Can a Former Employed Mother Avail SSS Maternity Benefits as Voluntary in 2026?
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Can a Former Employed Mother Avail SSS Maternity Benefits as Voluntary in 2026?
If you were once employed, stopped working, and now planning to have a baby in 2026 — you might be wondering: “Pwede pa ba akong mag-claim ng SSS Maternity Benefit kahit wala na akong employer?”
The good news is YES — former employees can still avail of SSS Maternity Benefits as Voluntary Members, as long as they continue paying their contributions and meet the qualifying period requirements.
Let’s dive into how this works, the transition process, and how you can make sure you don’t miss your benefits in 2026.
🌸 Why the SSS Maternity Benefit Matters
Pregnancy comes with many expenses — from prenatal check-ups, hospital fees, to recovery costs. The SSS Maternity Benefit provides financial support for mothers who can’t work due to childbirth or miscarriage.
In 2026, the benefit covers:
105 days for normal or cesarean delivery
120 days for solo parents
60 days for miscarriage, stillbirth, or early termination of pregnancy (ETP)
đź’° The maximum cash benefit remains:
₱70,000 for normal or cesarean delivery
₱80,000 for solo parents
₱40,000 for ETP or stillbirth cases
So even if you’re no longer employed, being a Voluntary Member ensures you stay protected.
Clarisse, a former office worker from Makati, resigned in August 2025. Her EDD is May 2026. She paid ₱3,000/month voluntarily starting September 2025.
Her qualifying period: January–December 2025 ✅ Contributions from her previous employer (January–August 2025) + voluntary (September–December 2025) ➡️ Qualified for ₱70,000 maternity benefit!
Example 2 – Missed Contributions
Leah stopped working in July 2025 and didn’t pay SSS for six months. Her EDD is March 2026. Her qualifying period is October 2024–September 2025.
She only paid for two months in 2025 → ❌ Not qualified.
📝 Lesson: Don’t skip payments after resignation!
Example 3 – Solo Parent Case
Rowena, an OFW, became voluntary after returning home in 2025. Her EDD is December 2026. She consistently paid ₱3,000 monthly.
✅ She qualified and received ₱80,000 for 120 days (Solo Parent Law coverage).
đź“Š Minimum MSC Table for Voluntary Members (2026)
Range of Compensation
Regular SS MSC
MPF MSC
Total MSC
SS Contribution
MPF Contribution
Total
₱5,000
₱5,000
₱0
₱5,000
₱750
₱0
₱750
₱10,000
₱10,000
₱0
₱10,000
₱1,500
₱0
₱1,500
₱20,000
₱20,000
₱0
₱20,000
₱3,000
₱0
₱3,000
₱35,000
₱20,000
₱15,000
₱35,000
₱3,000
₱2,250
₱5,250
📌 Even if you pay ₱5,250, SSS only uses ₱20,000 for maternity computation.
âś… Tip: Choose a higher MSC if you want a higher maternity benefit.
Clarisse from Makati resigned in 2025 but continued her SSS contributions. Her EDD was May 2026, and she received ₱70,000 in benefits. “I thought I lost my benefits when I left my job — but continuing as voluntary saved me.”
Dianne – Newly Married Teacher
Dianne from Baguio had her EDD in February 2026. Since she had three paid months in her qualifying period, her maternity leave was fully covered. “Planning ahead helped me avoid stress during pregnancy.”
Rowena – OFW on Vacation Leave
Rowena, an OFW from Dubai, was due in November 2026. She continued paying voluntarily while abroad — and received her full maternity benefit without delay.
⚖️ Advantages of Being Voluntary After Employment
Benefit
Description
Full Control
You manage when and how much to pay.
Continuous Protection
Stay eligible even without an employer.
Higher Flexibility
Choose your MSC for bigger benefits.
Seamless Transition
No new SSS number — just change status.
All Benefits Still Covered
Maternity, sickness, disability, and retirement remain accessible.
đź•’ TL;DR Summary
✅ Yes, former employees can avail SSS Maternity Benefits as voluntary members in 2026. 📅 You must pay at least 3 monthly contributions within the qualifying period. 💳 Update your membership to Voluntary and pay consistently. 💰 You can receive up to ₱70,000–₱80,000 maternity benefit. 🔗 Use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator 2026 to check your eligibility and benefit amount.
âť“ FAQs
1. How do I change from Employed to Voluntary? Just log in to My.SSS, go to “Change Membership Type,” and select “Voluntary.”
2. Will my old employer’s contributions still count? Yes! Contributions from your previous employment are included as long as they fall within your qualifying period.
3. What if I stopped paying for several months? You can resume anytime, but missed months won’t count for your maternity benefit qualification.
4. Can I pay retroactively? No, SSS doesn’t allow back payments for previous months or quarters.
Leaving your job doesn’t mean leaving your SSS benefits behind. By continuing as a Voluntary Member, you’re ensuring your family’s financial safety during pregnancy and recovery.
Don’t wait until you’re pregnant — start paying now and keep your membership active. Your future self (and your baby!) will thank you. 💕
