MOM MATTERS: SSS Requirements for Maternity Benefit and Reimbursement

It's my eight month in the pregnancy and one of the many things I also prepare for aside from cute little clothes, tiny socks and mittens, feeding bottles, etc. are documents to claim benefits from SSS and Philhealth. Being a practical person, I always organize my files and prepare documents way ahead of time so I won't have problems when the time comes that I need it. Or in my case, I would want everything in easy access for my husband so he knows what to do when I can't do it after delivering our baby. It would be less stressful not only to him but especially to me. It also will give us more time to adore and admire our newborn son than go gaga over documents we need.

One of the most important things to prepare right after or let say 2-3 months after finding out that you're pregnant is the SSS Claim for Maternity Benefit or MAT-1 Form. If you're working, your company can help you in submitting this, but if you're like me who's unemployed, you can directly go to the SSS office near you.

What to bring when filing your SSS MAT-1 form:
1. Mat-1 Form: It's available online so you can print one at home and fill it out or if not its also available in the office.
2. Ultrasound or hospital record showing you're really pregnant
3. Bring your SSS ID or number
4. Ballpen
Click here for the downloadable MAT-1 Form: MAT-1 Form

After giving birth, you will need to submit your MAT-2 form which will help you claim for your maternity benefit. Click here for the downloadable form: MAT-2 Form

Requirements: (As seen in the MAT-2 MAternity Reimbursement Form)
1. Maternity notification duly stamped received by the SSS prior to the date of childbirth/miscarriage
2. The member must have paid at least three monthly contributions within the 12 month period immediately preceding the semester of childbirth or miscarriage
3. a. For Normal Delivery - A certified true copy or authenticated copy of Birth Certificate duly registered with the Local Civil Registrar
b. For Cesarean Delivery - Certified true copy or authenticated copy of Birth Certificate duly registered with the Local Civil Registrar, Operating room record or surgical memorandum duly certified by the hospital where the member is confined.
c. For Stillbirth - Fetal Death Certificate duly registered with the Local Civil Registrar
d. For Miscarriage or Abortion - Pregnancy test before and after miscarriage/abortion, medical certificate/obstetrical history indicating the number of miscarriages duly certified by the attending physician, D & C report duly certified by the authorized hospital representative where the member was confined.
4. a. For Separated Member - Certification from last employer with the effective date of separation from employment
b. For Voluntary Member - a copy of approved SS Form E-5
c. For Self-employed Member - a copy of approved SS Form RS-1


You may check their official website here SSS Official Website for more details.