SSS Maternity Requirements for Unemployed Members in the Philippines

If you’re currently unemployed but have previously paid into the Social Security System (SSS), you might still be eligible to receive a maternity benefit — as long as you meet certain contribution and filing requirements.

Many women assume that if they’re not employed at the time of pregnancy, they can’t claim maternity benefits from SSS. The truth is, even if you’re not working, you can still qualify if you were a voluntary or previously employed member with valid contributions.

Here’s everything you need to know about the SSS maternity benefit requirements for unemployed members, how to apply, and how much you may receive.

✅ Who Is Considered “Unemployed” by SSS?

In this context, “unemployed” refers to women who:

Are not currently employed, AND
No longer have a current employer, AND
May have stopped working but were previously SSS members (either through employment or as a voluntary/self-employed member)

If you resigned or stopped contributing but still have valid contributions within the qualifying period, you may still be eligible.

🤰 Can Unemployed Women Claim the SSS Maternity Benefit?

Yes — if you meet these conditions:

1. You must have at least 3 monthly contributions within the 12 months before the semester of delivery or miscarriage.

The semester includes 2 quarters (6 months) before your expected due date.
You must have contributions before that semester starts.

2. You must have properly notified SSS of your pregnancy via the Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1) before childbirth.

⚠️ Late filing of MAT-1 may result in disqualification of your benefit claim.

📋 SSS Maternity Benefit Requirements for Unemployed Members

Here are the documents you need to prepare:

💼 1. MAT-1 – Maternity Notification Form

Must be submitted before delivery
Can be filed via the My.SSS portal or SSS Mobile App

📝 2. MAT-2 – Maternity Reimbursement Form

Filed after childbirth

🧾 3. Supporting Documents

Depending on your case:

If you gave birth:

Child’s birth certificate (PSA or LCR copy)
Valid government-issued ID (with photo and signature)

If you had a miscarriage:

Medical certificate stating the date and cause of miscarriage
Hospital or clinical records (ultrasound, reports)

📄 4. Proof of prior contributions

While SSS already has your records, it helps to check and print your contribution statement via My.SSS for your reference.

💻 How to File as an Unemployed Member

Step 1: Log in to your My.SSS account

Visit https://member.sss.gov.ph

Step 2: File Maternity Notification (MAT-1)

Do this as early as possible in your pregnancy.

Step 3: After giving birth, file MAT-2

You can upload your documents directly on the SSS portal or visit the nearest SSS branch.

Step 4: Wait for SSS processing and approval

Once approved, the benefit will be released via your enrolled disbursement account (bank or e-wallet).

🧮 How Much Will I Receive?

Your maternity benefit will be based on your average monthly salary credit (AMSC).

👉 Use this tool to estimate your benefit:
SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator

📌 Tips for Unemployed Members

📆 File MAT-1 early to avoid disqualification
💰 If you’re planning to stop working but expect to get pregnant, consider switching to Voluntary Member status to continue your eligibility
📱 Always check your contributions online via My.SSS or the SSS Mobile App

🍼 Final Thoughts

Being unemployed doesn’t automatically mean you lose your right to maternity benefits — as long as your contributions are in order and you file your documents on time. If you’re expecting or planning to conceive soon, review your SSS status now to avoid surprises later.

For a quick way to check how much you’re eligible to claim, try this helpful tool:
👉 SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator

SSS Maternity Requirements for Unemployed Members