Babies are bundles of joy, but they can also be bundles of expenses! From diapers to formula, the costs of raising a child can quickly add up, especially if you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or a Filipino living abroad.
But did you know that the Social Security System (SSS) Maternity Benefit can help ease the financial burden of pregnancy and childbirth, even if you’re miles away from home?
That’s right! In this article, we’ll show you how OFWs and Filipinos abroad can claim their SSS Maternity Benefit, so you can focus on enjoying the precious moments with your little one, without worrying about the costs.
By the way, my sister-in-law is an OFW and currently living in Qatar. She just claimed her SSS Maternity Benefit and she shared with me how easy and hassle-free it is to file and claim for SSS Maternity Benefit for OFWs online. So sit back and relax as we learn more about this exciting benefit from the Social Security System.
What is SSS Maternity Benefit
The SSS Maternity Benefit is granted to a qualified female worker in every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy regardless of frequency.
The amount of your SSS maternity benefit will depend on your average daily salary credit (ADSC) and the number of your paid contributions.
How much is the Maximum SSS Maternity Benefit
Currently, the maximum maternity benefit a qualified female member may receive is P70,000 (or P80,000 for solo parents).
Prior to Republic Act No. 11210 or the 105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (EMLL), the maximum was P32,000 for normal deliveries and P41,600 for caesarian section deliveries.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you can file and claim your SSS maternity benefit as an OFW, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include SSS membership, contribution requirements, and the type of claim you are making.
SSS Membership
To be eligible for the SSS maternity benefit, you must be an active SSS member. This means that you have registered with the SSS and have been making regular contributions. The following types of SSS members are eligible for the maternity benefit:
- Employed members
- Self-employed members
- Voluntary members
- Non-working spouse members
- Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members
If you are not yet an SSS member, you must first register with the SSS before you can claim your maternity benefit. You can register online or at any SSS branch.
Contribution Requirements
In addition to being an active SSS member, you must also have made 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).
The semester of childbirth refers to the two quarters of the year, January to June and July to December.
The amount of your maternity benefit will depend on your Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC), which is calculated based on your total contributions. The ADSC is used to determine the amount of your daily maternity benefit allowance.
Types of Claims
There are three types of claims that you can make for your SSS maternity benefit:
| Type of Claim | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Maternity Leave Benefit | You must have given birth and have filed your maternity leave application with your employer. |
| Maternity Reimbursement | You must have given birth or suffered a miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP) and have filed your maternity reimbursement application with the SSS. |
| Solo Parent Leave Benefit | You must be a solo parent as defined by Republic Act No. 8972 (Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000) and have filed your solo parent leave application with your employer. |
Make sure to file your claim within the prescribed period to avoid any delays or complications. You can file your claim online or at any SSS branch.
For more information about the eligibility requirements for the SSS maternity benefit, please visit the SSS website.
Maternity Notification
Once you confirm your pregnancy, you need to notify the Social Security System (SSS) of your condition as soon as possible. This notification is a requirement to claim your maternity benefit. Here are the steps to file your maternity notification:
Process
You can either file your maternity notification at the nearest SSS branch or online through the SSS website. Here’s how you can file it online:
- Visit the SSS website and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one by clicking the “Not yet registered in My.SSS?” button.
- Click the “E-Services” tab and select the “Maternity Notification” option.
- Fill out the online form with your personal information, including your SSS number, contact details, and pregnancy details.
- Submit the form and wait for the confirmation message from SSS.
Required Documents
When filing your maternity notification, you need to prepare the following documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Maternity Notification Form (SSS Form MAT-1) | This form is available at any SSS branch or online through the SSS website. |
| Ultrasound Report | This report should indicate your expected delivery date. |
| Marriage Contract | If you’re married, you need to submit a copy of your marriage contract. |
Online Notification
If you choose to submit your maternity notification online, you can do it conveniently from the comfort of your home. Make sure to have all the required documents ready before filling out the online form. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation message from SSS. Keep this message as proof of your notification.
Filing your maternity notification is the first step in claiming your SSS maternity benefit. Make sure to do it as soon as possible to avoid any delays in receiving your benefit.
Maternity Benefit Application
If you are an OFW and want to file and claim your SSS Maternity Benefit, you can do it online through the My.SSS portal on the SSS website. The process is simple and straightforward, and you can do it from the comfort of your home. In this section, we will guide you through the process of applying for your maternity benefit.
Process
The first step in applying for your SSS Maternity Benefit is to notify SSS of your pregnancy. You can do this by submitting your Maternity Notification online through the My.SSS portal. You should do this within 60 days from the date of conception, and not after the delivery, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.
Once your Maternity Notification is approved, you can file your Maternity Benefit Application online through the My.SSS portal. You should do this no later than six months from the date of delivery. You will also need to submit your maternity-related documents, such as your operating room record (if applicable).
After your application is processed, you will receive your Maternity Benefit Computation, which will show the compensable days, average daily salary credit, monthly salary credit, and benefit amount.
Required Documents
When filing your Maternity Benefit Application, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Maternity Notification
- Maternity Benefit Application
- Operating Room Record (if applicable)
- Proof of pregnancy (ultrasound report, medical certificate, etc.)
- Valid ID with photo and signature
Computation
The SSS will compute your Maternity Benefit based on your average daily salary credit and the number of compensable days. The benefit amount shall be equivalent to 100% of your average daily salary credit multiplied by the number of compensable days.
For normal and cesarean section delivery, the number of compensable days is 105 days. The average daily salary credit is based on your monthly salary credit, which is the basis for your SSS contributions.
