Being a mother poses different difficulties. Financially, the cost of hospital childbirth alone can significantly impact a mother's finances, and there's still childcare to worry about in the future. Fortunately, there are ways to get financial help, such as the Maternity Benefit provided by the Social Security System (SSS). This support can make a big difference for mothers, allowing them to concentrate on their new responsibilities without the extra stress of financial concerns while recovering after giving birth. Whether you are an expectant mother or already have children, read on to learn how to maximize this benefit.

ALSO READ: How to Apply for SSS Maternity Benefit Whether You're Employed or Not

SSS Maternity Benefit

The SSS Maternity Benefit serves as a financial lifeline for members undergoing childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy. It provides a daily cash allowance to cover expenses such as prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, easing the financial strain on mothers.

Expanded Maternity Benefit Law

In 2019, the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law or EML updated the previous policy on maternity leave. EML increased the paid maternity leave period to 105 days for live births, with an option to extend it for 30 more days without pay. Of the 105 days, the mother can transfer up to seven days to her partner or an alternate caregiver.

EML also provides an additional 15 days of paid maternity leave for solo parents who meet the requirements of the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000 or RA 8972.

How to qualify for the SSS Maternity Benefit?

Female SSS members can avail of this benefit, regardless of the frequency of their pregnancy, civil status, employment status, or the legitimacy of their child, as long as they meet the following requirements:

• She must have paid at least three months' worth of contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.
• If she is employed, she must notify her employer of her pregnancy and expected delivery date. Otherwise, she must directly notify SSS if she is separated from employment, a voluntary member, an OFW, or a self-employed member.

How much will you get from the SSS Maternity Benefit?

The computation of your SSS maternity benefit may seem complex at first, especially for new moms, but this guide will simplify the process for you.

Essentially, the calculation of your maternity benefit is based on your monthly salary credit (MSC) from your SSS contributions. The higher your MSC, the greater your maternity benefits.

Before you can compute the exact amount of your maternity benefit, you must obtain the following:

• Monthly Salary Credit (MSC): This refers to the compensation base for contributions as indicated in RA 11199 or the SSS Law. To know your MSC, refer to SSS's contributions table, which can be found here.
• Semester of Contingency: This refers to two consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of your expected delivery month. For example, if you are expected to give birth in May 2024, your semester of contingency will be from January 2024 to June 2024.

Computing your SSS Maternity Benefit allowance

Below is the formula provided by SSS:

Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) = Ave. MSC / 180
x 60 days for miscarriage/emergency termination of pregnancy
x 105 days for live childbirth (normal or cesarean section delivery)
x 120 days for solo parents under R.A. 8972 (Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000)
105 days + 15 days

Step-by-step guide:

1. Identify the 12-month period before the semester of your childbirth. Remember, the semester is defined as two consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of the event (childbirth/miscarriage).
   1. Example: If the childbirth is in July 2023, the semester of contingency is from April to September 2023.
2. From the 12-month period, identify the six highest monthly salary credits (MSCs).
3. Add the six highest MSCs identified.
4. Divide the total by 180 days (6 months x 30 days).
   Example: If the sum of the six highest MSCs is PHP 120,000, the ADSC is PHP 120,000 / 180 = PHP 666.67.
5. Next, multiply the ADSC by 100%.
   Example: Daily Maternity Benefit = PHP 666.67 x 100% = PHP 666.67.
6. Finally, multiply the Daily Maternity Benefit by the number of compensable days.
   - For normal delivery and miscarriage: 105 days
   - For cesarean section: 120 days
   - For solo parents: additional 15 days (under the Solo Parents' Welfare Act).
    Example for normal delivery: Total Maternity Benefit = PHP 666.67 x 105 days = PHP 70,000.35.

How to file for the SSS Maternity Benefit?

Your SSS membership type will determine your involvement in filing for the SSS Maternity Benefit. In general, once you fgive birth, you will need to submit the post-delivery document that applies to you:

• For normal delivery: The child's birth certificate is duly registered with the local civil registrar. In cases where the child is a stillborn or a medically aborted fetus, provide a fetal death certificate.
• For caesarean delivery: The child's birth certificate is duly registered with the local civil registrar. In cases where the child is a stillborn or a medically aborted fetus, provide a fetal death certificate.
  
  Documents issued by the hospital indicating the type of delivery:
  Operating room record (ORR)
  Surgical memorandum
  Discharge summary report
  Medical/clinical abstract
  Delivery report
  A detailed invoice showing cesarean delivery charges if the child was delivered abroad.
• For complete miscarriage: Obstetrical history must have the number of pregnancies confirmed by a licensed physician along with their Professional License Number.
  
  Any of the following documents:
  Certified true copy of hospital records
  Dilation and curettage (D&C) report
  Histopathological reports
  Pregnancy test before and after miscarriage
  Ultrasound report indicating the pregnancy
• For ectopic pregnancy: Obstetrical history must have the number of pregnancies confirmed by a licensed physician along with their Professional License Number.
  
  Any of the following documents:
  Certified true copy of hospital records
  Certified true copy of operating room record (ORR)
  Histopathological reports
  Pregnancy tests before and after

To process your claim with SSS, follow these steps based on your membership type:

For privately employed members

1. Once you confirm your pregnancy, inform your employer at least 60 days from the date of conception.
2. Your HR representative will ask you to fill out and submit the SSS Form MAT-1 or Maternity Notification along with proof of pregnancy, such as an ultrasound report and other medical evidence.
3. After giving birth, submit the SSS Form MAT-2 to your employer along with the post-delivery document that applies to you.
4. Once approved, you will receive your allowance.

For newly transferred/unemployed members

1. Notify SSS directly regarding your pregnancy by submitting the SSS MAT-1 form.

2. After your delivery, submit the SSS Form MAT-2 with the appropriate post-delivery document.

3. Once approved, you will receive your allowance.

For self-employed contributors

1. Notify SSS directly about your pregnancy by submitting the SSS MAT-1 form. 
2. Submit the SSS MAT-2 form and the necessary post-delivery documents. 
3. Submit a filled-out SS R-1 form.
4. Once approved, you will receive your allowance.

For voluntary contributors

1. Notify SSS directly about your pregnancy by submitting the SSS MAT-1 form.
2. Submit the SSS MAT-2 form and the necessary post-delivery document.
3. Submit a copy of the SS E-5 Form to the nearest SSS office to receive your benefit.

If you there is no available SSS branch near you, you can opt to file your claim online through the MySSS portal.

How to track your SSS Maternity Benefit claim

After you submit the required forms and documents for your SSS Maternity claim, SSS will notify you of any updates regarding your application. These updates will include the target date for receiving your benefit amount. You can also conveniently monitor the approval progress and disbursement through the MySSS portal and the SSS mobile app.

For more information, visit the SSS website.

Click here for more information on the  SSS Expanded Maternity Leave Law.