Are you pregnant and planning to take a break from work? If yes, then you need to know about the maternity benefits program offered by the Social Security System (SSS). In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for maternity benefits online.
The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines offers a maternity benefit program to eligible female members who give birth, suffer a miscarriage, or experience an ectopic pregnancy. To avail of the benefit, the member must have paid at least three monthly contributions prior to the semester of childbirth, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy.
She must also notify her employer and the SSS about her pregnancy and file for benefits within 60 days from the date of childbirth, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy. The SSS will then provide her with a Maternity Notification Form (MNF), which she and her employer will need to accomplish and submit to the SSS branch where she is paying her contributions.
How to Apply for the SSS Maternity Benefit Online?
Applying for the SSS maternity benefit online is simple and easy. Here are the steps:
1. Go to the SSS website and create an account.
Once you have registered and logged in, you will be directed to the member’s page. On the menu bar, hover your mouse over “Benefits” and then click on “Apply for Maternity Benefit”.
2. A new page will appear “Maternity Benefit Application”
You can click the highlighted words to view the details. Make sure to read the Important Reminders. Then click Proceed.
3. Fill out all the necessary information.
Make sure to fill out all the necessary information on the required field. After filling out, click Proceed.
4. You will be redirected to another page and make sure to choose the correct information.
Check on the required field and choose the correct information then click Proceed.
5. Attach all the documents required.
Make sure to attach all the required documents to proceed. Check on the certification and then click I certify and Submit to proceed.
6. Review everything carefully then click “Ok”.
You will then be given a reference number which you can use to track the status of your application. The SSS will contact you once your application has been processed.
List of Documentary Requirements for Maternity Benefit Application
To qualify for the SSS maternity benefits program, you must meet certain requirements.
For Live Childbirth
- Proof of the Child’s Birth
Any one of the following whichever is applicable:
- Child’s Certificate of Live Birth duly registered with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or
- Report of Child’s Birth issued abroad; or
- Child’s Certificate of Death duly registered with the LCR or issued by the PSA or Issued abroad.
Note: Documents issued in a foreign country shall be submitted with English Translation, If applicable.
For Miscarriage / Emergency Termination of Pregnancy (ETP) Ectopic Pregnancy
- Proof of Pregnancy
- Proof of termination of pregnancy / hospital record.
If Miscarriage
Any one of the following proofs of pregnancy:
- Result of the pregnancy test duly signed by the physician/municipal health officer; or
- Results of other diagnostic tests may include any of the follow:
Ultrasound; or
Blood Pregnancy Test (BETA HCG); or
Early Pregnancy Factor
AND
Any one of the following proofs of termination of pregnancy:
- Pregnancy test result/s; or
- Ultrasound result/s; or
- Histopathological Report.
If H-Mole/Ectopic Pregnancy
- A certified true copy of hospital/medical records stating how the condition was managed.
If Still Birth/ Fetal Death
- Fetal certificate of death/hospital/ medical records
Any one of the following, whichever is applicable:
- Fetal Certificate of Death duly registered with the LCR or issued by the PSA or issued abroad; or
- A certified true copy of hospital / medical records stating the outcome of delivery.
Supporting Documents
If Solo Parent (for a delivery date on or after 11 March 2019 only, applicable to Live Childbirth)
- Solo Parent ID
Any one of the following, whichever is applicable:
- Solo Parent ID issued within (2) years from the date of delivery by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and signed by a Social Worker and the City/Municipal Mayor; or
- Certificate of eligibility of the Solo Parent issued by the LGU and signed by the Social Worker/City/Municipal Mayor, if the ID is not yet available.
If Caesarian Section Delivery
(for a delivery date prior to 11 March 2019 only)
- Hospital record indicating type of contingency
Any one of these documents, whichever is applicable:
- Operating Room Record (ORR); or
- Surgical Memorandum; or
- Discharge Summary Report; or
- Medical/Clinical Abstract; or Delivery Report; or
- A detailed invoice showing caesarian delivery charges, for deliveries abroad only; or
- Similar medical documents submitted indicate the type of contingency.
For SE/VM who was previously employed or a member separated from employment.
- Certificate of Separation from Employment.
If delivery/miscarriage/ETP occurs within the employment period or within six (6) months from her date of separation from employment.
Any one of the following, whichever is applicable:
- Certificate of Separation from Employment indicating the effective date of separation and that no advance payment was granted by the Employer; or
- Affidavit of undertaking indicating the effective date of separation from employment and the no advance payment was granted by the Employer.
Once you have met all the requirements and your application has been approved, you will receive the maternity benefit from the SSS. This can be used to cover medical expenses related to childbirth, such as hospital bills and medicines. Remember, however, that only members who have made at least three monthly contributions prior to the semester of childbirth are entitled to receive the benefit.
How Much is the SSS Maternity Benefit Payout?
The SSS maternity benefit is a benefit given to mothers who are members of the Social Security System in the Philippines. The benefit will depend on the average daily salary credit of the member or the deduction. The maximum amount of SSS maternity Benefit is 72,000 PHP.
List of Valid ID’s
Here are the list of Valid ID’s:
• Passport
• Driver’s License
• SSS ID
• Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) Card
• Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) ID
• Postal ID
• Voter’s ID
• Senior Citizen’s ID
• Barangay Certification with the signature of the Punong Barangay
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
• Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ID
• OFW ID
• Seaman’s Book
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance
• PhilHealth Card or Member Data Record
• Company/Office ID
• School ID (for students)
• Certificate of Employment and/or Compensatory Time-off Certification (for government employees)
• Alien Certification of Registration/Immigrant Certificate of Registration
• Digitized SSS ID Card or the original paper copy.
Note: All documents must be valid and unexpired.
For more information on the Social Security System Maternity Benefits Program, please visit the SSS website. You can also call their 24/7 hotline at Toll-Free No.: 1-800-10-2255777 or email them at member_relations@sss.gov.ph for further inquiries and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you have read the step-by-step guide on how to apply for SSS maternity benefits, you may still have some questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about applying for SSS maternity benefits:
1. What documents should I bring when I submit my application to the SSS Branch?
A: When submitting your application, you should bring the completed SSS maternity benefit application form (Maternity Notification Form or MN1), a valid government-issued ID, and any additional documents that may be required.
2. Can I apply for SSS maternity benefits before I give birth?
A: Yes, you can submit your application as early as four months before your expected delivery date.
3. How long will it take to process my application?
A: The processing time varies depending on the type of benefit you are applying for, but typically takes 1-2 weeks. In some cases, it may take longer if additional documents or information is needed.
4. Is my maternity benefit taxable?
A5: No, your SSS maternity benefit is not subject to withholding tax. However, you will need to declare your benefit when filing your taxes each year.
5. Can I apply for SSS maternity benefits if I am an overseas Filipino worker (OFW)?
A: Yes, OFWs can apply for SSS maternity benefits as long as they have sufficient contributions in their SSS account. The application process for OFWs is slightly different than for local workers, so it is important to contact the nearest SSS branch in your country of residence for more information.
6. What happens if I am unable to meet the requirements for SSS maternity benefits?
A: If you are unable to meet the requirements for SSS maternity benefits, you may still be eligible for other types of government assistance. It is important to contact your local government office or social services agency to explore your options.
7. Is the SSS maternity benefit available to all employees?
A: No, the SSS Maternity Benefit Program is only available to female members of the Social Security System (SSS) and their employers who are registered in the program.
8. How many times can I avail myself of the maternity benefit?
A. You are allowed to claim for up to 4 deliveries in your lifetime as long as you are an SSS member and have satisfied all the necessary requirements.
9. What happens if I am unable to pay the contributions due for my maternity benefit?
A: Your employer is required to make payment of your contribution within 30 days from the filing of your application. If your employer fails to do so, you may directly pay the contributions to any SSS branch. The amount of contribution due and the payment due date will be indicated on your Maternity Benefit Application form.
10. Do I need to report my delivery or childbirth?
A: Yes, you must file a Report of Confinement (ROC) within 60 days from the date of delivery or childbirth. The ROC will contain important details that will help determine the eligibility for benefits and aid in the computation of these benefits.
Summary
For any pregnant woman, the best feeling in the world is undoubtedly giving birth. While it is a difficult process that requires patience and strength, every mother knows how exciting and rewarding it will be once their baby is born into the world. Pregnancy can bring with it an array of emotions but ultimately, when it comes to seeing a newborn healthy baby take its first breaths of life, the feelings of joy and accomplishment are immeasurable. Giving birth is not only a memorable milestone for the parents, but also definitive moment that gives way to a whole new chapter in their lives.
That being said, it is also important to remember that being pregnant and giving birth are expensive endeavors. From prenatal checkups to hospital bills and medication, pregnancy can put a strain on the family’s finances. Thankfully, in the Philippines, those who are employed and registered with the Social Security System (SSS) are eligible for a Maternity Benefit to help offset such costs. Applying for SSS maternity benefits does not have to be a daunting task. With this step-by-step guide, you can now easily apply online and receive your benefits in no time. Just remember to provide all the necessary documents and information accurately so as not to delay the processing of your application.
SSS Contact Information
Customer Service: 1-800-10-2255777
Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph
Website: https://member.sss.gov.ph/members/
