Who Should File the SSS Maternity Benefit for Kasambahay 2026?

Who Should File the SSS Maternity Benefit for Kasambahay 2026?

Becoming a mother is one of lifeTMs most transformative experiences " and for many kasambahays (household helpers), it can also be one of the most financially challenging. The SSS Maternity Benefitⓘ serves as a safety net, ensuring that mothers receive financial support during pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related complications.

But one common question among kasambahays and their employers is:
' Who should file the SSS Maternity Benefit in 2026 " the kasambahay or the employer?

In this comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide, weTMll explain who files the maternity benefit, how the process works, and what each partyTMs responsibilities are, following SSS rules and the Kasambahay Law (RA 10361).

What Is SSS Maternity Benefit?

The SSS Maternity Benefit is a cash allowance given to female SSS members who cannot work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or early termination of pregnancy. It aims to support mothers during recovery, covering essential expenses while they are on leave.

Under the Kasambahay Law, household employers are mandated to register their kasambahays with SSS and pay their monthly contributions. This coverage ensures that kasambahays enjoy the same rights as regular employees, including access to maternity benefits, sickness, and retirement benefits.

3/4 Who Should File the SSS Maternity Benefit?

The household employer is responsible for filing the SSS Maternity Benefit Reimbursement on behalf of the kasambahay.

HereTMs the key rule:

" The sickness benefitⓘ to their employees and later seek reimbursement from SSS. This ensures employees?" title="Employer Advance Payment refers to the rule that employers must initially pay the sickness benefit to their employees and later seek reimbursement from SSS. This ensures employees?">employer advancesⓘ the full maternity benefit to the kasambahay, and then files a Required documentsⓘ include the Sickness Notification, medical records, attendance l?" title="A Reimbursement Claim is filed by employers to recover sickness benefits advanced to employees. Required documents include the Sickness Notification, medical records, attendance l?">reimbursement claimⓘ from SSS.

This means that:

• The kasambahay receives her maternity pay directly from her employer before or after delivery.
• The employer then submits all documents to SSS to get reimbursed for the full benefit amount.

Why Employers File the Claim

Under SSS Circular No. 2019-009, the SSS maternity reimbursementⓘ system is designed to ensure that employed women " including kasambahays " receive financial support without delay. The SSS releases payment to the employer, not the employee, since the employer already advanced the funds.

- KasambahayTMs Role in the Filing Process

While the employer handles the reimbursement, the kasambahay also has responsibilities. She must:

1. Notify her employer and SSS of her pregnancy immediately after confirmation.
2. Provide proof of pregnancy (such as an ultrasound 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ⓘ).
3. Submit required documents like:

• Maternity Notificationⓘ Form
• Valid SSS ID or UMID
• Proof of contributions (if available)

Without this notification, the employer cannot file the claim for reimbursement.

EmployerTMs Responsibilities in Filing

HereTMs what employers need to do step-by-step:

Step 1: File Maternity Notification

The employer must file a Maternity Notification with SSS before childbirth or miscarriage.

How to File:

• Online via My.SSS

1. Log in to My.SSS
2. Go to Maternity Notification
3. Upload pregnancy proof (ultrasound or pregnancy test)
4. Print the acknowledgment receipt

• Over-the-Counter

1. Visit the nearest SSS branch
2. Submit the Maternity Notification Form and pregnancy proof
3. Present valid IDs (employer and employee)

-" Deadline: Must be filed before the date of delivery or miscarriage.

Step 2: Advance the Benefit to the Kasambahay

Once approved, the employer must advance 100% of the maternity benefit to the kasambahay.

This payment should cover:

• 105 days for normal or cesarean deliveryⓘ
• 120 days if the kasambahay is a solo parent
• 60 days for miscarriage, stillbirth, or early termination

Step 3: File the Maternity Benefit Reimbursement

After childbirth, the employer files for reimbursement with SSS.

Documents Required:

• Maternity Benefit Reimbursement Form (MAT-2)
• Maternity Notification Confirmation
• ChildTMs Birth Certificate (or Fetal Death Certificateⓘ, if applicable)
• Proof of advanced payment to the kasambahay
• Valid IDs of both employer and employee

Where to File:

• Online via My.SSS (recommended), or
• At the nearest SSS branch

-" Processing timeⓘ: 7"14 working days upon submission of complete documents.

Step 4: Receive the Reimbursement

SSS will credit the reimbursement directly to the employerTMs enrolled bank account, after verifying all records and payments.

... Employers must ensure all SSS contributions are up to date before filing.

' degrees How Much Is the Maternity Benefit?

The benefit is based on the 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) of the kasambahay.

Formula:

Maternity Benefit = (Average Daily Salary Credit - Number of Days)

Note: Even if the total contributions include MPF up to '35,000, SSS only considers '20,000 MSC for maternity computations.

"... Qualifying Period Explained

The qualifying periodⓘ determines if the kasambahay is eligible for benefits.

If her Expected Delivery Date (EDD) is August 2026:

• Semester of contingencyⓘ: April"September 2026
• Qualifying period: April 2025"March 2026

... She must have at least 3 contributions within that qualifying period.

SSS Contribution Table for Kasambahays 2026

Below is the 2026 Kasambahay / Household Helper MSC Table, which shows the contribution breakdown by salary.

Full Kasambahay / Household Helper MSC Table 2026 ('5,000 " '16,500 Salary Range)

Notes:

• For salaries below '5,000, the employer pays the full contribution.
• For '5,000 and above, the contribution is shared between employer and kasambahay.
• The EC contributionⓘ applies up to '20,000 MSC only.

'" Check Eligibility Instantly

Not sure if your kasambahay qualifies?
You can instantly check using the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator.

This free online tool allows you to:

• Verify the qualifying period
• Estimate maternity benefit amount
• Check contribution compliance

Perfect for both employers and kasambahays before filing.

- Maternity Benefit Limits 2026

Note: Even if total contributions reach '35,000 MSC (with MPF), only '20,000 MSC is used in maternity benefit computations.

Quick Summary: Filing Responsibility

' Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Employer fails to file maternity notification before childbirth
Kasambahay not registered with SSS
Contributions not updated before EDD
Missing proof of benefit payment to kasambahay

... Always verify contributions and disbursement registration in My.SSS.

Final Thoughts

The SSS Maternity Benefit for Kasambahays 2026 is more than financial aid " itTMs a form of protection and respect for hardworking women in Filipino households.

Employers play a vital role by filing and advancing the benefit, ensuring their helpers receive the care they deserve during pregnancy.

To avoid errors, use the SSS Maternity Benefits Calculator before applying.
It only takes a few minutes to check eligibility, confirm your contributions, and secure your kasambahayTMs maternity rights.

Because when you support your kasambahay, youTMre also supporting a motherTMs hope for a better future. '-