If You Resigned in 2026, Can You Still Avail SSS Maternity Benefits?
Resigning from your job doesn’t mean losing your chance to receive SSS Maternity Benefits — but it depends on when you resigned and how many contributions you made before your expected delivery. Many Filipina mothers believe they automatically lose eligibility once they stop working, but the truth is, you can still avail of full benefits even after resignation, as long as you meet the required qualifying period and contributions.
In this article, we’ll explain how to remain qualified for your 2026 maternity benefits even after resigning, the rules for voluntary continuation, and real-life examples of how other moms managed their SSS successfully.
đź‘¶ Why Your SSS Maternity Benefit Still Matters After Resignation
The SSS Maternity Benefit gives financial support to mothers who give birth, miscarry, or experience emergency pregnancy termination. It’s especially helpful if you no longer have company-paid maternity leave.
Even if you resign, your past contributions still count — as long as you paid enough months within the right qualifying period.
“Kung nag-resign ka man, huwag kang mag-alala — hindi agad mawawala ang karapatan mo sa maternity benefit basta may hulog ka sa tamang buwan.”
🗓️ Understanding the SSS Qualifying Period After You Resign
What Is the Qualifying Period?
The qualifying period is the 12-month window before the semester of your delivery.
SSS requires at least 3 monthly contributions within that period to qualify.
A semester equals two quarters (6 months), and this period is excluded when counting backward.
Example Scenarios (for 2026)
Example 1 – EDD: February 2026
- Semester of contingency: Q1 2026 + Q4 2025
- Excluded months: Oct 2025 – Mar 2026
- Qualifying period: Oct 2024 – Sept 2025
âś… You need at least 3 paid months within this range.
Example 2 – EDD: August 2026
- Semester of contingency: Q3 2026 + Q2 2026
- Excluded months: Apr 2026 – Sept 2026
- Qualifying period: Apr 2025 – Mar 2026
If your resignation happened in 2026, check whether you’ve already paid enough during your previous employment. If you’re short, you can continue paying voluntarily.
You can verify this automatically using the 👉 SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator.
đź’Ľ How to Stay Eligible After Resignation
Step 1: Wait for Your Final Employer Contribution
Give SSS time (about 30–60 days) to post your last employer contribution. Check it through your My.SSS account.
Step 2: Switch to Voluntary Membership
Once your last contribution is posted:
- Log in to My.SSS → Member Info → Update Membership Type
- Select “Voluntary Member”
- Save the update
- You can now pay directly under your name
This ensures your payments continue seamlessly even after employment ends.
Step 3: Continue Paying Regularly
You can pay through:
- SSS Mobile App
- GCash, Maya, or Bayad Center
- Partner banks nationwide
Payment tip: Stick to quarterly deadlines (Apr 30, Jul 31, Oct 31, Jan 31).
đź’° How Much Should You Pay?
Your contribution depends on your chosen Monthly Salary Credit (MSC).
Even as a voluntary member, you can choose between ₱5,000 and ₱35,000, but only ₱20,000 counts for benefit calculation.
| Range of Compensation | MSC (Regular SS) | MPF | Total MSC | SS Contribution (₱) | MPF (₱) | Total (₱) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₱5,000 | ₱5,000 | 0 | ₱5,000 | ₱750 | 0 | ₱750 |
| ₱10,000 | ₱10,000 | 0 | ₱10,000 | ₱1,500 | 0 | ₱1,500 |
| ₱20,000 (Max for Maternity) | ₱20,000 | 0 | ₱20,000 | ₱3,000 | 0 | ₱3,000 |
| ₱35,000 (Max with MPF)** | ₱20,000 | ₱15,000 | ₱35,000 | ₱3,000 | ₱2,250 | ₱5,250 |
🟣 Note: Even if you pay ₱5,250, only ₱20,000 of your MSC is used in maternity benefit computation.
đź’¬ Real-Life Stories of Resigned Moms Who Claimed Successfully
1. Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer (Makati)
Clarisse resigned in September 2025 with her EDD in May 2026. She worried that missing one quarter would disqualify her. After switching to voluntary and paying from October–December 2025, she became eligible and received ₱70,000 in maternity benefits.
2. Rowena’s Story – OFW on Leave (Dubai/Taguig)
Rowena resigned from her BPO job before moving to Dubai in 2025. When she got pregnant in 2026, she paid through the SSS Mobile App as a voluntary member and qualified easily. Her maternity claim was approved in two weeks.
3. Leah’s Story – Market Vendor (Iloilo)
Leah left her sales job and started selling vegetables. She continued paying ₱750 monthly and was able to claim ₱35,000 in 2026. Her story shows that even small contributions count — as long as you’re consistent.
📊 How to Verify If You’re Still Qualified
- Log in to your My.SSS account.
- Check your Actual Premiums record.
- Identify your last paid contribution.
- Match your EDD to the qualifying period table below.
| Expected Delivery Quarter (EDD) | Semester Excluded | Qualifying Period (12 Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar 2026 | Q1 2026 + Q4 2025 | Oct 2024 – Sept 2025 |
| Apr–Jun 2026 | Q2 2026 + Q1 2026 | Jan 2025 – Dec 2025 |
| Jul–Sep 2026 | Q3 2026 + Q2 2026 | Apr 2025 – Mar 2026 |
| Oct–Dec 2026 | Q4 2026 + Q3 2026 | Jul 2025 – Jun 2026 |
👉 You can confirm this automatically using the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator.
⚠️ Common Reasons for Disqualification After Resignation
- ❌ No payment during the qualifying period
- ❌ Failing to switch to voluntary before paying
- ❌ Missing 3-month minimum contributions
- ❌ Confusing EDD when calculating periods manually
- ❌ Paying for wrong periods (e.g., old months that can’t be accepted)
Remember: You can only pay for the current or upcoming month, not for past missed months.
đź•“ TL;DR Summary
- Yes, you can still avail of SSS Maternity Benefits after resigning in 2026.
- You must have at least 3 valid contributions within the 12-month qualifying period.
- Switch to Voluntary Membership to continue paying after leaving your job.
- The maximum benefit is ₱70,000 (₱80,000 for solo parents).
- Verify your eligibility using the 👉 SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator.
âť“ FAQs
1. Can I still apply for maternity benefits even after resigning?
âś… Yes, as long as you have at least 3 valid contributions in the qualifying period.
2. Do I need to be employed at the time of delivery?
No. Employment status doesn’t matter — only your paid contributions.
3. Can I pay missed contributions after resigning?
No. SSS only accepts payments for the current or next month.
4. What if my EDD changes?
Your qualifying period will adjust, so check again using the calculator to be safe.
5. Is my employer required to file my claim if I already resigned?
No. You’ll file it directly with SSS or through the My.SSS portal.
🌷 Final Thoughts
Resigning doesn’t end your maternity benefits — but timing and consistency matter. By switching to voluntary status and ensuring you have at least 3 valid payments within your qualifying period, you can still claim your full SSS maternity benefit in 2026.
Before planning your delivery, check your record early and verify your eligibility using the 👉 SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator.
Your contributions, no matter how small, are your safety net — because every mom deserves support when welcoming new life into the world. 💕👶






