The SSS Maternity Benefit: Days and Cash Computation

The SSS maternity benefit is a cash benefit, paid to a qualifying member, that replaces income around childbirth. Two things decide it: how many days you are entitled to, and how your past contributions set the daily amount.

The number of days

For a live childbirth, whether normal or by caesarean, the benefit covers 105 days. A qualified solo parent gets an extra 15 days, for 120. A miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy is covered for 60 days. The count is in calendar days, and the same figures apply whether it is a first child or a later one.

Who qualifies

You need at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period right before the semester of your childbirth or loss. The benefit is for the member herself, and it follows you as a member rather than depending on a particular employer.

How the cash is computed

The amount rests on your average daily salary credit. The SSS looks at the 12 months before the semester of contingency, takes your six highest monthly salary credits from that window, adds them up, and divides by 180. That gives your average daily salary credit. Multiply it by the number of covered days, 105, 120, or 60, and that is your benefit.

A quick example

Suppose your six highest monthly salary credits each sit at ₱20,000. Their sum is ₱120,000, and divided by 180 that is an average daily salary credit of about ₱667. For a normal live birth of 105 days, the benefit is roughly ₱667 times 105, or about ₱70,000. A solo parent at 120 days would receive more, and a 60-day case less.

To estimate your own benefit, use the maternity benefit calculator.