How to File Reconsideration for Denied SSS Maternity Benefits Claim 2026
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How to File Reconsideration for Denied SSS Maternity Benefit Claim 2026
Getting denied for your SSS Maternity Benefit claim can be one of the most discouraging moments for any expectant mother — especially if you’ve been faithfully paying your contributions as a voluntary or self-employed member.
But here’s the truth: a denial doesn’t always mean it’s final. You have the right to file a reconsideration or appeal to have your claim reviewed again by the Social Security System (SSS).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to file for reconsideration in 2026, what documents you need, the common reasons for denial, and tips from real-life stories of mothers who successfully reversed their denied claims.
🌸 Why the SSS Maternity Benefit Matters
The SSS Maternity Benefit provides cash assistance to female members who cannot work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP).
It’s a crucial safety net for mothers — especially voluntary, self-employed, and OFW members — who have no employer to cover maternity leave pay.
However, SSS applies strict rules on timing, contribution posting, and documentation. Missing even one requirement could lead to a denial.
đźš« Why Your Claim Might Have Been Denied
Before filing for reconsideration, you need to understand why your claim was rejected. The most common reasons are:
1. Not Enough Paid Contributions Within the Qualifying Period
You must have at least 3 paid monthly contributions within the 12-month period before the semester of childbirth.
Example: If your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) is June 2026, your qualifying period is January–December 2025. If you only paid two months in that window, your claim will be denied.
✅ Fix: Continue paying contributions correctly for the next pregnancy, and check your eligibility using the 👉 SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator.
2. Late or Missed Contribution Deadlines
For voluntary or self-employed members, payments must be made on or before the last day of the month following the applicable quarter.
Example: Contributions for January–March 2026 must be paid by April 30, 2026. If you missed that, SSS won’t honor back payments.
âś… Fix: Keep a digital reminder to pay quarterly, and always double-check your My.SSS account for posted payments.
3. Inactive Membership or Wrong Status
If you resigned from work and failed to change your membership to Voluntary, SSS may classify your contributions as invalid.
Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer (Makati)
Clarisse resigned from her job in late 2025 and continued paying, but without changing her status. Her maternity benefit was denied until she updated her account to Voluntary. After resubmitting, SSS reconsidered her claim and approved it.
âś… Fix: Immediately update your SSS membership to Voluntary or Self-Employed after leaving employment.
4. Late Filing of Maternity Notification
Even with valid contributions, your claim can be denied if you didn’t file your Maternity Notification before giving birth.
✅ Fix: Log in to your My.SSS account → Go to E-Services → Submit Maternity Notification → Attach your ultrasound or medical certificate.
5. Incorrect or Missing Documents
Sometimes, denials happen simply because of incomplete or incorrect documents — such as wrong signatures, mismatched names, or missing IDs.
âś… Fix: Before appealing, review your submitted forms and ensure that all required documents are signed, dated, and legible.
đź“ť How to File for Reconsideration of a Denied SSS Maternity Benefit Claim (2026)
Here’s a complete step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Understand Your Denial Notice
You’ll receive a letter from SSS explaining why your claim was denied — check it carefully. Typical reasons include:
“Insufficient contributions”
“Late filing of maternity notification”
“Inactive membership”
“Unposted or invalid contributions”
Step 2: Prepare Your Reconsideration Documents
Gather the following:
Reconsideration Letter (addressed to the SSS Branch Head or Commission)
Copy of the Denial Notice
Proof of Contributions (receipts, screenshots, or printed My.SSS records)
Valid ID
Proof of Pregnancy or Delivery (ultrasound, birth certificate, or medical report)
Optional (if applicable):
Proof of Voluntary Membership update
Employer’s certificate of separation (for recently resigned workers)
Step 3: Write a Clear and Polite Reconsideration Letter
Here’s a sample you can follow:
Sample Reconsideration Letter
To: The Branch Head, Social Security System [Your Branch]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration – Denied Maternity Benefit Claim
Dear Sir/Ma’am,
I am respectfully requesting reconsideration of my denied SSS Maternity Benefit claim (Transaction No. [insert number]) filed on [date].
