How to Avail 70k SSS Maternity Benefits

Pregnancy and childbirth are major life events that can be both exciting and challenging. While it is a time of great joy, it can also be a time of financial strain.

This is why in Philippines the Social Security System (SSS) offers maternity benefits to help female members financially during this time

Philippines Leads with 105 Days Paid Maternity Leave

The Maternity Leave Law (Republic Act 11210) revolutionized paid time off for new mothers in the Philippines. This groundbreaking legislation increased paid maternity leave from 60 to 105 days for normal childbirth. Mothers can also opt for an additional 30 days of leave without pay. Solo mothers receive 120 paid days off under the RA 8972.

However, for miscarriage or emergency termination, paid leave shall be 60 days. These expansive benefits apply to all female employees, regardless of delivery method. The law provides a minimum standard while empowering companies to offer more generous maternity packages.

By prioritizing maternal health and early childhood development, the Philippines sets a progressive example for work-life balance and family-friendly workplaces. This monumental social legislation will have enduring positive impacts across generations.

What are SSS Maternity Benefits?

SSS maternity benefits are cash allowances granted to qualified female members of the SSS. These benefits are intended to help female members financially during their pregnancy and childbirth.

The amount of SSS maternity benefit is equal to 100% of the member’s average daily salary credit (ADSC) multiplied by 60 days for miscarriage and emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP), and 105 days for normal or caesarian delivery. For solo parents(single mom), there will be an additional 15 days.

SSS Maternity Benefit Computation 2023

To compute the SSS Maternity Benefits, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the semester of contingency. The semester of contingency is the six-month period before the expected date of childbirth.

To do this, you can use the following formula:

Semester of contingency = (expected date of childbirth – 6 months) / 6 months

For example, if your expected date of childbirth is March 1, 2023, then your semester of contingency is from September 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023.

Identify the six highest monthly salary credits (MSC) within the semester of contingency. The MSC is the amount of your monthly salary that is subject to SSS contributions.

You can find your MSC on your SSS contribution record.

Calculate the average daily salary credit (ADSC). The ADSC is calculated by dividing the total of the six highest MSCs by 180.

ADSC = (Ave. MSCs) / 180

For example, if the total of your six highest MSCs is ₱120,000, then your ADSC is ₱666.67.

Determine the number of days of maternity leave. You are entitled to 105 days of maternity leave for normal delivery, 120 days for solo parents, and 60 days for miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth.

Calculate the total amount of SSS maternity benefits. The total amount of SSS maternity benefits is calculated by multiplying the ADSC by the number of days of maternity leave.

The total amount of SSS maternity benefits = ADSC x number of days of maternity leave

For example, if you are entitled to 105 days of maternity leave and your ADSC is ₱666.67, then your total amount of SSS maternity benefits is ₱70,000.

And if you are a solo parent, you may be entitled to an additional 15 days of paid leave. In this case, your maternity benefit would be multiplied by 120 days, and you would receive up to Php 80,000 (Php 666.67 x 120 days).

To get SSS maternity benefits as a private employee or self-employed woman, you need to have at least 3 monthly SSS remittances posted within the 12 months before your semester of delivery, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.

Making these 3 payments in the year before the semester of contingency is a basic requirement to get benefits. So make sure you are regularly contributing to SSS in the months leading up to your pregnancy to be eligible for help. This will qualify you when the time comes to welcome your child.

Who is Eligible for the 70k SSS Maternity Benefits?

To be eligible for SSS maternity benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be a female member of the SSS.
You must have at least three (3) monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of the childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP).
You must notify your employer or the SSS of your pregnancy at least 30 days before your expected date of delivery (EDD).
If you are a voluntary, OFW, or self-employed member, you must directly notify the SSS of your pregnancy.

How to Apply For SSS Maternity Benefits Online?

To apply for SSS Maternity Benefits online, you must have a valid SSS online account. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the SSS website.

Once you have created an account, you can follow these steps to apply for maternity benefits:

Login to your personal My.SSS member account.
Click on “Benefits” under the E-services tab, then select “Apply for Maternity Benefit”.
Read through the important reminders provided, then proceed to the application.
Fill in the required information fields such as date of delivery/miscarriage/ETP and number of pregnancies. Click “Proceed” when done.
Specify the delivery details – whether it was a live childbirth, miscarriage/ETP, stillbirth/fetal death.
Check the solo parent box if you have a valid Solo Parent ID. You can also allocate leave credits (1-7 days) to your employed spouse.
Select the disbursement account for receiving the benefits.
Review the estimated number of days and maternity benefits you will receive. Attach any required documentary proof of the child’s birth.
Click “I Certify” and “Submit”, then “OK” on the confirmation popup.
You will see a message that your MBA application was submitted successfully to SSS. Note down the provided transaction number.
Check the email you registered with for a notification from SSS. Wait a few days for the result of your application.

The SSS online maternity benefit application provides an easy and convenient way for eligible SSS members to file for financial assistance during pregnancy and childbirth. Following the step-by-step process ensures your SSS MBA will be processed smoothly.

