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SSS Maternity Benefits

How to Read Your Qualifying Period if EDD Is in Q1 2026

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How to Read Your Qualifying Period if EDD Is in Q1 2026

Are you expecting your baby between January and March 2026? 🎉 Then this guide is especially for you.

One of the most common questions SSS members ask is:
“How do I know if I qualify for the SSS maternity benefit?”

The key lies in understanding your SSS qualifying period — the 12-month window that determines if your contributions make you eligible for financial assistance.

Let’s make it easy to understand with examples, visuals, and real stories. You can also verify everything instantly using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.

🤰 Why the Qualifying Period Is So Important

The SSS Maternity Benefit is a one-time cash allowance for female members who give birth, miscarry, or have an emergency termination of pregnancy.

However, to receive it, you need to meet one crucial rule:
👉 You must have at least 3 monthly contributions within your 12-month qualifying period.

This qualifying period depends entirely on your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) — not the date of your maternity leave or when you applied.

Kung member ka ng SSS, good news — pwede kang mag-apply basta qualified ka sa requirements!

📅 Step 1: Know What “Q1 2026” Means

Q1 2026 refers to the first quarter of 2026, which includes:

  • January 2026
  • February 2026
  • March 2026

So, if your EDD falls anywhere in these months, your case is under Q1 2026 delivery.

🧮 Step 2: Identify the “Semester of Contingency”

Your semester of contingency is the 6-month period (2 quarters) that includes:

  • The quarter of your delivery (Q1 2026), and
  • The quarter immediately before it (Q4 2025).

✅ Semester of contingency: October 2025 – March 2026

You’ll exclude these months when counting your qualifying period.

📆 Step 3: Count 12 Months Backward

From October 2025, count 12 months backward.

✅ Qualifying Period: October 2024 – September 2025

To qualify for the SSS maternity benefit, you need at least 3 valid contributions within this 12-month window.

đź“Š Q1 2026 Delivery Summary Table

Expected Delivery Date (EDD)Quarter of DeliverySemester of Contingency (Exclude)Qualifying Period (12 Months)Minimum Contributions
January 2026Q1 2026Q1 2026 + Q4 2025October 2024 – September 20253
February 2026Q1 2026Q1 2026 + Q4 2025October 2024 – September 20253
March 2026Q1 2026Q1 2026 + Q4 2025October 2024 – September 20253

💡 Tip: Only your contributions made between October 2024 and September 2025 will count toward your maternity eligibility — not those paid after.

👩‍🍼 Real-Life Stories to Guide You

Dianne’s Story – Newly Married Teacher

Dianne, a public school teacher from Baguio, had her EDD in February 2026. Because her automatic payroll deductions covered her SSS contributions from October 2024–September 2025, she easily qualified for the maternity benefit and processed her claim smoothly.

Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer

Clarisse from Makati left her job in September 2025 to start freelancing. Her EDD was March 2026, so her qualifying period was October 2024–September 2025. Since she had consistent payments as an employee, she met the requirement and received her benefit without issue.

Leah’s Story – Market Vendor and First-Time Mom

Leah from Iloilo had her EDD in January 2026. Unsure of her eligibility, she used the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 and confirmed that her payments made as a voluntary member in 2025 were valid. She was relieved to know her maternity claim would be approved.

Rowena’s Story – OFW on Vacation Leave

Rowena, an OFW home from Dubai, was due in March 2026. She updated her membership as a voluntary member and made sure her payments from October 2024–September 2025 were complete before returning abroad. Her maternity claim went smoothly.

🧮 Step 4: Verify Instantly Using the Calculator

Manually counting quarters can be tricky — one small mistake could make you think you’re not qualified when you actually are.

That’s why the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026
is the easiest way to double-check your dates.

Simply enter your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) and the tool will instantly show:

  • Your semester of contingency
  • Your 12-month qualifying period
  • Whether your SSS contributions make you eligible

Perfect for first-time moms and voluntary members.

đź’° SSS Maternity Benefit Duration and Leave Days

Type of DeliveryPaid Leave DaysDescription
Normal Delivery105 daysStandard maternity leave
Cesarean Delivery105 daysSame for surgical delivery
Miscarriage / ETP / Stillbirth60 daysFor pregnancy loss
Solo Parent (Normal or Cesarean)120 daysWith Solo Parent ID

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Including excluded quarters – Don’t count October 2025–March 2026 in your 12-month computation.
  2. Missing monthly payments – You need at least 3 valid contributions within October 2024–September 2025.
  3. Paying too late – Late payments won’t count toward maternity eligibility.
  4. Not updating member status – Update your SSS to “Voluntary” if you leave employment.
  5. Forgetting to file notification – File your maternity notification before delivery, especially for voluntary members.

đź’¬ TL;DR (Quick Summary)

  • EDD: January–March 2026
  • Semester of Contingency: October 2025 – March 2026
  • Qualifying Period: October 2024 – September 2025
  • Required Contributions: At least 3 valid payments
  • Verify instantly using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026

âť“ FAQs

1. What if I give birth earlier than my EDD?
SSS will use your actual delivery date, not the expected one, for computing the qualifying period.

2. Can I pay missed contributions later?
No. SSS does not allow late or retroactive payments to count for maternity eligibility.

3. What if I changed from employed to voluntary member?
You’ll still qualify as long as your contributions within October 2024–September 2025 are valid.

4. How can I confirm my contributions?
Log in to My.SSS → Inquiry → Contributions to check your payments.

5. Do solo parents get longer maternity leave?
Yes — Solo Parent ID holders get 120 days of paid maternity leave.

❤️ Final Reminder

For moms expecting between January and March 2026, your qualifying period is October 2024 to September 2025.

Use the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026
to confirm your eligibility easily.

By planning early and paying on time, you’ll secure your maternity benefit and enjoy peace of mind as you welcome your baby into the world. 💕

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