The reason stated in the denial notice is [insert reason]. I believe that I have fulfilled the required contributions and documentation, as shown in my attached records.
I have enclosed supporting documents for your review and kindly request a reevaluation of my claim.
Bring your documents and letter to the SSS branch where you filed your original claim.
Ask for the Benefits Section and request them to log your reconsideration under “For Review.” Keep your receiving copy or acknowledgment receipt.
Step 5: Wait for the Review Result
Reconsiderations usually take 30–90 days depending on the complexity of your case.
You’ll receive a written update through your My.SSS account or mail once the review is completed. If still denied, you may file an appeal to the SSS Commission within 60 days.
đź’¬ Real-Life Stories of Successful Reconsideration
Dianne’s Story – Teacher from Baguio
Dianne’s claim was denied due to a supposed missing contribution. She filed reconsideration and attached her bank payment receipts. SSS later corrected her record and released her ₱70,000 maternity benefit.
Rowena’s Story – OFW from Dubai
Rowena forgot to update her status while abroad. Her initial claim was denied. After submitting her OEC, voluntary status update, and payment receipts, her reconsideration was approved within two months.
Leah’s Story – Market Vendor from Iloilo
Leah filed reconsideration after a late notification issue. She attached her ultrasound showing an early filing date. SSS accepted it and granted her claim.
This ensures your reconsideration or future application meets the eligibility requirements.
đź“Š Qualifying Period Reference Chart 2026
EDD (Expected Delivery Date)
Semester of Contingency (Exclude)
Qualifying Period (Counted 12 Months)
Jan–Mar 2026 (Q1 2026)
Q1 2026 + Q4 2025
Oct 2024 – Sept 2025
Apr–Jun 2026 (Q2 2026)
Q2 2026 + Q1 2026
Jan 2025 – Dec 2025
Jul–Sep 2026 (Q3 2026)
Q3 2026 + Q2 2026
Apr 2025 – Mar 2026
Oct–Dec 2026 (Q4 2026)
Q4 2026 + Q3 2026
Jul 2025 – Jun 2026
âś… Always double-check your coverage using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 to avoid miscounting quarters.
đź’° Minimum MSC Table for Voluntary Members (2026)
Range of Compensation
Regular SS MSC
MPF MSC
Total MSC
Regular SS Contribution
MPF Contribution
Total Contribution
Below ₱5,250
₱5,000
₱0
₱5,000
₱750
₱0
₱750
₱9,750–₱10,249.99
₱10,000
₱0
₱10,000
₱1,500
₱0
₱1,500
₱19,750–₱20,249.99
₱20,000
₱0
₱20,000
₱3,000
₱0
₱3,000
📌 Note: Even if you pay ₱35,000 with MPF, only ₱20,000 is counted for maternity benefit calculation.
🕒 TL;DR – Quick Summary
Step
Action
Purpose
1
Review denial notice
Identify reason for disqualification
2
Prepare documents
Gather proof of payments and ID
3
Write reconsideration letter
Formally request review
4
Submit to SSS branch
File under “For Review”
5
Wait for result
Check My.SSS or branch updates
âť“ FAQs
1. How long does SSS reconsideration take? Usually 30–90 days depending on case complexity and branch workload.
2. Can I file reconsideration online? Currently, SSS requires physical filing at your branch, but some branches may accept scanned submissions by email.
3. Can I reapply if reconsideration is denied? Yes. You can file an appeal to the SSS Commission within 60 days after receiving the denial.
4. What if my payments were not posted? Bring receipts or transaction proofs to request Contribution Posting Correction.
5. Does MPF payment affect maternity benefit computation? No. The maximum MSC used is ₱20,000 only, regardless of MPF payments.
🌷 Final Thoughts
Filing for reconsideration is your chance to correct mistakes and prove your eligibility. Many mothers have successfully reversed their denied claims — you can too, with the right documents and patience.
Before giving up, check your records, compute your eligibility using the 👉 SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator, and file your reconsideration confidently.
Your SSS maternity benefit is your right — make sure you claim what you’ve worked hard for. 💖
