I wanted to do this post because I remembered when I was preparing for my own SSS and PhilHealth papers, I had a hard time looking for complete requirements and specific procedures on how to file for these government benefits, more specifically, the Maternity Benefit from SSS. There were limited sources on the Internet and nothing really personal. I think I had a difficult time because I was looking for someone’s own experience of the whole process (and not just from SSS and PhilHealth’s official websites) so that I wouldn’t have to waste time waiting in long lines (‘coz we know lines in government offices are LONG), just to be told that I have to come back because my requirements are incomplete or something.
So after doing research over the internet, I finally felt that I had everything I needed. I’ve always had the notion that when dealing with the government you’d be faced with incompetent and corrupt people (so you have to make sure that you have everything perfect), but surprisingly, in this whole journey of finally being able to get something back from the government, I didn’t have any major problems. It was a breeze. The government employees were not particularly pleasant but they got the job done. Good job. 🙂
Here’s what I did and where I filed my papers. Let’s see if I remember it right (eep!). I hope other expectant moms will find this post helpful. 🙂
By the way, all these is assuming that you are paying your SSS and PhilHealth fees. Also, I filed under self-employed. I believe the procedures and requirements for self-employed individuals are shorter and quicker.
To Claim PhilHealth Benefits
The Philhealth benefit was deducted from our hospital bill. Cardinal Santos Medical Center already had the papers prepared for us. I just had to fill up the CF1 form and they needed a copy of my Philhealth ID. Forms CF2 and CF3 were already prepared by the hospital.
You can download the forms here.
Getting my Philhealth ID was super easy, and FREE. Would you believe there’s still something free you can get from the government?!?! Anyway, these government satellite offices are so convenient, too. My husband and I went to Robinson’s Galleria Lingkod Pinoy area to get our IDs.
What You Need
1. Copy of your ID (Driver’s License or Passport)
2. Marriage Certificate (if you plan to change your name to your married name)
3. PhilHealth Number
Procedure
The PhilHealth satellite office in Robinson’s Galleria didn’t have a real office space. There was just a counter. We told the people behind the counter that we wanted to get our IDs so they had us fill out a form. We submitted the other requirements, and they printed our updated MDR and new IDs within minutes. It was so quick I loved it!
To Claim SSS Benefits
After all these years, I still haven’t applied for my SSS ID. I never really felt the need to get it. I mean, you just need the SSS number, right? Well, like I said before, you don’t want to have any mistakes when claiming your benefits from the government. So, I went and applied (not for my SSS ID) for the UMID (or the Unified Multi-Purpose ID), thinking I could use it anywhere. By the way, it’s FREE, too. 🙂
I got my UMID about a month and a half after applying for it.
How To Get UMID
What You Need
1. ID (Driver’s License or Passport)
2. Accomplished form (download here)
Procedure
We just passed the requirements. They digitally took our photos and signature. The acknowledgement stub was given back to us. Done! We just waited for it to be delivered to our house.
Reading about this UMID, I thought, other government bodies (at least PhilHealth) would honor this ID. Unfortunately, not all government employees are familiar with this. When I asked someone from PhilHealth if I could use my UMID, she just gave me a blank stare. She didn’t know about it. UMID seems just like your ordinary SSS ID.
Anyway, I’ve always tried doing chores and planning our schedules as efficiently as I could. For instance, when I planned to get our UMID, I also scheduled to submit my maternity notice form. You should submit your Maternity Notice Form at least 60 days from the date of conception.
Part 1: Submit Maternity Notice Form
We went to SSS Branch: F. Blumentritt because there were less people there according to my brother-in-law. I also found the employees there nice and accommodating.
What You Need
1. Accomplished SSS Maternity Notification Form. Unfortunately, the one I downloaded over the Internet was outdated so I filled out the new form at their office. I just asked the nice guy giving out queue numbers what form I needed.
2. Proof of pregnancy. I brought my first ultrasound result.
3. SSS ID or UMID or 2 Valid IDs. Since I was just about to apply for my ID, I brought my passport and driver’s license.
Procedure
I just submitted the form and requirements. It was stamped and returned to me immediately. These would have to be filed together with other requirements after I give birth.
Note: When filing for your reimbursement, you will have to wait for the certified true or authenticated copy of your child’s duly registered birth certificate. We waited until we got a copy from city hall (for a small fee, the person handling birth certificates in Cardinal Santos Medical Center handled this for us).
Part 2: Reimbursement Process
What You Need
1. Stamped Maternity Notification Form
2. Accomplished MAT-2 Form (Maternity Reimbursement Form)
3. SSS ID/UMID and the “Pink” paper (SS Form E-1)
4. Certified true or authenticated copy of your child’s duly registered birth certificate
Procedure
Just submit all forms and requirements. The person I dealt with asked to see the original authenticated copy of Light’s birth certificate but returned it back to me right after. The acknowledgement stub was handed to me and that was it. After a month I got my reimbursement cheque already. 🙂
Last Tip: Bring both the original and photocopies of your IDs. Some government employees would ask for the original. It’s always better to be prepared. 🙂
UPDATE January 2018: There’s a new form for self employed members in the reimbursement process. Get the form here. You will also need to photocopy your ATM card, write down your bank account number and account name, and bank branch on it. Make sure it’s a personal account. Your SSS benefit will be deposited to your account, not sent through mail anymore. This is SSS’ SMEC-PB program. I got mine about 1 month after submitting my requirements. 🙂
View Comments (92)
I just want to ask how about on ny 5th baby can i still get maternity benefits even i didnt use my sss frm my 3 deliveries...
