How to Avail 70k SSS Maternity Benefits
The Social Security System (SSS) offers maternity benefits to ensure financial support for its female members during one of the most crucial times in their lives: pregnancy and childbirth. Look how to avail 70k SSS maternity benefits, this guide will help you understand the eligibility requirements, application process, and everything in between to make the most of this valuable support.
What Are SSS Maternity Benefits?
SSS maternity benefits are cash allowances granted to female members of the Social Security System (SSS) who cannot work due to childbirth or pregnancy-related events. The goal of these benefits is to provide financial support during the maternity leave period, allowing mothers to focus on their health and their newborns without worrying about their income.
How the 70k Maternity Benefit is Calculated
The maximum SSS maternity benefit is ₱70,000. This amount is based on a specific formula, and not everyone will qualify for the maximum payout. Here’s how the benefit is calculated:
Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC): SSS computes your benefit based on your monthly salary contributions. You calculate the ADSC by dividing your total salary credit by the number of months of your contributions within the relevant 12-month period.
Benefit Formula: The total maternity benefit is computed as 105 days (for normal or cesarean delivery) multiplied by your ADSC. For miscarriages or emergency termination, the benefit is calculated for 60 days.
Maximizing Your Benefit: To receive the ₱70,000 benefit, you need to be in the highest salary bracket, with an average daily salary credit of ₱2,000. The formula would be:
₱2,000 ADSC × 105 days = ₱210,000.
Of this amount, SSS will cover 100% if you are a voluntary member, or the balance after employer maternity benefits if you are employed.
Steps to Claim the SSS Maternity Benefit
Notify Your Employer or SSS
- For Employed Members: You must notify your employer at least 60 days from the date of conception. The employer will then inform SSS about your pregnancy.
- For Voluntary or Self-Employed Members: Notify SSS directly by filing a maternity notification online or visiting an SSS branch.
File Your Maternity Benefit Claim
Filing can be done both online through the SSS member portal or in person. Here’s the process for both:
- Filing Online:
- Log in to your SSS account on the SSS website {www.sss.gov.ph online}.
- Navigate to the E-Services tab and choose “Submit Maternity Notification.”
- Complete the form, upload supporting documents (e.g., ultrasound report, proof of pregnancy), and submit.
- Filing in Person:
- Visit an SSS branch and secure the Maternity Notification form.
- Complete the form, attach the necessary documents, and submit them.
- Wait for the acknowledgment of your notification.
Submit Necessary Documents
Ensure you provide all the required documents to avoid delays. These typically include:
- Maternity Notification form.
- Proof of pregnancy (e.g., ultrasound report).
- Proof of your contributions.
- For employed members, your employer’s certification.
Important Deadlines to Remember
- Maternity Notification Deadline: Notify your employer or SSS within 60 days from conception.
- Filing Deadline for Benefits: Claims can be filed up to 10 years from the date of childbirth or miscarriage. However, it’s best to file as soon as possible to avoid any delays in receiving your benefits.
To avail of SSS maternity benefits, members must meet specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the primary eligibility criteria:
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SSS Membership: The benefit is only available to active SSS members. This includes employed, self-employed, and voluntary members.
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Contribution Requirement: To qualify, you must have at least three (3) monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of your childbirth or miscarriage. For instance, if you’re due in July, your contributions for the previous year, between April and June, will be considered.
- Qualifying Maternity Events: You can claim maternity benefits if you experience any of the following:
- Normal childbirth
- Cesarean delivery
- Miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy
- Stillbirth
- Multiple Births: If you are expecting twins or more, you can still claim maternity benefits, although the computation will remain the same as for single pregnancies.
Can I Still Claim SSS Maternity Benefits if I’ve Resigned?
Yes, you can still claim maternity benefits as long as you meet the contribution requirement, even if you no longer have a job.
Can I Avail of Both SSS and Employer Maternity Benefits?
Yes, employed members can receive both the SSS maternity benefit and employer-provided maternity leave benefits. The employer can advance the SSS benefit and deduct it from the employee’s maternity leave pay.
Can I Avail of the SSS Maternity Benefit More Than Once?
Yes, the SSS allows you to claim maternity benefits for every pregnancy, provided you meet the contribution requirements for each claim.
SSS maternity benefits provide significant financial support for mothers during childbirth. By understanding the eligibility criteria, keeping your contributions up to date, and filing your claims correctly and on time, you can maximize your maternity benefit and potentially receive the maximum of ₱70,000. Ensure you follow the steps outlined in this guide to make the most out of your SSS benefits during this important stage of your life.