Can I Use the SSS Maternity Benefit Together with Company Maternity Leave?
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Can I Use the SSS Maternity Benefit Together with Company Maternity Leave?
Becoming a first-time mom is both exciting and overwhelming. Bukod sa paghahanda para sa baby, importante ring malaman kung paano ka makaka-secure ng financial support habang naka-leave ka sa trabaho. Good news — kung ikaw ay employed, may dalawang benefits kang puwedeng makuha: SSS Maternity Benefits at ang Company Maternity Leave na ibinibigay ng iyong employer.
Pero pwede ba silang sabay gamitin? Ano ang proseso? At magkano ang matatanggap mo? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is SSS Maternity Benefit?
The SSS Maternity Benefit is a cash allowance given to qualified female members of the Social Security System (SSS) who are unable to work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.
Normal or Cesarean Delivery → 105 days of benefit
Single Parent (with Solo Parent ID) → 120 days
Miscarriage, Stillborn, Early Termination → 60 days
👉 In short, this benefit helps cover your lost income while you recover and care for your baby.
What Is Company Maternity Leave?
By law (RA 11210 – Expanded Maternity Leave Act), employers are required to grant 105 days of maternity leave with full pay to female employees.
Paid by the employer (company should advance the payment)
Employer can later reimburse from SSS
Option to extend by 30 days without pay
Can You Use Both at the Same Time?
Yes, absolutely! Here’s how it works:
Employer + SSS Partnership
Your employer pays your maternity leave salary in advance.
The employer then gets reimbursed by SSS for the same amount.
Result for You: You don’t get double the benefit. Instead, you receive your maternity leave in full through your company, funded by SSS.
Think of it this way: 👉 SSS provides the money, your employer processes it, and you get paid without waiting for SSS checks.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for SSS Maternity Benefits
1. Notify SSS of Your Pregnancy
If employed, your employer should file the notification for you.
If self-employed or voluntary, you file directly through your SSS online account.
2. Prepare the Requirements
Pregnancy test or ultrasound (initial proof)
Maternity Notification Form
Valid ID
SSS number and employment details
3. Employer Files the Claim
Employer advances your maternity leave pay.
Submits documents to SSS for reimbursement.
4. Receive Your Benefit
Employer deposits the benefit to your payroll account.
If voluntary/self-employed, SSS pays directly.
How Much Will You Receive?
The benefit is based on your average monthly salary credit (AMSC). Simply put, mas mataas ang sweldo mo, mas mataas din ang matatanggap mong maternity benefit (up to the SSS maximum).
💡 To make this easier, you can try the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator. It quickly estimates how much you’ll receive depending on your salary and delivery type.
Common Questions and Issues
1. Do I need to apply separately for company leave and SSS maternity?
No. Your employer usually handles both, since they advance your payment and claim reimbursement from SSS.
2. Can I still get SSS maternity benefits if I resigned before giving birth?
Yes, as long as you paid the required number of contributions before pregnancy and filed your notification on time.
3. What if my employer refuses to file?
You can file directly with SSS, but ideally, employers should not refuse because they are reimbursed later.
4. Can I extend my leave?
Yes. You can extend for 30 more days without pay. If you’re a single parent, you automatically get 120 days with pay.
5. Do I get double benefits (SSS + Company)?
No. You don’t get double. Your benefit comes from SSS, routed through your employer.
TL;DR (Quick Summary)
SSS Maternity Benefit = cash allowance for new mothers (60–120 days).
Company Maternity Leave = 105 days with pay (employer advances).
You cannot get both separately — your employer pays you, then SSS reimburses them.
File your maternity notification early to avoid issues.
FAQs
1. Can I use SSS Maternity Benefits even if I’m not employed? Yes, as long as you’re an active paying SSS member.
2. How many contributions do I need? At least 3 monthly contributions within the 12 months before your semester of delivery.
3. When should I file my SSS Maternity Benefits notification? Before giving birth or as soon as you confirm pregnancy.
4. Who pays first, SSS or my employer? Your employer pays you first, then reimburses from SSS.
5. Can I transfer unused maternity leave days to my husband or partner? Yes, up to 7 days may be transferred to the child’s father or an alternate caregiver.
âś… By knowing these rules, you can confidently plan your maternity leave without worrying about your finances.
