How to File Employer Maternity Notification for Kasambahay 2026

How to File Employer Maternity Notification for Kasambahay 2026

Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Household Employers in the Philippines

As a household employer in the Philippines, you play a vital role not just in managing your home but also in ensuring that your kasambahay (household helper, nanny, caregiver, or driver) receives the government benefits she deserves.

One of the most important responsibilities is filing the SSS Maternity Notificationⓘ when your kasambahay becomes pregnant. This process ensures that your helper can receive her full SSS Maternity Benefitⓘ, and that you as an employer can get reimbursed for the maternity pay you advance to her.

This comprehensive 2026 guide explains the step-by-step process, requirements, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid when filing the Employer Maternity Notification (MAT-1) through the Social Security System (SSS).

What Is the SSS Maternity Notification?

The SSS Maternity Notification (MAT-1) is a form that must be filed before childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency terminationⓘ of pregnancy (ETP).

It serves as official notice to the SSS that a female employee (in this case, your kasambahay) is pregnant and intends to claim maternity benefits.

Once this notice is filed, the SSS verifies the memberTMs eligibility and ensures that her maternity claim can be processed after childbirth through MAT-2 (Maternity Benefit Reimbursement).

' Why ItTMs Important to File the Maternity Notification Early

1. ItTMs a requirement for claiming maternity benefits.
   Without it, your kasambahay cannot receive any SSS maternity payment.
2. It ensures faster reimbursement for employers.
   You, as the employer, must advance her maternity benefit, and SSS reimburses you after filing the MAT-2 form.
3. It verifies eligibility early.
   Filing the notification confirms if your helper has paid the minimum 3 contributions within the qualifying periodⓘ before her expected delivery.

' To easily check this, use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator to determine her qualifying months and estimated benefit amount based on her expected delivery date (EDD).

3/4 EmployerTMs Legal Obligation Under the Kasambahay Law (RA 10361)

All household employers must:
... Register themselves and their kasambahay with SSS.
... Remit SSS contributions monthly or quarterly.
... File maternity notification (MAT-1) before childbirth.
... Advance maternity pay equivalent to the SSS-approved amount.

Failure to comply can result in penaltiesⓘ and disqualification from reimbursement.

"... Step-by-Step Guide: How to File Employer Maternity Notification for Kasambahay (2026)

Step 1 " Confirm Eligibility

Before filing, ensure your kasambahay meets these requirements:

• She is a female SSS member.
• She has paid at least 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before her semester of delivery.
• Her employer (you) is registered in the SSS Household Employer Portal.

(R) Use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator to confirm eligibility.

Step 2 " Secure the Required Documents

Prepare the following:
"" SSS Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1)
(c) Proof of pregnancy " ultrasound report or confinement periodⓘ, and the memberTMs inability to work. For sickness benefits, thi?" title="A medical certificate is a formal document issued by a licensed physician stating the diagnosis, confinement period, and the memberTMs inability to work. For sickness benefits, thi?">medical certificateⓘ signed by a doctor.
" SSS ID or any valid ID of both employer and kasambahay.
' Proof of SSS contribution (recent payment receipts or SSS online printout).

Step 3 " File the Maternity Notification

You can file the MAT-1 in two ways:

Option A: Online via the SSS Portal

1. Log in to your My.SSS Household Employer Account at www.sss.gov.ph.
2. Go to Employer Services ' Submit Maternity Notification.
3. Enter the kasambahayTMs SS number and expected delivery date (EDD).
4. Upload required documentsⓘ (ultrasound/medical certificate).
5. Submit and print the acknowledgment receipt.

Option B: Over-the-Counter (for non-online users)

1. Go to the nearest SSS branch.
2. Submit the MAT-1 form and documents.
3. Request for an acknowledgment stub from the counter.

... Keep the stub safe " youTMll need it for reimbursement later (MAT-2).

Step 4 " Wait for SSS Acknowledgment

Once submitted, the SSS will review and confirm receipt of the notification.
You can monitor the status through your My.SSS portal or by calling the SSS Hotline (1455).

Step 5 " Advance the Maternity Benefit

As the employer, you are required by law to advance the full maternity benefit to your kasambahay at the start of her leave.

After payment, you may file for reimbursement with SSS using Form MAT-2 after she gives birth.

' How Much Maternity Benefit Will Your Kasambahay Receive?

The maternity benefit is based on the memberTMs average Salary Creditⓘ (ADSC) is the average value used to compute daily SSS benefits, including sickness and maternity claims. It is derived from the six highest Monthly?" title="The Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC) is the average value used to compute daily SSS benefits, including sickness and maternity claims. It is derived from the six highest Monthly?">daily salary creditⓘ (ADSC) and the type of delivery.

" Maximum benefitⓘ (2026): '70,000
" Maximum MSC used: '20,000 (even if total with MPF is '35,000)

" Example Scenario

'(c)1/4 MariaTMs Case " Kasambahay in Quezon City

Maria, a kasambahay earning '8,000/month, is due in July 2026. Her employer, Mrs. Dela Cruz, checks her contributions and finds Maria has complete payments from January 2025 to December 2025.

1. Mrs. Dela Cruz logs in to her My.SSS employer account.
2. Files MAT-1 online with ultrasound proof.
3. SSS confirms receipt.
4. Maria receives '21,000 maternity benefit for normal deliveryⓘ.
5. Mrs. Dela Cruz advances the amount and is reimbursed in full after filing MAT-2.

" Full Kasambahay / Household Helper MSC Table 2026

('5,000 " '16,500 Salary Rangeⓘ)

EC applies up to '20,000 MSC only.
Even if paying '35,000 with MPF, only '20,000 MSC counts for maternity computation.

-' When to File the Maternity Notification

"... MAT-1 must be filed before delivery " otherwise, the claim will be denied.

TM Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filing MAT-1 after childbirth
Not uploading ultrasound or proof of pregnancy
Using an incorrect employer registrationⓘ (non-household account)
Missing contribution payments before qualifying period

... Always double-check via My.SSS ' Inquiry ' Contributions.

' Real-Life Stories

Clarisse from Makati

A freelancer-turned-nanny who qualified for maternity benefits after her employer filed MAT-1 properly and reimbursed her full '21,000.

Leah from Iloilo

Her employer filed late " and her benefit claim was denied. Filing MAT-1 early could have saved her '18,000.

TL;DR Summary

"- Check with the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator to confirm qualification before filing.

Final Thoughts

The Employer Maternity Notification (MAT-1) is not just paperwork " itTMs a way to protect and support your kasambahay during one of the most important moments of her life.

By filing early and correctly, you ensure she receives her rightful benefit while you remain fully compliant and eligible for reimbursement.

' Visit the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator today to confirm your helperTMs eligibility and prepare her maternity claim confidently for 2026.

Because when you care for your kasambahayTMs welfare, you strengthen both your home and her future.