Now that you know the process, required documents, and computation of your SSS Maternity Benefit, you can file and claim it online through the My.SSS portal. It’s a simple and convenient way to get the benefits you deserve.
Source: SSS rolls out online filing of maternity benefit claims
Claiming SSS Maternity Benefit
Process
To claim your SSS Maternity Benefit, you must submit the following documents to the nearest SSS branch or representative office:
- SSS Maternity Notification
- SSS Maternity Reimbursement Form
- Valid IDs
After submitting the required documents, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt with the date when you can claim your benefit. You can claim your benefit personally or through a representative with an authorization letter and valid IDs.
Required Documents
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free claiming process, make sure to prepare the following documents:
- SSS Maternity Notification – This document will serve as proof of your pregnancy and will be used to determine the start and end of your maternity leave.
- SSS Maternity Reimbursement Form – This form will be used to claim your maternity benefit.
- Valid IDs – Make sure to bring at least two valid IDs, such as your passport, driver’s license, or SSS ID.
Disbursement Account Enrollment Module
To receive your maternity benefit, you must enroll in the SSS Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM). This will allow the SSS to directly deposit your benefit to your bank account or e-wallet. To enroll in the DAEM, follow these steps:
- Log in to your My.SSS account on the SSS website.
- Click on the E-Services tab and select Disbursement Account Enrollment Module.
- Fill out the required information and select your preferred disbursement account.
- Submit your enrollment and wait for confirmation from the SSS.
By enrolling in the DAEM, you can receive your maternity benefit faster and more conveniently. Make sure to enroll as soon as possible to avoid any delays in receiving your financial assistance.
Special Cases
If you experience a special case during your pregnancy, the process for claiming your SSS maternity benefit may differ slightly. Here are some guidelines for each special case:
Miscarriage
If you experience a miscarriage, you need to submit the Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1) to the SSS within 60 days from the date of miscarriage. You also need to submit a medical certificate stating the date of miscarriage and the duration of pregnancy. The SSS will reimburse you 100% of your average daily salary credit for 60 days.
Emergency Termination of Pregnancy
If you have an emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP), you need to submit the Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1) to the SSS within 60 days from the date of ETP. You also need to submit a medical certificate stating the date of ETP and the duration of pregnancy. The SSS will reimburse you 100% of your average daily salary credit for 60 days.
Ectopic Pregnancy
If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you need to submit the Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1) to the SSS within 60 days from the date of diagnosis. You also need to submit a medical certificate stating the date of diagnosis and the duration of pregnancy. The SSS will reimburse you 100% of your average daily salary credit for 60 days.
Stillbirth
If you experience a stillbirth, you need to submit the Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1) to the SSS within 60 days from the date of stillbirth. You also need to submit a medical certificate stating the date of stillbirth and the duration of pregnancy. The SSS will reimburse you 100% of your average daily salary credit for 60 days.
Note that in all of these special cases, you need to register for the Disbursement Account Enrolment Module (DAEM) on the SSS website and submit the necessary documents.
Expanded Maternity Leave Law
If you are an OFW planning to file and claim SSS maternity benefits, it is important to know about the Expanded Maternity Leave Law. This law was implemented on March 11, 2019, and increases the number of compensable days of maternity leave from the initial 60 days for normal delivery or 78 days for caesarian section delivery, to 105 days for live childbirth, regardless of the type of delivery.
Qualifying Conditions
For female OFWs to be eligible for the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, they must have paid at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of their childbirth. They must also have notified their employer of their pregnancy and the expected date of delivery, or have notified the SSS directly if they are self-employed or voluntary members.
Benefit Amount
Under the law, female OFWs are entitled to a daily cash allowance equivalent to 100% of their average daily salary credit for the entire duration of their maternity leave. This is subject to the maximum daily cash allowance provided by law.
Leave Credits
Female OFWs can also allocate up to 7 days of their maternity leave credits to the child’s father, regardless of their marital status. They can also receive an additional 15 days of paid leave if they qualify as a solo parent under the Solo Parent Act of 2000.
When filing for SSS maternity benefit, female OFWs must submit the necessary supporting documents, such as their maternity notification, ultrasound report, and birth certificate of the child. It is important to follow the proper procedures and deadlines to ensure a smooth and successful claim.
Knowing about the Expanded Maternity Leave Law and its provisions can help female OFWs prepare and plan for their maternity leave and benefits.
Other Concerns
Aside from the basic requirements and steps in filing and claiming your SSS maternity benefit, there are other concerns that you might encounter. Here are some of them:
Solo Parents
If you are a solo parent, you may be eligible for additional benefits from the SSS. Make sure to bring your Solo Parent ID and present it to the SSS officer when filing your claim.
Separated from Employment
If you have been separated from your employment, you can still claim your SSS maternity benefit. You just need to present your Certificate of Separation or your Employment Termination Certificate to the SSS officer.
Documentation
Make sure to prepare all the necessary documents when filing your claim. These include your Maternity Notification, Maternity Reimbursement Form (SSS Form MAT-2), valid IDs, and your child’s Birth Certificate. You can also present other supporting documents, such as ultrasound reports or medical certificates.
SSS Mobile App
You can also file and track your SSS maternity benefit claim through the SSS Mobile App. Just download the app on your mobile device and register your SSS account. You can also view your contribution records, loan status, and other SSS transactions through the app.
Call for Problem
If you encounter any problems or have questions about your SSS maternity benefit claim, you can call the SSS hotline at (632) 8920-6446 to 55 or email them at member_relations@sss.gov.ph. You can also visit the nearest SSS branch for assistance.
READ: SSS Maternity Benefits, Requirements, and Computation
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