount lower if I am unemployed? No, it’s based on your contribution amount, not employment status.
5. What documents are needed? Maternity Benefit Application, proof of miscarriage (OB certificate, ultrasound), valid IDs, and proof of SSS contributions.
