How to Read Your Qualifying Period if EDD Is in Q3 2026

Are you expecting your baby between July and September 2026? 🎉 Then this guide is made just for you.

Understanding your SSS Maternity Qualifying Period is one of the most important steps to ensure you can receive your SSS Maternity Benefit smoothly. Many first-time moms get confused about which months count and which don’t — so let’s make it simple.

You can also verify everything instantly with the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 to avoid any counting mistakes.

🤰 Why the Qualifying Period Matters for Expecting Moms

The SSS Maternity Benefit provides financial assistance to women who can’t work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.

But to qualify, you must meet this rule:
👉 At least three (3) monthly contributions within your 12-month qualifying period before your delivery semester.

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

📅 Step 1: Know What “Q3 2026” Means

Q3 2026 refers to the third quarter of 2026, which includes:

July 2026
August 2026
September 2026

If your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) falls within these months, your case belongs to Q3 2026.

🧮 Step 2: Identify the Semester of Contingency

The semester of contingency covers 6 months (2 quarters) — the quarter of your delivery and the one before it.

For a Q3 2026 delivery:

Quarter of delivery: Q3 2026 (July–September 2026)
Previous quarter: Q2 2026 (April–June 2026)

✅ Semester of contingency: April 2026 – September 2026

You will exclude these months from your qualifying period.

📆 Step 3: Count 12 Months Backward

From April 2026, count 12 months backward.

✅ Qualifying Period: April 2025 – March 2026

This is the period where your contributions must fall.
To be eligible, you need at least 3 valid contributions within these months.

📊 Q3 2026 Delivery Summary Table

Expected Delivery Date (EDD)	Quarter of Delivery	Semester of Contingency (Exclude)	Qualifying Period (Counted 12 Months)	Minimum Contributions
July 2026	Q3 2026	Q3 2026 + Q2 2026	April 2025 – March 2026	3
August 2026	Q3 2026	Q3 2026 + Q2 2026	April 2025 – March 2026	3
September 2026	Q3 2026	Q3 2026 + Q2 2026	April 2025 – March 2026	3

💡 Tip: Payments made in 2026 (April–September) won’t count toward your eligibility. Focus on April 2025 to March 2026 contributions.

👩‍🍼 Real-Life Stories from Filipino Moms

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

Leah from Iloilo had her EDD in August 2026. She didn’t know when to start paying voluntarily. After using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026, she found her qualifying period was April 2025 to March 2026. She completed her payments and received her full benefit without delays.

Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer

Clarisse from Makati had shifted to freelance work by early 2025. Her EDD was September 2026, so her qualifying period was April 2025–March 2026. Since her previous employer’s contributions covered early 2025, and she voluntarily paid the rest, her maternity claim was approved smoothly.

Dianne’s Story – Newly Married Teacher

Dianne, a teacher from Baguio, expected her baby in July 2026. Her payroll deductions covered all months from April 2025–March 2026, giving her full qualification for the benefit. Her HR department helped her file early for a stress-free process.

Rowena’s Story – OFW on Vacation Leave

Rowena, an OFW based in Dubai, went home to give birth in September 2026. She didn’t realize her payments abroad could still count. After checking her contributions for April 2025–March 2026, she saw she was qualified and got her benefit before returning overseas.

🧮 Step 4: Verify Instantly Using the Calculator

Counting quarters manually can be confusing, especially near the year-end. Avoid errors by using the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026

Enter your Expected Delivery Date (EDD), and the tool instantly shows:

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

It’s free, fast, and designed specifically for 2026 deliveries.

💰 SSS Maternity Benefit Duration and Leave Days

Type of Delivery	Paid Leave Days	Description
Normal Delivery	105 days	Standard paid leave
Cesarean Delivery	105 days	Same as normal delivery
Miscarriage / ETP / Stillbirth	60 days	For pregnancy loss
Solo Parent (Normal or Cesarean)	120 days	With Solo Parent ID

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Counting excluded months – Do not include April–September 2026 in your qualifying period.
Late or missed payments – Only on-time contributions count.
Not updating member status – If you resigned, switch to “Voluntary” before continuing payments.
Assuming past payments are enough – Only those within April 2025–March 2026 matter.
Failing to notify SSS – File your maternity notification before giving birth.

💬 TL;DR (Quick Summary)

EDD: July–September 2026
Semester of Contingency: April–September 2026
Qualifying Period: April 2025 – March 2026
Required Contributions: 3 valid monthly payments
Verify instantly: SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026

❓ FAQs

1. What if I give birth earlier than expected?
The SSS will base it on your actual delivery date, not the expected one.

2. Can I still pay for missed months in my qualifying period?
No. Late or retroactive payments are not counted toward eligibility.

3. I switched from employed to voluntary. Will my payments still count?
Yes, as long as your April 2025–March 2026 contributions are complete and valid.

4. How do I confirm my payments?
Log in to My.SSS → Inquiry → Contributions to see your record.

5. I’m a solo parent — how many days do I get?
You’re entitled to 120 days of paid maternity leave if you have a Solo Parent ID.