What is the Application Processing Time For SSS Maternity Benefits?

The SSS will process your application within 30 days. If your application is approved, you will receive your benefits within 60 days.

Requirements for SSS Maternity Benefit Application

To claim your maternity benefits, you can go to any SSS branch and submit the following:

Fill out SSS Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1)
Submit the following supporting documents:
- Original and photocopy of your SSS ID
- Original and photocopy of your birth certificate or marriage certificate
- Original and photocopy of your medical certificate from your doctor
- Original and photocopy of your employer’s certification of your maternity leave
Submit your claim to your employer or the SSS.

Here are some additional tips for claiming your SSS maternity benefit:

Make sure that you have all of the required documents before you submit your claim.
Submit your claim as soon as possible after you gave birth or had a miscarriage.
The member can submit their claim to any SSS branch. The processing time for maternity benefit claims is usually 2 weeks.

How to Prepare for Maternity Leave?

Once you have confirmed that you are pregnant, it is important to start preparing for maternity leave. Here are some tips:

Notify your employer: You are required to notify your employer of your pregnancy within four (4) months before the expected date of childbirth.
(Note: If you are a voluntary, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), or self-employed member of SSS, you will need to directly notify SSS about your pregnancy)
Document Submission: Submit the required documents including maternity reports.
Start saving money: Maternity leave can be expensive, so it is important to start saving money as soon as possible. You can save money by cutting back on unnecessary expenses, setting up a separate savings account, or asking your employer for a raise.
Create a budget: Once you have an idea of how much money you will need, create a budget to help you track your spending. This will help you ensure that you do not overspend during your maternity leave.
Make a list of chores: Before you go on maternity leave, make a list of all the chores that need to be done around the house. This will help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed

How Much is SSS Maternity Benefit for Voluntary Members?

The amount of SSS maternity benefit for voluntary members is equal to 100% of the member’s average daily salary credit (ADSC) multiplied by 60 days for miscarriage and emergency termination of pregnancy and 105 days for normal delivery or cesarean section.

For solo parents, there will be an additional 15 days.

What Happens on Late Filing of SSS Maternity Notification?

If you fail to notify your employer or the SSS of your pregnancy within the required 30-day period, you may still be able to avail of SSS maternity benefits.

However, you will be required to pay a late filing fee of P100.

How to Check SSS Maternity Claim Status?

You can check the status of your SSS maternity claim online through the SSS website. To do this, you will need to create an SSS online account and log in to your account.

Once you are logged in, you can click on the “Claim Status” tab and enter your claim number.

Additional Information

The SSS maternity benefit is not taxable.
The SSS maternity benefit is not convertible to cash.
The SSS maternity benefit can be used to pay for medical expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth.
The SSS maternity benefit can be used to pay for the cost of living expenses during the maternity leave.
The maximum maternity benefit is currently 70k pesos. This amount is increased to 80,000 pesos if you are a solo parent.
You can find more information about SSS maternity benefits on the SSS website: https://www.sss.gov.ph/sss/appmanager/pages.jsp?page=maternity
You can also contact SSS customer service for assistance: 1 SSS (777) 777

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am a pregnant member who is about to lose her job?

Pregnant members who are about to lose their job are still eligible for SSS maternity benefits. They can apply for maternity benefits even if they are no longer employed.

What if I have multiple children?

Members who have multiple children are only entitled to one maternity benefit per pregnancy. However, they can still avail of the additional 15 days of maternity leave for solo parents.

What if I don’t have enough contributions?

If you don’t have enough contributions to qualify for the full maternity benefit, you may still be eligible for a partial benefit. The amount of your partial benefit will be calculated based on your actual contributions.

What if I am a self-employed or voluntary member?

Self-employed and voluntary members are also eligible for SSS maternity benefits. However, they will need to pay a higher monthly contribution rate in order to qualify.

To determine the required contribution amount, self-employed members should refer to SSS Contribution Self-Employed Table. Voluntary members need to check the Voluntary SSS Contribution table to see how much they must contribute on top of the regular rate.

Both self-employed and voluntary members must pay an additional premium of 1.5% of their monthly salary on top of regular SSS contributions. By paying this higher rate, they will meet the requirements to qualify for SSS maternity benefits.

What if I am a solo parent?

If you are a solo parent, you are entitled to an additional 15 days of maternity leave. You are also eligible for a higher maternity benefit of 80,000 pesos.

Final Thoughts

SSS maternity benefits are a valuable benefit that can help female members financially during their pregnancy and childbirth.

If you are a female member of the SSS, I encourage you to avail the 70k SSS maternity benefits if you are eligible.

Here are some additional tips for applying for SSS maternity benefits:

Make sure that you have met all of the eligibility requirements.
Submit all of the required supporting documents.
Fill out the SSS Maternity Benefit Claim Form (MAT-1) correctly.
Submit your claim to your employer or the SSS on time.