As you make preparations for the imminent arrival of your little one, it’s important to acquaint yourself with the maternity benefits that the Social Security System (SSS) offers. In the following article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of all the vital details you need to grasp about accessing the SSS maternity benefit, which totals ₱70,000. Keep delving into the article for a wealth of insightful information!
What Are the Maternity Benefits for SSS Members?
Maternity benefits, provided by the SSS, come as a cash allowance for women facing work incapacity due to childbirth or miscarriage/emergency termination of pregnancy. These benefits are available to you irrespective of your employment status, granted you maintain regular monthly contributions. Moreover, these benefits are bestowed in addition to your standard SSS benefits, each with distinct calculations and entitlement criteria.
Implemented on March 11, 2019, the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law redefines post-birth leave for women. It extends the time a woman can take off work following childbirth, from 60 days for normal delivery or 78 days for a C-section, to a comprehensive 105 days. If a woman is the sole parent, an additional 15 days are provided. In the case of a miscarriage or Ectopic Tubal Pregnancy (ETP), a woman is granted a 60-day leave. Moreover, the law demonstrates a significant leap by extending maternity leave for every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage, or ETP, irrespective of occurrence, previously limited to the first four deliveries or miscarriages.
Who is Eligible for the Maternity Benefits?
The SSS maternity benefits are exclusively extended to female SSS members who fulfill the subsequent membership criteria:
1. The member must have remitted a minimum of three (3) monthly contributions within the twelve-month span immediately prior to the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage/emergency termination of pregnancy.
2. For employed members, it’s imperative that their employers are informed about the pregnancy.
3. As for self-employed individuals, those separated from employment, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), it’s crucial that SSS is duly informed about the pregnancy.
Application, Requirements, and Reimbursement Process for SSS Maternity Benefit
The SSS maternity benefit application encompasses two distinct processes: the notification stage and the claims procedure.
Procedures for Notification
Upon discovering your pregnancy as an SSS member, it’s essential to promptly inform either your employer (if you’re employed) or SSS (if you’re self-employed) about the pregnancy within a 60-day window from the date of conception.
Necessary Requirements for Employer or SSS Notification
When notifying your employer or SSS, make sure to have the following prerequisites in order:
1. Maternity Notification Form
2. UMID or SSS biometrics ID card, or two (2) other valid IDs, one of which should have your signature and both should include either a photograph or date of birth.
3. Proof of pregnancy, substantiated by an ultrasound report.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Complete the SSS Maternity Notification Form and send it to your employer or directly to SSS along with your pregnancy evidence.
2a. For Employed Individuals: Once your employer receives your notification, they’re responsible for forwarding your form and pregnancy evidence to SSS. This can be done either in person at an SSS branch or online via the SSS Website (www.sss.gov.ph).
2b. For Unemployed, Self-employed, and Voluntary Members: Notify SSS directly.
Important Reminder
It’s crucial to note that failing to notify either your employer or the SSS about your maternity benefit application could potentially lead to the denial of your application.
To submit maternity notifications online for self-employed, recently separated from employment, and voluntary members, follow these steps:
1. Visit the SSS website and log in using your user ID and password.
2. Navigate to the “e-services” tab and select “SUBMIT MATERNITY NOTIFICATION.”
3. Fill in the necessary employee-member details: SS Number, Expected Date of Delivery, and Allocation of Maternity Leave Credits.
4. Utilize the corresponding buttons for actions such as ADDing another employee, EDITing, DELETing, or CANCELing the transaction.
5. After completing the form, scroll down and click “SUBMIT LIST” to dispatch the employee’s maternity notifications. You can also click “PRINT” for a hard copy of the notification.
6. A transaction number will be generated to serve as proof of your online submission. You can copy this number, print the acknowledgment page, or refer to the email sent to your company’s registered address.
How to Apply for Maternity Benefits Reimbursement
Maternity benefit claims necessitate a personal filing at any SSS branch. While you can lodge your claim at the nearest branch, it will ultimately be processed and reimbursed by the branch where you hold registration.
The filing procedure is straightforward – compile and fulfill the following prerequisites, then present them at the nearest SSS branch.
For SSS Members who are employed:
1. Ensure the Maternity Notification Form is duly stamped and received by SSS.
2. Prepare the Maternity Reimbursement Form.
3. Have your UMID or SSS biometrics ID card ready, or two (2) other valid IDs, both bearing signatures and at least one (1) featuring a photo and date of birth.
For SSS Members who are seperated:
1. Complete the Maternity Reimbursement Form.
2. Provide a Certification from the last employer indicating the effective date of separation from employment or a notice of the company’s closure/strike. Alternatively, submit a certification from the Department of Labor and Employment validating a pending labor case involving the employee or employer.
3. Furnish a Certification confirming no advance payment was granted (if confinement days applied for fall within or before the separation).
4. Have your UMID or SSS biometrics ID card available, or two (2) other valid IDs, both with signatures and at least one (1) including a photo and date of birth.
