How to Read Your Qualifying Period if EDD Is in Q4 2026

Are you expecting your baby between October and December 2026? 🎉 Then this guide is perfect for you.

If you’re a first-time mom applying for SSS Maternity Benefits, understanding your qualifying period is key. Many members get confused about which months count, especially toward the end of the year — so let’s make it simple and clear.

You can also check your eligibility instantly using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 to make sure you’re covered.

🤰 Why the Qualifying Period Matters

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

But to qualify, you must have at least three (3) monthly contributions within your 12-month qualifying period before your semester of contingency.

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

📅 Step 1: What Does “Q4 2026” Mean?

Q4 2026 refers to the fourth quarter of 2026, which includes:

October 2026
November 2026
December 2026

If your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) is in any of these months, this guide applies to you.

🧮 Step 2: Identify Your Semester of Contingency

The semester of contingency covers two quarters (6 months):

The quarter of your delivery (Q4 2026)
The quarter before it (Q3 2026)

✅ Semester of contingency: July 2026 – December 2026

These 6 months are excluded from your qualifying period.

📆 Step 3: Count 12 Months Backward

From July 2026, count 12 months backward.

✅ Qualifying Period: July 2025 – June 2026

You need at least three valid SSS contributions within this 12-month period to qualify for the maternity benefit.

📊 Q4 2026 Delivery Summary Table

Expected Delivery Date (EDD)	Quarter of Delivery	Semester of Contingency (Exclude)	Qualifying Period (Counted 12 Months)	Minimum Contributions
October 2026	Q4 2026	Q4 2026 + Q3 2026	July 2025 – June 2026	3
November 2026	Q4 2026	Q4 2026 + Q3 2026	July 2025 – June 2026	3
December 2026	Q4 2026	Q4 2026 + Q3 2026	July 2025 – June 2026	3

💡 Tip: Payments made from July to December 2026 don’t count for your maternity claim. Focus on completing your payments between July 2025 and June 2026.

👩‍🍼 Real-Life Stories from Filipino Moms

Rowena’s Story – OFW on Vacation Leave

Rowena, an OFW from Dubai, was due in November 2026. She didn’t know that she could continue her SSS payments while abroad. After checking her qualifying period using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026, she confirmed that July 2025–June 2026 was her eligible window. She paid her contributions before flying home — and her claim was approved smoothly.

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

Leah from Iloilo had her EDD in October 2026. Her neighbor told her about SSS maternity benefits. She used the calculator and learned her qualifying period was July 2025–June 2026. After completing her voluntary payments, she successfully claimed her maternity benefit.

Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer

Clarisse from Makati was previously employed until early 2026, then shifted to freelance work. Her EDD was December 2026, so she made sure to pay voluntarily for 2025–2026. Because her qualifying period (July 2025–June 2026) had at least three valid contributions, she was approved.

Dianne’s Story – Newly Married Teacher

Dianne, a public school teacher from Baguio, planned her pregnancy well. Her EDD was November 2026, and since her payroll deductions covered all months in July 2025–June 2026, her maternity leave and benefits were processed easily.

🧮 Step 4: Verify Instantly Using the Calculator

Instead of manually counting months or quarters, try the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026

Just enter your Expected Delivery Date (EDD), and you’ll see:

Your semester of contingency
Your 12-month qualifying period
Whether your payments are valid for maternity benefits

This saves time and avoids confusion, especially for those near the end of the year.

💰 SSS Maternity Benefit Duration and Leave Days

Type of Delivery	Paid Leave Days	Description
Normal Delivery	105 days	Standard leave benefit
Cesarean Delivery	105 days	Same duration 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 July–December 2026 in your qualifying period.
Paying too late – Late contributions won’t count for eligibility.
Not updating status – If you left employment, change to “Voluntary” right away.
Skipping months – You need at least 3 valid contributions between July 2025–June 2026.
Not filing notification – Always file your maternity notification before giving birth.

💬 TL;DR (Quick Summary)

EDD: October–December 2026
Semester of Contingency: July–December 2026
Qualifying Period: July 2025 – June 2026
Required Contributions: At least 3 valid monthly payments
Check instantly: SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026

❓ FAQs

1. What if I give birth earlier than expected?
SSS will use your actual delivery date, not your expected one.

2. Can I pay missed months in the past?
No. Late or retroactive payments aren’t counted for maternity benefits.

3. I was employed then resigned — will my old contributions count?
Yes, if they fall within July 2025–June 2026 and are validly posted.

4. How do I check if my contributions are valid?
Log in to My.SSS → Inquiry → Contributions to confirm your payments.

5. How many days of maternity leave do solo parents get?
Solo Parent ID holders are entitled to 120 days of paid leave.

❤️ Final Reminder

If your Expected Delivery Date is between October and December 2026, your qualifying period is July 2025 to June 2026.

Use the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026
to double-check your eligibility and plan your payments early.

By paying consistently and filing on time, you’ll ensure a stress-free maternity benefit claim when your baby arrives. 💕

How to Read Your Qualifying Period if EDD Is in Q4 2026