How to Double-Check Your Qualifying Period Dates for 2026
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How to Double-Check Your Qualifying Period Dates for 2026
Are you unsure if you’re qualified for SSS Maternity Benefits in 2026? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many first-time moms get confused about which months count toward their eligibility.
This guide will teach you how to double-check your qualifying period dates accurately, so you can file with confidence and avoid missing your maternity benefits.
You can also verify instantly using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 — a free and simple tool that shows your exact qualifying months based on your Expected Delivery Date (EDD).
🤰 Why Checking Your Qualifying Period Matters
The SSS Maternity Benefit gives financial assistance to members who are unable to work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.
But here’s the key rule: 👉 You must have at least three (3) monthly contributions within your 12-month qualifying period, counted before your semester of contingency (the 6 months before childbirth).
Kung member ka ng SSS, good news — pwede kang mag-apply basta qualified ka sa requirements!
🧮 How to Double-Check Your Qualifying Period
Let’s walk through the steps clearly so you can confirm your exact dates.
Step 1: Identify Your Expected Delivery Date (EDD)
Your EDD determines your quarter and semester of delivery. Each year has 4 quarters:
Q1: January–March
Q2: April–June
Q3: July–September
Q4: October–December
Step 2: Identify Your Semester of Contingency
The semester of contingency includes the quarter of your EDD and the previous quarter — a total of 6 months. 👉 You will exclude this semester from your qualifying period.
Step 3: Count 12 Months Backward
From the start of your semester of contingency, count 12 months backward. That’s your qualifying period, and your contributions during this time will determine your eligibility.
📊 Quick Guide: Qualifying Period Chart for 2026 Deliveries
👩🍼 Real-Life Scenarios: Checking Qualifying Periods
1️⃣ Dianne’s Story – Newly Married Teacher (EDD: February 2026)
Dianne from Baguio was due in February 2026. Her school handled her contributions until September 2025.
EDD: February 2026
Qualifying Period: October 2024 – September 2025 ✅ Since she had continuous payments, she easily qualified.
2️⃣ Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer (EDD: May 2026)
Clarisse from Makati resigned from her corporate job in mid-2025 to start freelancing.
EDD: May 2026
Qualifying Period: January 2025 – December 2025 ✅ Her 2025 employee contributions were enough — she was covered even without new payments in 2026.
3️⃣ Leah’s Story – Market Vendor and First-Time Mom (EDD: August 2026)
Leah from Iloilo paid voluntarily but skipped some months.
EDD: August 2026
Qualifying Period: April 2025 – March 2026 ✅ After using the calculator, she caught up on her missing payments before March 2026 — ensuring eligibility.
4️⃣ Rowena’s Story – OFW on Vacation Leave (EDD: November 2026)
Rowena from Dubai was worried because she missed several months abroad.
EDD: November 2026
Qualifying Period: July 2025 – June 2026 ✅ She reactivated her account as a voluntary member and completed payments in time.
⚙️ How to Verify Your Dates in My.SSS
You can confirm your actual SSS contribution record through:
