If you’re an expecting mother and a member of the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines, you may be eligible for maternity benefits. These benefits provide financial support during childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy. Let’s explore in detail who qualifies and how you can easily calculate your expected benefit using our SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator.
What Are SSS Maternity Benefits?
SSS Maternity Benefits are cash allowances provided to female SSS members who are unable to work due to childbirth or pregnancy-related conditions. These benefits ensure mothers are financially supported while recovering, especially if they temporarily lose their income during this time.
Who Can Claim the Benefits?
You Must Be an SSS Member
Whether employed, self-employed, a voluntary member, or an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you need to be actively contributing to SSS.
You Must Have Paid at Least 3 Contributions
You should have at least three (3) monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of your delivery, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.
Example: If your expected delivery date is July 2024, the semester before your delivery is January to June 2024. The 12-month period considered for eligibility would then be January 2023 to December 2023. You need at least three paid contributions during this period.
Submit Maternity Notification (MAT-1 Form)
Inform SSS of your pregnancy before giving birth by submitting the MAT-1 form. Employed members can notify their employer, while self-employed, voluntary, or OFW members can submit this directly to SSS.
Follow SSS Filing Guidelines
Employed members must have their employers file the claims, while self-employed, voluntary, or OFW members file directly.
Adhere to Leave Entitlement
You are entitled to 105 days of paid maternity leave for live childbirth, 60 days for miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy. Solo parents get an additional 15 days of leave under the Solo Parent Act.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount depends on your Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) and the type of pregnancy-related leave:
Add your six highest monthly salary credits (MSC) within the 12-month period before the semester of childbirth.
Divide this total by 180 days to get your ADSC.
Multiply the ADSC by the number of leave days you’re entitled to (e.g., 105 days for normal delivery).
Easily Estimate Your Maternity Benefits
Manually calculating your SSS maternity benefits can be tricky. Instead, you can use our SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator to get a quick and accurate estimate.
1. Can I claim the benefit if I’m unemployed but an SSS member? Yes, as long as you meet the contribution requirements (3 contributions within the 12-month period before the semester of delivery) and have filed your maternity notification.
2. What happens if I forgot to file the MAT-1 before giving birth? You can still file the MAT-2 form after giving birth, but you need to provide proof of pregnancy (such as ultrasound reports or a medical certificate).
3. Can I receive maternity benefits for multiple pregnancies? Yes! There is no limit to the number of pregnancies you can claim for, as long as you meet the contribution and notification requirements for each pregnancy.
4. Is the benefit taxable? No, the SSS maternity benefit is not taxable.
5. Can solo parents claim additional benefits? Yes, solo parents are entitled to an additional 15 days of paid maternity leave under the Solo Parent Act.
By knowing the requirements and using tools like the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared to claim your benefits and enjoy your maternity leave stress-free.
