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SSS Maternity Benefits

SSS Maternity Qualifying Period for Employed Members 2026

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SSS Maternity Qualifying Period for Employed Members 2026

If you’re an employed woman in the Philippines, you’re automatically covered under the SSS Maternity Benefit — but did you know that not all employees qualify even if their company regularly deducts SSS contributions?

That’s because your eligibility still depends on your qualifying period — the 12-month window that determines whether your contributions are valid for your maternity claim in 2026.

Let’s walk through how it works, what you need to check, and how to make sure you qualify before giving birth.

You can also check your eligibility instantly using the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.

🤰 What Is the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period?

The qualifying period refers to the 12 months immediately before the semester of childbirth, miscarriage, or pregnancy termination.

To qualify, you must have at least 3 paid monthly contributions within that period.

Breakdown:

  • A semester = 6 months (2 consecutive quarters).
  • The semester before your delivery date does not count.
  • The 12 months before that semester form your qualifying period.

Even if your company regularly remits your SSS payments, you must still check if your paid contributions fall within the right months.

đź“… Qualifying Period Chart for Employed Women (2026)

Expected Delivery Date (EDD)Semester of Contingency (Exclude)Qualifying Period (12 Months)
January–March 2026Q1 2026 + Q4 2025October 2024 – September 2025
April–June 2026Q2 2026 + Q1 2026January 2025 – December 2025
July–September 2026Q3 2026 + Q2 2026April 2025 – March 2026
October–December 2026Q4 2026 + Q3 2026July 2025 – June 2026

đź’ˇ Use the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026
to instantly identify your exact qualifying period based on your EDD.

🧮 Example Scenarios for Employed Members

Example 1: EDD in February 2026

  • Semester of contingency: Q1 2026 + Q4 2025
  • Qualifying Period: October 2024 – September 2025
    âś… You need at least 3 monthly contributions between these months.

Example 2: EDD in July 2026

  • Semester of contingency: Q3 2026 + Q2 2026
  • Qualifying Period: April 2025 – March 2026
    ✅ As long as you worked (and paid) for 3 months within this timeframe, you’re eligible.

Example 3: EDD in November 2026

  • Semester of contingency: Q4 2026 + Q3 2026
  • Qualifying Period: July 2025 – June 2026
    âś… Even if you go on maternity leave before delivery, contributions posted within these dates will count.

🧾 How Employers Affect Your Eligibility

As an employed member, your company is responsible for:

  1. Deducting your SSS contributions from your salary; and
  2. Remitting payments on time to SSS.

However, late or missing remittances can cause issues. If your employer fails to remit your contributions, your maternity claim might be delayed or denied — even if deductions were made from your salary.

⚠️ Common Issues for Employed Members

1. Late or Unposted Contributions

Even if your company deducted from your pay, unposted contributions may not appear in your SSS record. Always verify via My.SSS.

2. Job Changes Before Pregnancy

If you changed employers during your qualifying period, ensure both companies properly remitted your contributions.

3. Resigned Before Giving Birth

If you resigned during your pregnancy, you’re still eligible — as long as you have 3 valid contributions within the qualifying period.

4. On Leave Without Pay

Months without pay (and without contributions) may reduce your count. Check your total paid months carefully.

👩‍🍼 Real Stories of Employed Members

Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer

Clarisse from Makati worked until late 2025 before becoming a freelancer. Her EDD was in May 2026.
✅ Her last employer had remitted until September 2025 — giving her enough coverage to qualify for full maternity benefits.

Dianne’s Story – Newly Married Teacher

Dianne, a public school teacher from Baguio, had her EDD in February 2026.
âś… Her payroll deductions from October 2024 to September 2025 met the qualifying period perfectly. She filed her claim smoothly.

Leah’s Story – Private Employee Turned Voluntary Member

Leah from Iloilo left her job in March 2026, expecting in August 2026.
âś… Because her employer remitted contributions from April 2025 to March 2026, she remained qualified. She then shifted to voluntary status afterward.

🧭 Steps to Ensure You Qualify as an Employed Member

1. Check Your SSS Contribution Record

Log in to your My.SSS account. Confirm if your employer remitted and that payments are posted, not just deducted.

2. Know Your Qualifying Period Early

Don’t wait until your due date! Use the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026
to plan and confirm your months.

3. Communicate with HR

Ensure your HR or payroll officer remits on time. Ask for a copy of your SSS posting report every few months.

4. Keep Working Until Qualified

If possible, stay employed until you reach at least 3 valid contributions within your qualifying period.

đź’ˇ Pro Tip for HR Departments

If your company employs expectant mothers, remind them to:

  • Verify contribution postings regularly.
  • Provide an SSS contribution summary before maternity leave.
  • Coordinate directly with SSS for any remittance discrepancies.

This helps avoid delays in benefit release and strengthens employee trust.

đź’¬ TL;DR (Quick Summary)

  • 🗓️ Employed members must have at least 3 valid contributions within the qualifying period.
  • đź’Ľ Employer remittance timing affects eligibility.
  • 🧮 Check your period early using the calculator link above.
  • âś… You’re still eligible even if you resign — as long as your qualifying months are covered.

âť“ FAQs: Employed Members and SSS Maternity Qualifying Period 2026

1. What if my employer paid late?
Late payments might not reflect in your qualifying period. Ask your employer to coordinate directly with SSS.

2. I resigned during pregnancy. Am I still eligible?
Yes, as long as your 3 contributions fall within your qualifying period.

3. What if my employer failed to remit my deductions?
You can file a complaint with SSS and provide payslips as proof of deduction.

4. Can my maternity benefit be processed while I’m still employed?
Yes. Employers usually file the reimbursement on your behalf.

5. How can I verify if I qualify?
Use the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 to confirm your exact eligibility months.

❤️ Final Reminder

Being employed gives you an advantage — but only if your contributions are properly remitted and posted.

Don’t assume you’re automatically qualified.
Double-check now using the
👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026
and make sure every contribution counts for your 2026 maternity benefit. đź’•

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