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SSS Maternity Benefits

Which Months Count Toward Your SSS Maternity Qualifying Period 2026

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Which Months Count Toward Your SSS Maternity Qualifying Period 2026

One of the most common reasons SSS maternity benefit claims get denied is wrong computation of the qualifying period. Many moms think that all their past SSS contributions count, but in reality, only specific months determine your eligibility.

If you’re planning to give birth in 2026, this guide will clearly explain which months count toward your SSS Maternity Qualifying Period, how the 2-Quarter Rule works, and how to double-check your result using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.

🤰 Why the SSS Maternity Benefit Matters

The SSS Maternity Benefit provides financial support for female members who cannot work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP).

This benefit ensures that moms can focus on recovery without losing their income — but to receive it, you must pay the right months at the right time.
Kung member ka ng SSS, good news — pwede ka ring mag-apply basta qualified ka sa requirements.

🧷 Step 1: Understand What the “Qualifying Period” Means

Your qualifying period is the 12-month window that SSS checks to see if you have at least 3 paid contributions before your “semester of contingency.”

If you have 3 or more contributions in that period, you qualify for the SSS Maternity Benefit.

🗓️ Step 2: Know Your Semester of Contingency

The semester of contingency is a 6-month block that includes:

  • The quarter of your expected delivery (EDD), and
  • The quarter before it.

This is where the 2-Quarter Rule applies.

Example:

If your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) is March 2026:

  • Quarter of delivery: Q1 2026 (January–March)
  • Previous quarter: Q4 2025 (October–December)
    ✅ Semester of contingency = October 2025 – March 2026

These 6 months are not included when counting your contributions.

🧮 Step 3: Count 12 Months Backward

To find your qualifying period, go 12 months back from the start of your semester of contingency.

  • Start of semester: October 2025
  • Count 12 months backward → October 2024 – September 2025

âś… You must have at least 3 contributions within October 2024 to September 2025 to qualify.

đź“… Step 4: Examples of Which Months Count (2026)

Here’s a simple chart showing which months count based on your expected delivery date:

Expected Delivery DateSemester of ContingencyMonths That Count (Qualifying Period)Minimum Contributions
January 2026Oct 2025 – Mar 2026Oct 2024 – Sep 20253
March 2026Oct 2025 – Mar 2026Oct 2024 – Sep 20253
April 2026Jan 2026 – Jun 2026Jan 2025 – Dec 20253
June 2026Jan 2026 – Jun 2026Jan 2025 – Dec 20253
July 2026Apr 2026 – Sep 2026Apr 2025 – Mar 20263
September 2026Apr 2026 – Sep 2026Apr 2025 – Mar 20263
October 2026Jul 2026 – Dec 2026Jul 2025 – Jun 20263
December 2026Jul 2026 – Dec 2026Jul 2025 – Jun 20263

💡 Tip: Only the months in the “Qualifying Period” column count toward eligibility — payments made during or after your semester of contingency do not count.

🧠 Step 5: Use the SSS Maternity Calculator for 2026

Manual counting can be confusing, especially with overlapping months and different quarters.
To avoid errors, use the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.

Just enter your Expected Delivery Date (EDD), and it will instantly show:

  • Your semester of contingency
  • Your qualifying period
  • Whether you are eligible based on contributions

This tool saves you time and ensures accuracy.

đź’° Step 6: Know the Benefit Amount and Duration

Once qualified, here’s how many days of benefit you can get based on your case:

Type of DeliveryBenefit DaysDescription
Normal Delivery105 daysStandard benefit
Cesarean Delivery105 daysSame duration
Miscarriage / ETP / Stillbirth60 daysFor pregnancy loss
Solo Parent (Normal/Cesarean)120 daysMust present Solo Parent ID

The cash benefit amount depends on your Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC), which SSS calculates from your contribution records.

⚠️ Common Mistakes When Counting Months

  1. Including the semester months – Remember: the semester of contingency is excluded.
  2. Using the wrong EDD – Always use your OB-GYN’s official due date.
  3. Late payments – Voluntary and self-employed members must pay on or before the deadline.
  4. Missing even one qualifying month – You need at least 3 paid months in the correct 12-month window.
  5. Assuming old contributions still count – Only those within the qualifying period are valid.

đź“‹ Step 7: Verify Your SSS Contributions

To make sure your months are correct:

  1. Log in to your My.SSS account.
  2. Go to Inquiry → Contributions.
  3. Check your payment history and match it with your qualifying months.
  4. Count your paid months within that 12-month window.

If you have 3 or more, you’re qualified to apply for your maternity benefit.

đź’¬ TL;DR (Summary for Busy Readers)

  • Only 3 contributions within 12 months before your semester of contingency count.
  • Your semester = delivery quarter + previous quarter (6 months total).
  • Payments during the semester don’t count.
  • Always check your months using the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026.
  • File your maternity notification before giving birth.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if my payments fall within the qualifying period?
Check your My.SSS account and compare your payment months with the qualifying period for your EDD.

2. Can I pay missed months to qualify?
No. SSS does not allow retroactive payments to cover missed months for maternity eligibility.

3. What if I give birth earlier or later than expected?
SSS will base your eligibility on your actual delivery date, not your original EDD.

4. I’m employed but changed jobs — will my old payments still count?
Yes, all contributions under your SSS number count as long as they fall within the qualifying period.

5. I’m a voluntary or self-employed member — how do I make sure I qualify?
Always pay on time and regularly. Missing even one quarter can affect your eligibility.

❤️ Final Reminder

Your SSS maternity eligibility depends not just on how much you’ve paid, but when you paid.
Before your delivery, use the SSS Maternity Qualifying Period Calculator 2026 to confirm if your months are valid — so you can secure your benefit without delays when your baby arrives.

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