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SSS Maternity Benefits

SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Chart 2026 (Updated Guide)

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SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Chart 2026 (Updated Guide)

If you’re planning to give birth in 2026, one of the most important things to check early is your SSS Maternity Qualifying Period. Many first-time moms assume that being an SSS member automatically makes them eligible — but that’s not always true.

In reality, eligibility depends on your payment months, and the easiest way to understand that is through the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Chart 2026.

In this updated guide, we’ll explain how to read the chart, how the 2-Quarter Rule works, and how to confirm your eligibility using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.

🤰 What Is the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period?

The SSS Maternity Qualifying Period is the 12-month period before your “semester of contingency” — the timeframe that determines whether your contributions qualify you for the maternity benefit.

To qualify, you must have at least 3 SSS contributions within that 12-month period.

Even if you’ve been paying SSS for years, only those contributions that fall within this specific qualifying window will count.

🗓️ How the Qualifying Period Is Computed

The computation follows the 2-Quarter Rule, which means:

  • Take your quarter of delivery,
  • Add the previous quarter,
  • Then count 12 months backward from the first month of that semester.

That’s your qualifying period.

Let’s make it easier to visualize with the Qualifying Period Chart below.

đź“Š SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Chart 2026

Expected Delivery Date (EDD)Quarter of DeliverySemester of Contingency (2 Quarters)Qualifying PeriodRequired Contributions
January 2026Q1 2026Oct 2025 – Mar 2026Oct 2024 – Sep 20253
February 2026Q1 2026Oct 2025 – Mar 2026Oct 2024 – Sep 20253
March 2026Q1 2026Oct 2025 – Mar 2026Oct 2024 – Sep 20253
April 2026Q2 2026Jan 2026 – Jun 2026Jan 2025 – Dec 20253
May 2026Q2 2026Jan 2026 – Jun 2026Jan 2025 – Dec 20253
June 2026Q2 2026Jan 2026 – Jun 2026Jan 2025 – Dec 20253
July 2026Q3 2026Apr 2026 – Sep 2026Apr 2025 – Mar 20263
August 2026Q3 2026Apr 2026 – Sep 2026Apr 2025 – Mar 20263
September 2026Q3 2026Apr 2026 – Sep 2026Apr 2025 – Mar 20263
October 2026Q4 2026Jul 2026 – Dec 2026Jul 2025 – Jun 20263
November 2026Q4 2026Jul 2026 – Dec 2026Jul 2025 – Jun 20263
December 2026Q4 2026Jul 2026 – Dec 2026Jul 2025 – Jun 20263

✅ As long as you have 3 contributions within your qualifying period, you’re eligible for the maternity benefit.

🧮 How to Use the Chart (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Find Your Expected Delivery Date (EDD)

Locate the month of your EDD on the chart.

Step 2: Check the Semester of Contingency

Note the two quarters listed — this is your excluded 6-month period.

Step 3: See Your Qualifying Period

Count backward 12 months before your semester.
This range is where your 3 paid contributions must fall.

Step 4: Verify via the Calculator

Use the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 to double-check instantly.
Just enter your EDD, and it will display your:

  • Semester of Contingency
  • Qualifying Period
  • Eligibility status

đź’ˇ Example Computation

Let’s say your EDD is July 2026.

  1. Quarter of delivery = Q3 2026 (Jul–Sep)
  2. Previous quarter = Q2 2026 (Apr–Jun)
  3. Semester of contingency = Apr–Sep 2026
  4. Count back 12 months = Apr 2025 – Mar 2026

âś… You qualify if you have at least 3 contributions between April 2025 and March 2026.

đź’° SSS Maternity Benefit Duration (2026)

Type of DeliveryPaid Leave DaysDescription
Normal Delivery105 daysStandard benefit for most mothers
Cesarean Delivery105 daysSame benefit length
Miscarriage / ETP / Stillbirth60 daysFor pregnancy loss
Solo Parent (Normal/Cesarean)120 daysMust present Solo Parent ID

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Counting from the wrong quarter — Always include the delivery quarter + previous quarter.
  2. Paying during the semester of contingency — Payments made here don’t count for your current pregnancy.
  3. Late or missed contributions — Voluntary payments must be made on time.
  4. Not filing maternity notification early — Must be filed before giving birth.
  5. Using outdated charts — Always check the 2026 chart or use the calculator for accuracy.

đź“‹ Quick Reference Summary

Key TermMeaning
Semester of Contingency6 months: quarter of delivery + previous quarter
Qualifying Period12 months before the semester starts
Minimum Contributions3 monthly payments within the qualifying period
Eligible MembersEmployed, voluntary, self-employed, or OFW female members

đź’¬ TL;DR (Summary for Busy Readers)

  • You need 3 contributions within 12 months before your semester of contingency
  • Your semester = 2 quarters (delivery + previous)
  • Payments during this semester won’t count
  • Use the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 to confirm eligibility
  • Notify SSS before your delivery to avoid delays

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many months do I need to qualify for the maternity benefit?
At least 3 monthly contributions within the 12-month qualifying period.

2. What if I pay during my semester of contingency?
Those payments will not count for your current pregnancy — they’ll apply to your next one.

3. Can I pay for missed months to qualify?
No. Retroactive or late payments are not allowed.

4. Does it matter if I’m self-employed or voluntary?
No — as long as you meet the 3-month contribution rule and file your maternity notification on time.

5. What if my EDD changes?
SSS will use your actual date of delivery to compute the correct semester and qualifying period.

❤️ Final Reminder

Use the chart above or the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 to verify your eligibility today.

Don’t wait until the last minute — checking your qualifying period early ensures your maternity benefit is approved smoothly when your baby arrives!

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