Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience, and every mother deserves the support and care she needs during this special time.
This is where the Social Security System (SSS) Maternity Benefit comes in, providing financial assistance to female members who cannot work due to pregnancy and childbirth.
But what if you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or a Filipino living abroad? Can you still avail of this benefit?
The good news is, yes, you can!
In this article, we will explore how OFWs and Filipinos abroad can claim their SSS Maternity Benefit, so that they too can receive the support they need during this important time in their lives.
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.
Eligibility Requirements for OFWs
If you are an OFW or a Filipino residing abroad, you are still eligible to claim your SSS maternity benefit. However, you must meet certain requirements to qualify for the benefit:
- You must be an SSS member with at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of the childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP).
- You must have given birth or suffered a miscarriage or ETP while you were an active SSS member.
- You must have notified the SSS of your pregnancy by filing the Maternity Notification (MAT-1) form.
- You must have submitted the Maternity Reimbursement Form (MAT-2) and other required documents to the SSS.
It is important to note that you can only claim your SSS maternity benefit within the next ten years from the date of delivery, miscarriage, or ETP. Failure to claim your benefit within this period will result in the forfeiture of your benefit.
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can claim your SSS maternity benefit as an OFW or a Filipino residing abroad. Keep in mind that the process may differ slightly depending on your location. You can either go to your nearest SSS branch or submit the required documents online. Make sure to follow the necessary steps and submit all the required documents to avoid any delays in processing your claim.
How to Claim SSS Maternity Benefit Even if You’re Abroad
If you’re an OFW or a Filipino residing abroad, you can still claim your SSS maternity benefit. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
The first thing you need to do is to prepare the necessary documents. These include:
- Maternity Reimbursement Form (SSS Form MAT-2)
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Valid IDs (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Proof of SSS membership (SSS ID, E1 Form, etc.)
- Proof of pregnancy (ultrasound report, medical certificate, etc.)
Make sure that all the documents are complete and valid. You can download the Maternity Reimbursement Form from the SSS website.
Step 2: Submit the Requirements to the Nearest SSS Office
Once you have all the required documents, you can submit them to the nearest SSS office. You can also submit the documents online through the SSS website.
Here are the steps to submit the documents online:
- Register for Disbursement Account Enrolment Module (DAEM) on the SSS website.
- Log in to your SSS account and click the “e-Services” tab.
- Click “Submit Maternity Notification” and supply the required information.
- Attach the necessary documents and submit your claim.
After submitting your claim, wait for the SSS to process it. You will receive a notification once your claim has been processed.
Step 3: Wait for the Processing of Your Claim
The processing time for SSS maternity benefit claims may vary. It usually takes around 2-3 weeks for the SSS to process the claim and release the benefit. You can check the status of your claim online through the SSS website.
Once your claim has been approved, the SSS will release the benefit to your chosen disbursement account. You can choose to receive the benefit through your bank account or through a remittance center.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are an OFW or a Filipino residing abroad, you may have some questions about claiming your SSS maternity benefit. Here are some frequently asked questions:
1. How do I claim my SSS maternity benefit?
You can claim your SSS maternity benefit by registering for the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) on the SSS website or by submitting the necessary documents to your nearest SSS branch. The main requirements include the Maternity Reimbursement Form (SSS Form MAT-2) and your medical certificate or ultrasound report.
2. How long do I have to claim my SSS maternity benefit?
You can claim your SSS maternity benefit within the next ten years from the date of delivery or miscarriage.
3. How much is the SSS maternity benefit?
The amount of your SSS maternity benefit will depend on your average daily salary credit (ADSC) and the number of your paid contributions. You can use the SSS maternity benefit calculator on the SSS website to estimate your benefit amount.
Currently, the maximum maternity benefit a qualified female member may receive is P70,000 (or P80,000 for solo parents). Prior to said laws, the maximum was P32,000 for normal deliveries and P41,600 for caesarian section deliveries.
4. Can I claim my SSS maternity benefit if I give birth abroad?
Yes, you can claim your SSS maternity benefit even if you give birth abroad as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documents.
5. Can I file my SSS maternity benefit application online?
Yes, you can file your SSS maternity benefit application online through the My.SSS portal on the SSS website. The online filing of Maternity Benefit Applications (MBA) and Maternity Benefit Reimbursement Applications (MBRA) started on May 31, 2021.
6. Can I pay my SSS contributions online?
Yes, you can pay your SSS contributions online through the SSS website or through authorized payment centers such as banks and payment kiosks.
7. Can I still claim my SSS maternity benefit for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy?
Yes, you can still claim your SSS maternity benefit for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, but the amount of benefit will be lower at 60% of your ADSC.
Claiming SSS Maternity Benefit for OFWs: A Recap
If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or a Filipino residing abroad, you can still claim your SSS maternity benefit. Here’s a quick recap on how to claim your benefit:
- Register for the Disbursement Account Enrolment Module (DAEM) on the SSS website.
- Submit the necessary documents to the nearest SSS branch or online:
- Maternity Notification (SSS Form MAT-1) duly stamped and received by SSS after the 60th day of pregnancy and before the delivery date of the child
- Maternity Reimbursement Form (SSS Form MAT-2)
- Proof of pregnancy
- Proof of identity
- Proof of SSS membership
- Wait for the processing of your claim. The processing time may vary, but you can check the status of your claim through the SSS website or by calling the SSS hotline.
- Once your claim is approved, your benefit will be credited to your designated bank account.
Remember that to qualify for the SSS maternity benefit, you must have at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of the childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP).
Also, take note that the SSS maternity benefit can be claimed within the next ten years, so you do not need to worry if you were not able to claim it immediately after giving birth.
Claiming your SSS maternity benefit as an OFW or a Filipino residing abroad may seem daunting, but it is a process that you can easily accomplish. Just make sure to follow the necessary steps and submit the required documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free claim.