How Expecting Moms Can File and Claim SSS Maternity Benefits

Bringing a baby into the world is exciting, but let's be honest—it can get expensive. As an expecting mom, you deserve the peace of mind that comes with financial support. Fortunately, you can count on SSS maternity benefits to give you a sense of security.

Understanding Maternity Benefits in the Philippines

The Social Security System (SSS) offers a daily cash allowance equal to 100% of your average daily salary credit, which is based on the monthly salary credit set by SSS for salary brackets. For instance, if you're an employee earning ₱34,750 monthly, your monthly salary credit is ₱35,000, according to the SSS contribution table. You'll learn more about the SSS maternity computation later.

On top of the financial support, the Expanded Maternity Leave Law requires your employer to provide the following number of paid leaves:

• 105 days for a vaginal or cesarean delivery
• 120 days for single moms under the Solo Parents' Welfare Act
• 60 days in the event of a miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP)

Eligibility Requirements for SSS Maternity Benefits

You can get SSS maternity benefits regardless of how many pregnancies you've had. However, you have to meet these three conditions:

• You must be an SSS member whether employed, self-employed, voluntary, a non-working spouse, or an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
• You must have made at least three monthly contributions 12 months before the semester of your due date (applicable also to miscarriage and ETP).
• You must have notified your company of your pregnancy if you are an employee. Non-employees will have to send an SSS maternity notification on their own—don't worry, it's hassle-free, as you'll learn below.

How to Calculate Your SSS Maternity Benefit

So, how does the SSS calculate how much you'll get? First, it excludes the "semester of contingency." The semester refers to the six-month period that ends on your due date. For example, if your delivery date is March 1, 2025, your semester of contingency runs from October 2024 to March 2025.

Next, the SSS looks at the 12 months leading up to that semester, which is October 2023 to September 2024. It identifies six of your highest monthly salary credits (MSC) within that timeframe and applies the formula below to determine the maternity benefit amount.

(Total monthly salary credit ÷ 180) × Number of leave days

The calculation shows the importance of staying current with your SSS contributions, particularly for voluntary members.

Filing Your SSS Maternity Benefits as an Employee

The first step to filing your maternity benefit is to let the SSS know as soon as you find out you're pregnant. If you're employed, tell your company's HR because they will notify SSS on your behalf. They will also handle the claim processing and advance your SSS maternity allowance. Below are the SSS maternity requirements your HR may ask you to prepare.

Before Your Delivery Date

• SSS Maternity Notification Form. The form officially informs your employer and SSS of your expected delivery date.
• Proof of pregnancy. This may include an ultrasound report, medical certificate, or blood pregnancy test results (Beta HCG).

Submit your MAT 1 and proof of pregnancy to HR 60 days before your delivery date.

After Childbirth

• SSS Maternity Benefit Application Form. Accomplish and send to your HR representative.
• Your child's birth certificate. Get a certified true copy from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) if you filed your claim beyond six months from delivery. Submit one from your local civil registrar (including the official receipt or acknowledgment receipt) within six months from childbirth.
• Solo Parent ID if applicable. A certification of eligibility signed by your city's social worker or mayor works, too. The delivery date should be within the validity period of the Solo Parent ID/certification, except for first-time solo parents, who must have their documents issued within six months from the delivery date.

The law requires your employer to pay your full benefit within 30 days of filing your maternity leave.

How to Apply for SSS Maternity Benefits as a Non-Employee

If you're a mom-to-be who is self-employed, a voluntary member, an OFW, or a non-working spouse, you don't need to visit an SSS branch office. You can easily take care of it online! Here's a step-by-step guide with everything you'll need to prepare:

1. Create a My.SSS account

Head to member.sss.gov.ph/members to register. SSS now processes applications for benefits and loans through its My.SSS membership portal. Once you have an account, you can track your transactions and contributions online.

2. Inform SSS of your pregnancy

You'll see "Maternity Benefit" under your dashboard's "Benefits" tab. Follow the instructions for "Maternity Notification." You can also notify SSS through its mobile app. Select the "Services" button, and tap "Maternity Notification." Remember, notify SSS 60 days before your delivery date!

3. Enroll a disbursement account

SSS will credit your cash benefit to this disbursement account. You can use a bank account or e-wallet like GCash or Maya. To set this up on My.SSS, click the "Services" tab and select "Disbursement Account."

Just a few reminders when enrolling a disbursement account:

• Ensure your registered name in SSS matches your bank account name or e-wallet profile.
• Prepare to upload supporting documents, such as proof of account (screenshot of your e-waller profile), valid government ID (SSS provides a list of acceptable IDs during enrollment), and a selfie holding proof of account and ID.
• Provide an active mobile number and email address. SSS will send reference numbers or transaction updates via these contact points.

4. Prepare supporting documents

After giving birth, gather these documents and convert them into image or PDF files:

• Valid government ID
• A certified true copy of your child's birth certificate from PSA or your local civil registrar (including the official receipt or acknowledgment receipt).
• Solo Parent ID, if applicable, or certification of eligibility from your city government
• Medical documentation for any type of pregnancy loss, including official receipts        

Remember to keep documents you upload under a 2 MB file size for a smoother website experience. And always double-check requirements to avoid delays!

5. File your maternity application on My.SSS

Log in to your My.SSS account, select "Maternity Application" under the "Benefits" tab, and follow the instructions.

SSS will send application updates to your My.SSS inbox and email, including your application's transaction or reference number for your application. Check your junk or spam folder if you can't find the email. Processing may take around one to four weeks.

Embracing Motherhood With Confidence

Welcoming a baby into the world is a beautiful and life-changing experience; the last thing you should worry about is financial stress.

You can avoid, or, at least, reduce your woes with preparation. Understand your SSS maternity benefit, stay updated with your contributions, and submit your requirements on time. Secure the support you deserve so you can focus on what truly matters: your recovery and those precious moments with your newborn.

You're not alone in this journey! Join the ParenTeam Facebook group to connect with other moms, share experiences, and get support as you prepare for this exciting new chapter.