Voluntary Member vs Kasambahay SSS Maternity Coverage 2026
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Voluntary Member vs Kasambahay SSS Maternity Coverage 2026
When it comes to SSS Maternity Benefits, not all members receive the same amount or coverage. The difference often lies in how contributions are paid and how much is declared as salary.
For 2026, two of the most common types of female SSS members are Voluntary Members and Kasambahay (Domestic Worker) Members. Both can claim maternity benefits — but the amount and flexibility differ significantly.
In this article, we’ll compare the Voluntary vs Kasambahay Maternity Coverage under the 2026 SSS rules, including real examples, contribution tables, and benefit computations.
🌸 Why SSS Maternity Benefits Matter
Pregnancy often brings extra financial challenges — from check-ups to hospital bills. The SSS Maternity Benefit helps female members by providing a cash allowance during childbirth, miscarriage, or early termination of pregnancy.
For 2026:
105 days for normal or cesarean delivery
120 days for solo parents
60 days for miscarriage, stillbirth, or ETP
✅ The goal is to provide income replacement while you recover and care for your newborn.
The maximum benefit remains:
₱70,000 for Normal/Cesarean Delivery
₱80,000 for Solo Parents
₱40,000 for Stillbirth or ETP
⚖️ Voluntary vs Kasambahay: What’s the Difference?
Category
Voluntary Member
Kasambahay Member
Who They Are
Formerly employed or self-employed individuals who continue paying SSS on their own
Domestic workers such as house helpers, nannies, or caregivers employed by private households
Who Pays the Contribution
The member pays directly via SSS, GCash, Maya, or banks
The employer (household head) pays the full contribution
Flexibility of Payment
Can choose MSC (₱5,000–₱20,000)
Based on actual salary declared by employer
Eligibility Control
Can ensure consistency by paying on time
Relies on employer’s remittance consistency
Benefit Amount Range (2026)
₱35,000–₱70,000 (₱80,000 if solo parent)
₱15,000–₱35,000 average depending on salary
Chance to Reach Max MSC (₱20,000)
✅ High
⚠️ Low (depends on declared wage)
💡 Quick Insight:
Voluntary Members have more control over their payments and can reach the maximum maternity benefit, while Kasambahays depend on their employer’s compliance and declared wage.
💰 How Maternity Benefit is Calculated
Formula:
Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) × Number of Maternity Days
Normal/Cesarean: 105 days
Solo Parent: 120 days
Miscarriage/Stillbirth: 60 days
Let’s see how both member types compare.
🧮 Example 1 – Voluntary Member Paying Maximum MSC
Details:
MSC = ₱20,000
Contribution = ₱3,000/month
ADSC = ₱20,000 ÷ 30 = ₱666.67
Computation:
₱666.67 × 105 days = ₱70,000 maternity benefit
₱666.67 × 120 days = ₱80,000 (for solo parent)
✅ Full benefit coverage.
🧮 Example 2 – Kasambahay Earning ₱7,000/month
Details:
MSC = ₱7,000
ADSC = ₱7,000 ÷ 30 = ₱233.33
Computation:
₱233.33 × 105 days = ₱24,500 maternity benefit
₱233.33 × 120 days = ₱28,000 (solo parent)
⚠️ Lower benefit due to smaller declared income. This is why kasambahays are encouraged to make sure their employers are declaring the correct salary and remitting contributions regularly.
🧾 Minimum MSC Table for Voluntary Members (2026)
Range of Compensation
Regular SS MSC
MPF MSC
Total MSC
SS Contribution
MPF Contribution
Total
₱5,000
₱5,000
₱0
₱5,000
₱750
₱0
₱750
₱10,000
₱10,000
₱0
₱10,000
₱1,500
₱0
₱1,500
₱20,000
₱20,000
₱0
₱20,000
₱3,000
₱0
₱3,000
₱35,000
₱20,000
₱15,000
₱35,000
₱3,000
₱2,250
₱5,250
📌 Even if you pay ₱5,250/month, SSS will only consider ₱20,000 as your MSC for maternity computation.
💬 This shows the advantage of being a Voluntary Member — you can choose your contribution level to get the highest possible benefit.
🧭 Qualifying Period: Both Members Must Pay Consistently
To qualify for SSS Maternity Benefit in 2026, both Voluntary and Kasambahay members must meet this rule:
At least 3 monthly contributions within the 12-month qualifying period before the semester of delivery.
🩷 Example:
If the Expected Delivery Date (EDD) is June 2026, the qualifying period is January 2025 to December 2025.
Missing even a few months within this range could disqualify the claim.
Clarisse from Makati left her job in 2025 and became a freelancer. She continued paying ₱3,000/month voluntarily. Her EDD was in May 2026 — and since she paid consistently, she received ₱70,000 maternity benefit without delays.
Lea – Kasambahay from Iloilo
Lea worked as a house helper earning ₱6,000/month. Her employer paid her SSS contributions, but she didn’t know she could check her SSS account online. When she filed her maternity claim, she received ₱21,000. Her lesson: “Laging i-check kung bayad ang SSS contributions para sure ka na covered ka.”
Rowena – OFW on Vacation Leave
Rowena, an OFW turned voluntary member, updated her SSS contributions in early 2026 before returning to Dubai. Her maternity benefit was approved at ₱70,000. Her advice: “Huwag maghintay hanggang buntis ka bago magbayad.”
⚖️ Pros and Cons Summary
Factor
Voluntary Member
Kasambahay Member
Control Over Payment
✅ Full control
❌ Dependent on employer
Flexibility in MSC
✅ Can choose ₱5,000–₱20,000
⚠️ Fixed by salary
Maximum Benefit Possible
₱70,000–₱80,000
₱15,000–₱35,000
Who Files Claim
Member files directly
Member files, but must confirm employer reports
Ideal For
Freelancers, former employees, housewives
Household workers, caregivers, helpers
🕒 TL;DR Summary
Category
Voluntary Member
Kasambahay
Who Pays
You
Employer
Control Over Contributions
Full control
Employer decides
Possible Benefit Range
₱35,000–₱70,000 (₱80,000 solo parent)
₱15,000–₱35,000
Eligibility Rule
3 contributions within 12-month qualifying period
Same
Best Advantage
Can choose higher MSC for bigger benefit
Employer covers all payment
❓ FAQs
1. Can a Kasambahay become a Voluntary Member? Yes. If you stop working as a kasambahay, you can switch to Voluntary Member and continue paying on your own.
2. What if my employer didn’t pay my SSS? You can report it to SSS and submit your payslips or proof of employment. SSS may collect the missed contributions from your employer.
3. Can I pay higher as a Kasambahay to increase my benefit? No, your contribution is based on your actual salary. Only voluntary or self-employed members can choose their MSC.
4. What happens if I miss months of contribution? You may lose eligibility if your missed months fall within your qualifying period. Always check your contribution record via My.SSS.
Whether you’re a Voluntary Member or a Kasambahay, your SSS Maternity Benefit can provide essential financial help during your recovery and transition to motherhood.
But the key difference is control. Voluntary members can choose to pay more and ensure higher benefits, while kasambahays rely on their employer’s accuracy and compliance.
So if you’re a domestic worker planning for your future, consider continuing as a voluntary member once your employment ends.
