Many Filipina OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) don’t realize that they can still enjoy SSS Maternity Benefits even while working abroad. Yes — kahit nasa ibang bansa ka, as long as you’re an active SSS member and paying your contributions, you can receive maternity benefits when you give birth in 2026.
This article explains how to know if you’re qualified, how to compute your qualifying period, and what to do if you’ve missed payments.
🌍 Why OFWs Should Know Their SSS Maternity Qualifying Period
Being abroad doesn’t remove your right to SSS benefits. As an OFW, you can continue your contributions voluntarily under the “SSS OFW Member” category.
The SSS Maternity Benefit gives you financial assistance during childbirth — whether you’re in the Philippines or overseas. But the key is your contribution timing.
To qualify, you must have:
✅ At least 3 monthly contributions within the 12-month qualifying period before your semester of contingency.
📅 What Is the Qualifying Period?
Your qualifying period determines if your maternity benefit claim will be approved.
Here’s how to find it:
Find your Expected Delivery Date (EDD).
Identify the semester of contingency — the 6 months (2 quarters) before your EDD.
Exclude that semester.
The 12 months before that are your qualifying period.
📊 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Chart for OFWs (2026)
Make sure your payment covers months inside your qualifying period.
SSS does not allow back payments for previous quarters.
🧾 Real Stories of OFW Members
Rowena’s Story – OFW from Dubai
Rowena, working in Dubai, had her EDD in November 2026. She thought she couldn’t claim benefits since she was abroad. But after checking with the Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator, she learned her qualifying period was July 2025–June 2026. ✅ She paid regularly through an overseas remittance center and received her benefit smoothly.
Ana’s Story – Caregiver in Hong Kong
Ana missed 2 quarters of payment in 2025 because of work schedule conflicts. ❌ Her EDD was May 2026, but her qualifying period required January–December 2025 contributions. ✅ After learning from her mistake, she paid regularly and qualified for her next pregnancy.
Maricel’s Story – Nurse in Qatar
Maricel’s EDD was March 2026. Her qualifying period was October 2024–September 2025. ✅ She paid quarterly through the SSS Mobile App and was approved without issue. 💬 “Even if you’re abroad, you can manage your SSS payments online. It’s worth it,” she said.
Grace’s Story – Factory Worker in Japan
Grace’s EDD was in August 2026, with a qualifying period of April 2025–March 2026. She made her payments early using iRemit Japan and qualified easily. ✅ Lesson: Early payment is key for OFWs who might miss Philippine deadlines.
⚠️ Common Mistakes OFWs Make
1. Assuming Overseas Work Automatically Covers SSS
SSS contributions are voluntary for OFWs. You must manually pay or set auto-remittance.
2. Paying Late
Payments made after the quarter deadline won’t count toward the qualifying period.
3. Unverified Posting
Always confirm that your payments are reflected in My.SSS.
4. Mixing Membership Types
If you changed from employed to OFW, update your membership type at SSS to avoid issues with your benefit claim.
