Below is a comprehensive discussion of the Philippine Social Security System (SSS) Maternity Benefit, focusing on a scenario where a female member has resigned or is no longer employed at the time she gives birth (or experiences a miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy). This article covers the relevant laws, eligibility requirements, procedures, and frequently asked questions, to give you a thorough understanding of what you need to know.

1. Legal Framework

Social Security Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8282)
- Governs the administration of Social Security System benefits, including maternity benefits.
Expanded Maternity Leave Law (Republic Act No. 11210)
- Enacted in 2019, it extends the period of paid maternity leave to 105 days for live birth (additional 15 days for solo parents), and 60 days for miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy. This law applies to female workers in the government and private sectors, including those in the informal economy, as long as they are SSS members (for private sector/informal).
SSS Circulars and Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
- The SSS issues circulars and IRRs that detail the guidelines on how to avail of the benefits, including documentation requirements.

2. Eligibility for Maternity Benefit (General Rules)

Whether employed, unemployed, or voluntarily paying into the SSS, a female member must fulfill certain conditions to qualify for maternity benefits:

At Least Three (3) Monthly Contributions Within 12 Months Before the Semester of Contingency
- A “semester” in SSS parlance is two consecutive quarters (6 months).
- The 12-month period considered is the 12 months immediately before the semester in which the childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy occurs.
- For instance, if the expected date of childbirth is in September 2025, the semester of contingency is July–December 2025. The 12 months before this semester are July 2024 to June 2025. A member must have at least 3 posted contributions within that July 2024 to June 2025 period to qualify.
Notification Requirement
- The SSS generally requires female members to submit a Maternity Notification (MAT-1 form) before or immediately after conception (or as soon as reasonably possible).
- If still employed at the time of pregnancy, the employer typically submits this on behalf of the employee.
- If already resigned or unemployed, the member must submit the MAT-1 form directly to the SSS through the My.SSS portal or in person at an SSS branch.
Proof of Pregnancy or Birth
- The member must submit additional documents as required by the SSS, such as an ultrasound report, obstetrical history, birth certificate (for live birth), or medical certificate (for miscarriage or termination of pregnancy).

3. Maternity Benefits for Resigned or Separated Employees

3.1 Continuity of Coverage

If you resign from your job but have been a paying member of the SSS (through monthly salary deduction when employed or by switching to voluntary contribution), you continue to be covered by SSS as long as your monthly contributions are up to date.
You do not lose your right to maternity benefit simply by resigning, provided you meet the minimum contribution requirement.

3.2 Voluntary Membership After Resignation

Many individuals who resign from formal employment transition to Voluntary Member status.
By paying monthly or quarterly contributions as a Voluntary Member, you ensure your SSS coverage (including maternity benefit) remains intact.
The SSS encourages continuous payment of contributions to maintain eligibility for maternity, sickness, disability, retirement, and other benefits.

3.3 Eligibility Determination

Even if you have resigned, as long as:
1. You have at least three (3) posted contributions within the 12 months before the semester of your childbirth, miscarriage, or termination date;
2. You have submitted or will submit a valid Maternity Notification (MAT-1);
  you are entitled to receive the SSS maternity benefit.

4. Amount and Duration of Maternity Benefit

Amount of Benefit
- Under the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, an eligible female member is entitled to 105 days of paid maternity leave for live birth.
- For solo parents (as defined by the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act), an additional 15 days (making a total of 120 days) is granted.
- In cases of miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, the benefit is 60 days of paid leave.
- SSS Computation: The daily maternity benefit is computed based on the member’s Average Daily Salary Credit (ADSC).
  - ADSC generally uses the highest 6 consecutive monthly salary credits (within the 12 months before the semester of contingency) divided by 180 days.
  - The total SSS maternity benefit = ADSC × the number of maternity leave days.
Funding Source
- For employed members, the employer usually advances the payment of the SSS maternity benefit and is later reimbursed by SSS.
- For voluntarily paying members or unemployed members, the SSS releases the benefit directly to the member.