For Self-Employed/Voluntary Members:
1. Ensure the Maternity Notification Form is duly stamped and received by SSS.
2. Prepare the Maternity Reimbursement Form.
3. Have your UMID or SSS biometrics ID card ready, or two (2) other valid IDs, both bearing signatures and at least one (1) featuring a photo and date of birth.
Additional Requirements:
– For Normal Delivery: Include a certified true or authenticated copy of the duly registered birth certificate. In case of child demise or stillbirth, provide the duly registered death or fetal death certificate.
– For Cesarean Delivery: Furnish a certified or authenticated copy of the duly registered birth certificate, along with a certified true copy of the operating room record/surgical memorandum.
– For Miscarriage or Abortion: Submit an obstetrical history detailing the number of pregnancies, certified by the attending physician. Also, provide the dilatation and curettage (D&C) report for incomplete abortion, pregnancy tests before and after abortion with the age of gestation, and hystopath report for complete abortion.
Calculating Maternity Benefits: A Step-by-Step Guide
Determining your SSS maternity benefits involves a straightforward formula. These benefits are calculated by multiplying 100% of your average daily salary credit (ADSC) with the specific duration: 105 days for normal delivery or cesarean section, and 60 days for miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy. For solo parents, an additional 15 days are granted.
The calculation of the average daily salary credit involves dividing the member’s total salary credits during her reference period by the number of days within that period. This reference period spans the 180 days immediately preceding the onset of her ailment.
Let’s Break Down the Calculations:
To illustrate, if your monthly salary amounts to PHP 30,000 within the timeframe from June 2022 to July 2021, your Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) would equate to PHP 20,000. This leads to a total of PHP 120,000 when combining the six highest MSCs (PHP 20,000 x 6).
For instance, an SSS member boasting an Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) of PHP 666.67, who gives birth through C-section or normal delivery, will be entitled to PHP 70,000 (Php 666.67 x 105 days).
On a different note, a member who undergoes emergency termination of pregnancy or miscarriage will receive PHP 40,000 (Php 666.67 x 60 days).
Moreover, if you happen to be a solo parent, you might qualify for an additional 15 days of paid leave. This amplifies the maternity benefit, which would then be calculated over 120 days, potentially leading to a sum of up to PHP 80,000 (Php 666.67 x 120 days).
A Step-by-Step Guide for Filing
To initiate the process of claiming maternity benefits, follow these steps:
1. In-Person Application at SSS Branch: Head to the nearest SSS branch. Complete the application form and submit the necessary documents. The Social Security Officer will assess your application and make a determination regarding the approval or denial of your claim.
2. Online Filing: Utilize the online option by logging in to your My.SSS account. Fill out the application form and upload the required documents. After your application undergoes processing, you will receive an email notification detailing the outcome of your claim decision.
Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to SSS maternity benefits, knowledge is power. Whether you’re a working mom-to-be or planning for the future, understanding the ins and outs of maternity benefits can make a significant difference. Here, we’ll address the most pressing questions and provide comprehensive insights into the world of maternity benefits.
1. How Long is the Maternity Benefit Period?
The maternity benefit period varies depending on the circumstances. For normal delivery, it spans 105 days. Solo parents are granted an extended period of 120 days. Meanwhile, for miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, the benefit covers 60 days.
2. How Much Can You Expect to Receive?
The amount of your maternity benefit is calculated as 100% of your average daily salary credit, multiplied by the duration of the benefit period. For instance, if your Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) stands at Php 5,000 and you opt for the 105-day maternity leave, your benefits will amount to Php 63,000 (600 x 105).
3. Who Covers the Cost of the Medical Certificate?
The responsibility for the cost of the medical certificate varies. If you’re employed, your company should shoulder this expense. However, if you’re self-employed or a non-working spouse, you’ll be required to cover the cost of the medical certificate.
4. How Can You File a Claim for Maternity Benefits?
Filing a claim for maternity benefits is a straightforward process. You have two options: visit the nearest SSS Branch or opt for the online route by filing through your My.SSS account.
5. Are Additional Documents Required for Filing?
Indeed, additional documents are necessary when filing your claim. Alongside the application form, you’ll need to submit your medical certificate, proof of income, and proof of identity.
6. How Will You Receive Your Maternity Benefit?
Once your claim is approved, the maternity benefit will be disbursed either through direct deposit into your bank account or by check payment.
7. Is Extended Maternity Leave Available for Solo Parents?
Yes, solo parents are eligible for extended maternity leave. An additional 15 days of paid leave is granted. During this period, the maternity benefit calculation would span 120 days, potentially leading to a sum of up to Php 80,000 (666.67 x 120 days).
As you navigate the exciting journey of motherhood, understanding the intricacies of maternity benefits can provide you with financial security and peace of mind. Make informed choices and ensure you’re receiving the support you rightfully deserve.
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