SSS Qualifying Period Cases Explained (January – June 2026)
/
SSS Qualifying Period Cases Explained (January – June 2026)
If you’re expecting to give birth between January to June 2026, it’s important to know if you qualify for SSS maternity benefits — a crucial support for moms during pregnancy and recovery.
Many new mothers get confused about how SSS counts the “qualifying period.” So let’s break it down clearly, step-by-step, using examples and real stories — and if you want a quick check, you can always use the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.
🤰 Why You Need to Understand the SSS Qualifying Period
The SSS Maternity Benefit is one of the most helpful programs for working and self-employed Filipinas. It gives you cash assistance while you’re unable to work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.
However, not everyone automatically qualifies. You must have at least three (3) monthly contributions within your 12-month qualifying period.
That qualifying period depends on your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) — not the date you apply or give birth.
Kung member ka ng SSS, good news — pwede ka ring mag-apply basta qualified ka sa requirements!
đź“š How SSS Defines the Qualifying Period
Before anything else, here’s what SSS means by certain terms:
Semester of contingency – The 6-month period (2 quarters) including the quarter of your delivery and the quarter before it.
Qualifying period – The 12-month period before the semester of contingency. This is where your 3 valid contributions must fall.
🧮 Step-by-Step: How to Compute for January–June 2026 Deliveries
Let’s explain each case with examples:
🍼 Case 1: EDD in February 2026
February 2026 is in Q1 2026 (January–March).
The semester of contingency is Q1 2026 + Q4 2025 (October–December 2025).
Exclude these months.
Qualifying Period:October 2024 – September 2025.
➡️ To qualify, pay at least 3 monthly contributions within October 2024–September 2025.
🍼 Case 2: EDD in April 2026
April 2026 is in Q2 2026 (April–June).
The semester of contingency is Q2 2026 + Q1 2026 (January–March 2026).
Exclude these.
Qualifying Period:January 2025 – December 2025.
➡️ Your SSS payments in 2025 are what matter most for April 2026 delivery.
🍼 Case 3: EDD in June 2026
June 2026 is in Q2 2026 (April–June).
Semester of contingency: Q2 2026 + Q1 2026.
Qualifying Period:January 2025 – December 2025.
➡️ Even if you pay contributions in 2026, only those in 2025 count for your June delivery.
📊 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Chart (January–June 2026)
EDD Quarter (2026)
Semester of Contingency (Exclude)
Qualifying Period (Counted 12 Months)
January–March 2026 (Q1)
Q1 2026 + Q4 2025
October 2024 – September 2025
April–June 2026 (Q2)
Q2 2026 + Q1 2026
January 2025 – December 2025
đź’ˇ Tip: If your EDD is between January and June 2026, your valid contributions should fall between October 2024 and December 2025.
Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer
Clarisse from Makati switched to freelance work in 2025. Her EDD was in May 2026, and she worried about missing a few payments. After using the calculator, she saw that her past employment contributions (January–December 2025) were enough to make her eligible for the full maternity benefit.
Dianne’s Story – Newly Married Teacher
Dianne, a public school teacher from Baguio, had her EDD in February 2026. Her contributions from October 2024–September 2025 covered her qualifying period perfectly. With help from her HR department, her claim was processed quickly and smoothly.
Leah’s Story – Market Vendor and First-Time Mom
Leah from Iloilo had her EDD in June 2026. When she checked her record, she realized she had paid continuously from January–December 2025, ensuring her eligibility. She received her benefit in full just a few weeks after filing.
Rowena’s Story – OFW on Vacation Leave
Rowena, based in Dubai, took a break to give birth in May 2026. She wasn’t sure her voluntary payments abroad counted. After verifying with the calculator, she confirmed her 2025 contributions were valid and was able to claim her maternity benefit before flying back.
đź’° SSS Maternity Benefit Duration and Leave Days
Type of Delivery
Paid Leave Days
Description
Normal Delivery
105 days
Standard maternity leave
Cesarean Delivery
105 days
Same duration applies
Miscarriage / ETP / Stillbirth
60 days
For pregnancy loss
Solo Parent (Normal or Cesarean)
120 days
With Solo Parent ID
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Late or retroactive payments – SSS won’t count missed months paid after the deadline.
Including excluded quarters – Always remove the semester of contingency in your count.
Not checking your EDD – The expected delivery date affects which year’s payments count.
Assuming old payments still count – Only contributions within the qualifying period matter.
Forgetting to file maternity notification – File before your due date, especially if voluntary.
đź’¬ TL;DR (Quick Summary)
EDD between January–March 2026: Qualifying period = October 2024–September 2025
EDD between April–June 2026: Qualifying period = January 2025–December 2025
Minimum Contributions: 3 within the qualifying period
1. What if I give birth earlier than my EDD? SSS will base the computation on your actual delivery date, not the expected one.
2. Can I pay missed months later? No. Late or retroactive payments won’t be counted for maternity eligibility.
3. What if I changed from employed to voluntary? That’s okay! As long as your contributions fall within your qualifying period, you’ll still qualify.
4. How do I know if I have 3 valid contributions? Log in to My.SSS → Inquiry → Contributions and check your record.
5. I’m a solo parent — how many days can I take? Solo parents are entitled to 120 days of paid maternity leave.
❤️ Final Reminder
If your delivery is between January and June 2026, check if you have at least 3 valid SSS contributions within the right qualifying period.
By planning your payments ahead and verifying early, you can enjoy your maternity benefits without stress and focus on welcoming your baby with peace of mind. đź’•