5. Step-by-Step Process to Avail the Benefit (After Resignation)

Below is a general process if you are no longer employed at the time of your maternity claim:

Switch to Voluntary Member Status (If Applicable)
- After resigning, coordinate with the SSS to update your membership status from Employed to Voluntary.
- Ensure that your contributions continue to be remitted in a timely manner.
Submit Maternity Notification (MAT-1)
- Submit your MAT-1 (Maternity Notification) along with proof of pregnancy (e.g., ultrasound report) through the My.SSS online platform or by visiting the nearest SSS branch.
- It is highly recommended to submit this as early as possible during your pregnancy to avoid complications later.
Complete the Required Number of Contributions
- Verify your posted contributions through your My.SSS account.
- Make sure you have contributed at least three months within the 12-month period before the semester of childbirth or miscarriage.
Give Birth or Obtain Medical Certificate (In Case of Miscarriage)
- Secure the Certificate of Live Birth (duly registered) if you have given birth.
- If a miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy has occurred, obtain a medical certificate or appropriate hospital records.
File Maternity Benefit Application (MAT-2)
- After the birth (or miscarriage), file your Maternity Benefit Application (MAT-2) along with the required documents:
  - Original or certified true copy of the birth certificate (for live birth) or medical certificate (for miscarriage).
  - Valid IDs and other supporting documents as required by SSS.
- This can be done online (if available) or through an SSS branch.
Wait for SSS Approval and Disbursement
- If all documents are in order, SSS will process the claim.
- Once approved, the benefit amount is deposited directly to your chosen bank account or disbursed through other SSS-accredited payment channels.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be currently employed to avail of the SSS Maternity Benefit?
- No. You just need to have the necessary monthly contributions and satisfy the other requirements (including timely filing of notifications and claims).
If I resigned before I became pregnant, can I still get the benefit?
- Yes, as long as you have three posted contributions in the 12 months before the semester of your childbirth or miscarriage. You may continue paying as a Voluntary Member to ensure eligibility.
Do I have to notify my former employer?
- If you are no longer employed, you do not have to notify your former employer. You must, however, submit your Maternity Notification directly to the SSS.
What if I forgot to submit MAT-1 before giving birth?
- While it is strongly recommended to submit MAT-1 before childbirth, you may still file it after giving birth. The SSS might require additional documentation or justification. Always check with your SSS branch for specific instructions.
When should I file MAT-2?
- You may file MAT-2 after you have given birth or after the date of miscarriage, along with the required supporting documents.
How soon will I receive the Maternity Benefit?
- Processing times vary, but once SSS confirms that all requirements have been met, the claim is usually processed within a few weeks. The funds are then credited via the chosen disbursement method.
Is there a deadline or prescriptive period to file for the Maternity Benefit?
- Under the Social Security Act, you generally have ten (10) years from the date of the contingency (childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy) to file a claim. However, it is strongly advised to file as soon as possible to avoid complications.

7. Practical Tips and Reminders

Keep Track of Your Contributions
- Use your My.SSS account or request an SSS printout to ensure your monthly contributions are correctly posted.
Avoid Gaps in Contributions
- Even if you have resigned or switched jobs, make it a priority to continue your SSS payments if feasible. Gaps in contributions can affect not just your maternity benefit but also other SSS benefits (like sickness, disability, and retirement).
Maintain Good Documentation
- Keep copies of all forms (MAT-1, MAT-2, proof of pregnancy, birth certificate, etc.) and official receipts for any SSS contributions.
Stay Updated on Policy Changes
- The SSS may revise guidelines or release new circulars. Check SSS announcements periodically to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.
Engage with SSS Early
- In case of doubts or changes in life circumstances (resignation, change of address, pregnancy), get in touch with the SSS early on to clarify any issues and avoid last-minute complications.

8. Conclusion

The SSS Maternity Benefit is a critical safety net for all female SSS members, including those who have resigned or separated from employment. The key is to ensure that you remain eligible by having sufficient contributions, submitting required forms (MAT-1, MAT-2) on time, and keeping good records. Whether you become a Voluntary Member or already have the qualifying contributions from your previous employment, you retain the right to this benefit as long as you meet the fundamental requirements.

Should you have specific or nuanced questions—especially regarding computation, deadlines, or unique situations—it is best to consult directly with the SSS or seek advice from a legal professional knowledgeable in labor and social security law in the Philippines.