What Employers Should Do When Kasambahay Becomes Pregnant 2026

What Employers Should Do When a Kasambahay Becomes Pregnant (2026 Guide)

When a kasambahay (household helper) becomes pregnant, its both a moment of celebration and responsibility especially for employers. In 2026, the Social Security System (SSS) continues to provide maternity benefits that protect domestic workers during pregnancy, childbirth, or miscarriage.

However, one critical thing remains constant: the employer plays a central role in ensuring that the kasambahay gets her rightful maternity benefitⓘ.

This guide explains everything a household employer should do from registration, contribution payment, filing maternity notificationⓘ, to reimbursement following SSS rules for 2026.

Why SSS Maternity Benefits Matter for Kasambahays

The SSS Maternity Benefit is a cash allowance granted to female members who cannot work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency terminationⓘ of pregnancy.

For kasambahays, this means they can rest, recover, and care for their newborn without losing income.

As an employer, helping your kasambahay avail this benefit is not only a legal duty under the Kasambahay Law (RA 10361) but also an act of compassion that strengthens your employer-employee relationship.

Employers Role Under the Kasambahay Law

Under Republic Act No. 10361, the employers obligations include:

• Registering the kasambahay with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG
• Paying monthly contributions (fully or shared, depending on salary)
• Filing the SSS Maternity Notification (MAT-1)
• Advancing the maternity pay during the leave period
• Filing SSS Maternity Benefit Reimbursement (MAT-2) after childbirth

Failure to comply may result in penaltiesⓘ and forfeiture of your kasambahays benefits.

Step-by-Step Guide for Employers When a Kasambahay Gets Pregnant

Step 1: Verify Your Kasambahays SSS Registration

Before anything else, confirm that your kasambahay is an active SSS member.

If she already has an SSS number:

• Add her under your Household Employer Account on the My.SSS portal.
• Continue paying her monthly contributions.

If she does not have an SSS number:

• Assist her in registering online via SSS.gov.ph.
• Once registered, link her to your household employer account.

Step 2: Continue Paying SSS Contributions

Contributions determine eligibility for the maternity benefit.
To qualify, your kasambahay must have at least 3 monthly contributions within the 12-month period before the semester of childbirth.

Tip: Use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator to check if your kasambahay qualifies and what her estimated benefit amount will be.

Important:
Even if you pay based on a high income (35,000 with MPF), only 20,000 MSCⓘ is used for maternity computation.

Step 3: File the Maternity Notification (MAT-1)

You (the employer) must file MAT-1 before the kasambahay gives birth.

Requirements:

• Proof of pregnancy (ultrasound or confinement periodⓘ, and the members inability to work. For sickness benefits, thi?" title="A medical certificate is a formal document issued by a licensed physician stating the diagnosis, confinement period, and the members inability to work. For sickness benefits, thi?">medical certificateⓘ)
• Valid IDs of both employer and kasambahay
• Active SSS membership

How to File:

1. Log in to My.SSS E-Services Submit Maternity Notification
2. Enter the Expected Delivery Date (EDD)
3. Upload supporting documentsⓘ
4. Save and print the acknowledgment receipt

Deadline: Must be filed before childbirth or miscarriage.
If filed late, the benefit may be denied.

Step 4: Advance the Maternity Pay

After the MAT-1 is filed and approved:

• The employer must advance the maternity benefit to the kasambahay.
• This should be paid at the start of her maternity leave.
• The amount depends on the Average Daily Salary Creditⓘ (ADSC) multiplied by the allowed number of days.

Note: Employers will be reimbursed in full by the SSS upon filing MAT-2.

Step 5: File the Reimbursement (MAT-2)

After childbirth or recovery, file MAT-2 to claim reimbursement from SSS.

How to File MAT-2:

1. Log in to My.SSS E-Services Submit Maternity Benefit Application (MAT-2)
2. Upload these documents:

• Birth certificate of the child (or Fetal Death Certificateⓘ for miscarriage)
• Proof of advanced payment to kasambahay
• Valid IDs of both parties
• Proof of SSS contributions

Deadline: File within 1 year after childbirth.

Once approved, SSS credits the reimbursement to your Disbursement Account Enrollmentⓘ Module (DAEM)-registered bank or GCash.

Qualifying Period Examples (2026)

If unsure, use the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator (included in the calculator link above).

Real-Life Example

Anas Story A Kasambahay in Pasig

Ana, a kasambahay earning 6,000 monthly, was due in June 2026. Her employer filed MAT-1 in March 2026, paid her maternity benefit of 21,000 before leave, and submitted MAT-2 in July.

The reimbursement was approved within 2 weeks and credited to the employers bank account.

Kasambahay / Household Helper MSC Table 2026

(5,000 16,500 Salary Rangeⓘ)

Employers pay full SSS contributions if salary is below 5,000.
For 5,000 and above, contributions are shared.

Common Mistakes Employers Should Avoid

Filing MAT-1 after childbirth
Not paying contributions regularly
Uploading unclear or incorrect documents
Failing to advance maternity pay
Using unregistered or inactive disbursement accounts

Always review documents and eligibility before filing to ensure smooth reimbursement.

Key Takeaways for Employers

• Register your kasambahay with SSS as soon as hired.
• Pay contributions monthly to maintain active coverage.
• File MAT-1 before childbirth and MAT-2 after.
• Advance maternity pay promptly its the employers duty.
• Use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator to check eligibility and estimate benefits.
• File MAT-2 reimbursement within one year after birth.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy should be a time of care and support not confusion and missed benefits. As an employer, guiding your kasambahay through the SSS maternity process reflects both legal responsibility and genuine compassion.

By filing on time, paying correct contributions, and ensuring all documents are in order, you give your kasambahay the peace of mind she deserves as she welcomes new life into the world.

Start today check eligibility and contribution status using the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator to ensure your kasambahays 2026 maternity claim is approved without delay.