What Is the Cutoff Month for SSS Qualifying Period 2026?
/
What Is the Cutoff Month for SSS Qualifying Period 2026?
When it comes to SSS Maternity Benefits, one of the most confusing parts for many expectant moms is understanding the cutoff month — or when exactly you should stop counting contributions to qualify for benefits.
The truth is, this cutoff is not a random date. It’s based on a clear rule under the SSS semester of contingency and qualifying period. In this article, we’ll explain how to identify your cutoff month, how it connects to your Expected Delivery Date (EDD), and how to confirm it instantly using the 👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.
💡 What Does “Cutoff Month” Mean?
The cutoff month is the last month that SSS will consider for your maternity benefit eligibility. Any contribution made after this month won’t count toward your qualifying period.
Simply put: The cutoff month is the last valid contribution month before your “semester of contingency” begins.
This cutoff ensures that SSS counts only active and consistent contributions leading up to, but not during, your pregnancy period.
đź“… How the Cutoff Month Is Determined
To find your cutoff, you first need to identify your semester of contingency — the two quarters (six months) that surround your Expected Delivery Date (EDD).
Here’s how to compute it:
Find the quarter of your EDD.
Add the quarter before it — this forms your semester of contingency.
The cutoff month is the last month before your semester begins.
Clarisse’s Story – Office Worker Turned Freelancer
Clarisse from Makati had an EDD in May 2026. Her cutoff month was December 2025, meaning only contributions from January–December 2025 counted. Since her employer had paid continuously until September 2025, she only needed to make a few voluntary payments to stay eligible.
Rowena’s Story – OFW on Vacation Leave
Rowena from Dubai was due in November 2026. Her cutoff month was June 2026, so contributions beyond that (like July–September 2026) didn’t matter. By paying voluntary contributions up to June 2026, she secured her maternity benefits just in time.
Dianne’s Story – Newly Married Teacher
Dianne from Baguio had her EDD in February 2026. Her cutoff month was September 2025, and she had steady contributions from 2024–2025. She easily met the 3-month rule within her October 2024–September 2025 qualifying period.
Leah’s Story – Market Vendor and First-Time Mom
Leah from Iloilo was expecting in August 2026. Her cutoff month was March 2026, meaning her qualifying period was April 2025–March 2026. She ensured that her last voluntary payment before the cutoff was on time to count toward her eligibility.
⚙️ Why the Cutoff Month Is Important
The cutoff month acts as a deadline for your valid contributions. If you pay after this date, your payments might still post, but they will not count toward your maternity eligibility.
It helps SSS confirm that your coverage was active before pregnancy — not after. This ensures that benefits go to consistent and prepared members.
đźš« Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake
What Happens
Solution
Paying contributions after cutoff
Payments won’t be included in eligibility
Check your EDD-based cutoff before paying
Miscounting 12 months
You may include excluded quarters
Use the calculator to verify
Confusing cutoff month with due date
The cutoff is always before semester of contingency
Identify your EDD’s quarter first
Assuming late payments will count
SSS doesn’t accept retroactive payments
Always pay on or before deadlines
🧾 TL;DR – Quick Summary
The cutoff month is the last valid contribution month before your semester of contingency.
To find it, identify your EDD’s quarter, then count 6 months backward.
Contributions after the cutoff month won’t count.
Pay on time before the cutoff to ensure you’re fully eligible.
âť“ FAQs About the Cutoff Month
1. What exactly is the SSS cutoff month? It’s the last month that counts toward your maternity eligibility before your semester of contingency begins.
2. Can I still pay contributions after the cutoff? Yes, but those payments won’t affect your current maternity claim — only future ones.
3. Does the cutoff change if my EDD changes? Yes. Recompute your cutoff month if your OB-GYN gives you a new EDD.
4. How can I know my cutoff month easily? Use the calculator linked above to instantly see your cutoff and qualifying months.
5. What happens if I miss one month before the cutoff? You may still qualify as long as you have at least 3 paid months within the 12-month qualifying period.
❤️ Final Advice
The cutoff month is your ultimate guide to knowing when to stop and when to pay. Understanding this helps you stay ahead — no last-minute panic, no missed eligibility.
Before the cutoff arrives, double-check your qualifying months using the 👉 SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026, so that by the time your baby’s due, your benefits are already secured. 💕