Hi Mayet! Hmm.. I'm not sure about your situation. I think it's best you call the SSS office and just ask them. Call the branch that you plan to go to.
Just want to ask how much did u get?? Just for me to know thanks
Oh my, I think it was less than 10k only. I forgot already. The last time I proceesed my papers for my second pregnancy, they actually showed me how much I would be getting. So maybe you can ask them when you file your papers. :)
Kahit po ba 5 months lng yung nahulog mkakakuha pa rin po ba ako sa sss. This coming November po kc due date ko.
Hi Haidie! Here's what I found on the SSS official website.
"A member is qualified to avail of this benefit if:
She has paid at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage.
She has given the required notification of her pregnancy to SSS through her employer if employed; or submitted the maternity notification directly to the SSS if separated from employment, a voluntary or self-employed member.
The maternity benefit shall be paid only for the first four (4) deliveries or miscarriages starting May 24, 1997 when the Social Security Act of 1997 (RA 8282) took effect."
Hi Is it okay if i will just submit my E1 form? because i don't have SSS ID yet :(
Hi Mommy Juvie! Yes you can. It's what I did before because I still didn't have my SSS ID. I suggest getting the UMID also when you're there filing your Maternity Notice so you'll have an ID.
thanks
Mahahabol pa po ba yng sss ko nanganak na po kse ako isang buwan lng po hinulugan ng opis nmin yng sss ko nung dec lng po nag start po ako nag work Oct 2015...
Hi Kathrina, here's what I found on the SSS official site.
"She has paid at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage."
So if your employer has been paying since December 2015 until maybe last month July 2016, you should be qualified. :)
Wala pong hulog ang January to July 2016 wala na po akong work :) salamat pro :)
Hi Kathrina, I'm really not an expert in this haha. But it says in their requirements that you have to pay 3 monthly distributions in order to be qualified. I think you should ask them directly to be sure. :)
How long po makukuha ang maternity benefits.? Ceasarean po? Thanks
Hi Lyhn! I got mine a month after I filed my papers. I'm not sure if there's a difference if you're CS. There shouldn't be I think. Maybe you can ask them directly when you file your papers. :)
hello I will be giving birth this dec. tpos my 1 month hulog po aq s sss..paghinulugan ko kaya ngaun yan mkkhabol po kaya aq s mternity benefit im 5 months pregnang po.tnx
Hi mommy! The requirement states 3 monthly contributions so perhaps you can still avail for the benefit. Ask SSS directly to be sure. :)
Hi po ask ko lang kung magkano ung makuha sa sss maternity benefit?
Hi Gil. I found this on the official website of the SSS.
"For example, let us say that an SSS member gives birth in December 2013.
- The semester of contingency would be from July 2013 to December 2013.
- The 12-month period before the semester of contingency would be from July 2012 to June 2013.
- Let us assume that the six highest monthly salary credits are P15,000 each. Thus, the total monthly salary credit would be P90,000 (P15, 000 x 6).
- The daily maternity allowance would be P500 (P90,000/180).
- The total maternity benefit due would be P30,000 (P500 x 60 days) for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy not requiring operation, or P39,000 (P500 x 78) for caesarian cases or ectopic pregnancy requiring operation."
So you get the 6 highest monthly salary.You add those and divide by 180 days to get the daily allowance. Multiply that by 60 days for normal delivery or 78 days for CS.
hi ask ko lang,, since may 60/78 days maternity leave sa company, Continue pa din ba si employer na magbayad ng mga contributions? sa sss, philhealth, pag ibig.
Hi Denson! I'm not really sure about that. I think you should ask the company. :)
Hi!
Not sure if you have any idea but what about if you'll give birth abroad and cannot provide the original forms and IDs immediately (wont be able to visit any branch as well)? I am paying voluntary and was not able to inform SSS ahead of time. Im due next week and not sure if I could still claim the benefit given Im not in the Philippines anymore.
Thanks! ?
Hi Claire! I'm sorry but I'm not sure about your situation. One of the requirements is to submit the notification to SSS so you can be qualified. I think it's best to ask an SSS personnel directly. :)
Hi ! Good day,
ask q lng po member na po ako ng sss since 2004 wala pa po akong hulog kahit na isa..makakapag avail po ba ako ng maternity benefits qng magstart na po ako maghulog this coming September 2016 as voluntary..ang Due date q po is April 2016..maraming salamat po.sana matulungan nyo po ako.
Hi Cristy! I'm not really sure but if we base it on their requirements, you only need to be paying "at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage". So you should be qualified already even if you only start paying this month (September). Double check with SSS also to be sure. :) I'm really not an expert. :)
Were you able to inquire? We have the same case.. same edc.. technically, you can still pay for sept til dec 2016 to avail of maternity benefits. That is if you are sure you will really deliver by april. For the semester of contingency would be jan til june 2017. Sometimes considering that the labor could still be from march until your edc of april if its first week such in my case, the contribution that would only qualify would be your sept. In that case, the semester of contingency will be from oct 2016 til march 2017. So you will not have claims if that would only be one month even if you paid for oct til dec. Anyway if its 2nd week of april onwards, it would be still safe to pay your contributions until december.. it is still great help. I think for minimum you could get at least 15k not sure.. ive learned my lesson the hard way so maximize this maternity benefit.. Godbless u n ur baby..
Hi Cristine. This is very helpful information. As you might've read, we have a lot of concerns from mommies about this topic. :) Thank you!