How to Verify Your Qualifying Period Using Your EDD 2026
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How to Verify Your Qualifying Period Using Your EDD 2026
If you’re planning to apply for SSS Maternity Benefits in 2026, one of the first things you must understand is your qualifying period. Many claims get delayed or denied not because of missing documents, but because the member miscalculated her eligibility period.
The good news? You can easily verify your qualifying period using your Expected Delivery Date (EDD). This simple step can make the difference between a smooth claim and a rejected one.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to compute your qualifying period correctly, see real examples, and use a free tool to check it automatically — the 👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.
đź’ˇ Why the Qualifying Period Matters for SSS Maternity Benefits
The SSS Maternity Benefit provides financial support to mothers who give birth, miscarry, or experience pregnancy termination. But to qualify, you must have paid at least three (3) monthly contributions within your qualifying period — a 12-month span determined by your EDD.
If your payments fall outside that period, your claim can be denied even if you’ve been an SSS member for years.
That’s why verifying your qualifying period early is one of the smartest steps you can take.
🧠What Is the Qualifying Period?
The qualifying period is the 12 months before the semester of your delivery, miscarriage, or pregnancy termination.
A semester is made up of two consecutive quarters (6 months), including the quarter of your expected delivery. You’ll need to exclude this semester when counting your qualifying period.
🔍 In Simple Terms:
Find your Expected Delivery Date (EDD).
Identify your semester of contingency — the quarter of your EDD plus the previous quarter.
Exclude that semester from your count.
The 12 months before that is your qualifying period.
Make sure you have at least 3 valid monthly contributions within that period.
🧮 Example Calculations: Verifying Your Qualifying Period by EDD
Example 1: EDD – February 2026
February 2026 is in Q1 2026 (Jan–Mar).
Semester of contingency: Q1 2026 + Q4 2025 (Oct–Dec 2025).
Exclude those quarters.
Your qualifying period: October 2024 – September 2025.
âś… You must have paid at least 3 monthly contributions during this time.
Example 2: EDD – June 2026
June 2026 is in Q2 2026 (Apr–Jun).
Semester of contingency: Q2 2026 + Q1 2026 (Jan–Mar 2026).
Exclude those two quarters.
Qualifying period: January 2025 – December 2025.
âś… Payments made outside of 2025 will not count toward your eligibility.
Example 3: EDD – October 2026
October 2026 is in Q4 2026 (Oct–Dec).
Semester of contingency: Q4 2026 + Q3 2026 (Jul–Sep 2026).
Exclude these quarters.
Qualifying period: July 2025 – June 2026.
âś… Make sure you paid at least 3 valid contributions within this period.
Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer
Clarisse from Makati left her corporate job in 2025 to work freelance. Her EDD was in May 2026. At first, she worried about losing her benefit because she hadn’t paid as a freelancer yet. But after checking her qualifying period (January–December 2025), she realized her old employer contributions were enough. Her claim got approved.
Rowena’s Story – OFW on Vacation Leave
Rowena, an OFW based in Dubai, had her EDD in November 2026. Her qualifying period was July 2025–June 2026. After checking using the calculator, she found she missed one quarter of payment. She immediately paid the next months voluntarily before her cutoff — securing her maternity claim.
Dianne’s Story – Public School Teacher
Dianne from Baguio was due in February 2026. Her qualifying period was October 2024–September 2025. Because she regularly paid through salary deduction, she met all requirements and enjoyed a hassle-free claim process.
Leah’s Story – Market Vendor and First-Time Mom
Leah from Iloilo runs a small vegetable stall. She only learned about maternity benefits in 2025. With an EDD in August 2026, her qualifying period was April 2025–March 2026. She quickly started paying her contributions on time — ensuring full benefit approval.
⚠️ Common Mistakes When Verifying Your Qualifying Period
❌ Using the Actual Delivery Date
SSS uses the Expected Delivery Date (EDD) stated on your medical certificate — not your actual birth date.
❌ Miscounting Quarters
Remember: a semester is two quarters (6 months). Always exclude both.
❌ Missing Payments in the Qualifying Period
Even one missed quarter can disqualify you. Always pay ahead of deadlines.
❌ Not Updating Membership Type
If you moved from employed to voluntary or self-employed, update your record to ensure payments are credited correctly.
🧠How to Double-Check Your Contributions
Log in to My.SSS via the official website.
Go to Inquiry → Contributions.
Review your monthly records for gaps or missing entries.
Match your paid months with your qualifying period based on your EDD.
Use the calculator if you’re unsure which months count.
💬 TL;DR – Quick Summary for Busy Moms
The qualifying period depends on your Expected Delivery Date (EDD).
It’s the 12 months before your semester of contingency (6-month period of your delivery).
You need 3 valid contributions within that period.
Always verify your EDD-based period using the 👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.
âť“ FAQs About Verifying Your Qualifying Period
1. What if my EDD changes? Update your medical certificate before filing; your qualifying period will adjust accordingly.
2. Can I still pay missed months? No. Once a quarter has passed, you can’t backpay.
3. Do old payments still count? Only payments within your 12-month qualifying period matter.
4. How early should I check my qualifying period? As soon as your pregnancy is confirmed — ideally in your first trimester.
5. Can I still qualify if I’m unemployed now? Yes, as long as you’ve paid 3 valid contributions within the qualifying period.
❤️ Final Advice
Your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) is the key that unlocks your SSS Maternity Benefit. Before filing, always verify your qualifying period — don’t wait until your claim gets denied.
