[Philippines] How to Apply for a Maternity Leave?

To qualify for SSS maternity benefits, the female member must meet the following requirements:

• She must have paid at least three (3) months contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.
• She must have notified her employer of her pregnancy and expected date of delivery if she is employed.
• She must directly notify SSS if she is a voluntary member, an OFW, or a self-employed member.

1. Notify your employer. Maternity notification should be done at least 60 days from the date of conception. Submit the Maternity Notification Form (SSS Form MAT-1) together with your proof of pregnancy like a trans-vaginal ultrasound report to your employer.
2. After giving birth, submit your Maternity Reimbursement Form (SSS MAT-2) to your employer. Requirements vary depending on the type of delivery.

• For Normal Delivery
  • Child's birth or fetal death certificate duly registered with the Local Civil Registrar.
• For Caesarian Delivery
  • Child's birth or fetal death certificate duly registered with the Local Civil Registrar.
  • Any of the following documents issued by the hospital indicating the type of delivery:
    • Operating Room Record (ORR)
    • Surgical Memorandum
    • Discharge Summary Report
    • Medical/Clinical Abstract
    • Delivery Report
    • Detailed invoice showing caesarian delivery charges (for deliveries abroad only)
• For Complete Miscarriage - one in which pregnancy-related tissue has come out of the uterus. This type of miscarriage has happened on its own with no medical intervention. It probably also happened before the end of the first trimester.
  • Obstetrical History indicating the number of pregnancies duly certified by the attending physician with his/her Professional License Number with printed name and signature; and
  • Any of the following:
    • Pregnancy test before and after miscarriage
    • Ultrasound report indicating proof of pregnancy
    • Medical Certificate issued by the attending physician on the circumstance of pregnancy
• For Incomplete Miscarriage - one where only some of the tissues have been expelled. Medication or surgery can be used to remove anything that is remaining.
  • Obstetrical History indicating the number of pregnancies duly certified by the attending physician with his/her Professional License Number with printed name and signature; and
  • Any of the following:
    • Certified true copy of Hospital/Medical Records
    • Dilation & Curettage (D&C) report
    • Histopathological report
    • Pregnancy test before and after miscarriage
    • Ultrasound report indicating proof of pregnancy
• For Ectopic Pregnancy
  • Obstetrical History indicating the number of pregnancies duly certified by the attending physician with his/her Professional License Number with printed name and signature; and
  • Any of the following:
    • Certified true copy of Hospital/Medical Records
    • Certified true copy of ORR
    • Histopathological report
    • Pregnancy test before and after miscarriage