Are you expecting a baby in 2026 and planning to apply for SSS Maternity Benefits? One of the biggest sources of confusion for new moms is understanding when they actually qualify — and which months count toward their eligibility.
The SSS Maternity Eligibility Timeline is not random; it follows a specific rule based on your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) and your semester of contingency.
This 2026 guide will help you:
Understand the complete timeline for maternity eligibility,
đź’ˇ What Is the SSS Maternity Eligibility Timeline?
Your SSS maternity eligibility timeline refers to the months SSS looks at to verify if you’ve paid enough contributions before your delivery.
It is determined by:
Your Expected Delivery Date (EDD),
Your semester of contingency, and
Your qualifying period (12 months before the semester).
You need at least 3 posted contributions within the 12-month qualifying period to qualify for maternity benefits.
🧠Step 1: Understanding the Semester of Contingency
The semester of contingency is a six-month block (two consecutive quarters) surrounding your EDD. This includes:
The quarter of your EDD, and
The quarter immediately before it.
These six months are excluded when counting your 12-month qualifying period.
đź“… Example:
If your EDD is June 2026 (Q2 2026), your semester of contingency is Q1 2026 (Jan–Mar) and Q2 2026 (Apr–Jun). Thus, your qualifying period is January–December 2025.
🧮 Step 2: Determining Your 12-Month Qualifying Period
Once you’ve identified your semester of contingency, count the 12 months before it. This is your qualifying period — the time SSS will check for your 3 required contributions.
Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer
Clarisse from Makati was employed until September 2025 and became a freelancer afterward. Her EDD was May 2026, which means her qualifying period was January–December 2025. Even though she stopped paying after September, she still qualified because she had 9 months of paid contributions within that period.
Rowena’s Story – OFW on Vacation Leave
Rowena from Dubai had an EDD in November 2026. Her qualifying period was July 2025–June 2026, and her last valid payment cutoff was June 2026. She made sure to pay voluntary contributions while abroad to secure her maternity claim.
Dianne’s Story – Newly Married Teacher
Dianne from Baguio had an EDD of February 2026. Her qualifying period (October 2024–September 2025) covered her active school-year payments. Her steady monthly deductions from her salary ensured she easily qualified.
Leah’s Story – Market Vendor and First-Time Mom
Leah from Iloilo was due in August 2026. Her qualifying period was April 2025–March 2026, and she made her last voluntary payment by March 2026. Her early awareness helped her avoid missing the cutoff.
⚙️ Step 4: Using the Timeline to Plan Your Payments
Here’s how you can use the eligibility timeline to your advantage:
Check your EDD early — even an estimate from your OB is enough.
Use the calculator to know your cutoff month and qualifying period.
Ensure at least 3 posted contributions within the 12-month qualifying period.
Pay quarterly and on time (SSS deadlines are strict).
Verify your posted payments via the SSS Mobile App or My.SSS portal.
Always pay on time — SSS deadlines are strict, especially for voluntary and self-employed members.
âť“ FAQs About SSS Maternity Eligibility Timeline
1. How many months of contributions do I need to qualify? At least 3 posted contributions within the 12-month qualifying period before your semester of contingency.
2. Can I still pay after my cutoff month? You can, but it won’t count for your current pregnancy — only for future benefits.
3. What if my EDD changes after a new ultrasound? Recompute your semester and qualifying period using your updated EDD.
4. Do past contributions from years ago still count? Only if they fall within your 12-month qualifying period before your semester.
5. How can I check if I have enough contributions? Use the calculator link above or view your SSS Contribution History in your My.SSS account.
❤️ Final Advice
Your SSS maternity eligibility timeline is like a countdown — knowing it early means fewer surprises later. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or voluntary, always check your qualifying period and cutoff months before filing.
