Preparing for your maternity leave and benefits as your due date approaches can feel overwhelming, but it's essential for a smooth transition into this important phase of your life. To help you navigate the process with ease, here's a guide to maternity leave in the Philippines, ensuring you make the most of your maternity benefits and plan your leave effectively.
How long is the maternity leave in the Philippines?
Currently, our country has 105 days of maternity leave. This is inclusive of the 60-day leave for normal delivery and an additional 30 days for single mothers. However, in cases of a cesarean section delivery, mothers are entitled to 78 days of leave.
Furthermore, female employees have the option to extend their maternity leave for another 30 days without pay, allowing a maximum of 135 days of maternity leave. It's essential to check with your employer and the latest government regulations to ensure you are up to date with any changes in maternity leave policies.
Maternity leave benefits in the Philippines: What benefits you can get?
In the Philippines, maternity leave benefits are designed to provide financial support to working mothers during their maternity leave. Here are the key benefits you can get:
1. Paid leaves
Female employees are entitled to a paid maternity leave, which includes a daily cash allowance equivalent to 100% of their average daily salary credit.
Also, this is provided for 105 days for normal delivery and 78 days for cesarean section delivery. Single mothers receive an additional 30 days, totaling 135 days of paid leave.
2. Healthcare benefits
In addition, maternity benefits also cover healthcare expenses related to childbirth. These include prenatal and postnatal care, delivery expenses, and medically necessary post-delivery services.
3. Employer coverage
Employers are required to pay the employee's full salary during the maternity leave period. Some companies may offer more generous maternity benefits, so it's important to check your employment contract and discuss it with your HR department.
4. Extended leave
Female employees have the option to extend their maternity leave for another 30 days without pay, making the total leave period 135 days if they wish to spend more time caring for their newborn.
5. SSS or PhilHealth Benefits
In addition to maternity benefits from the employer, female employees may also be eligible for maternity benefits from the Social Security System (SSS) or the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), depending on their contribution and eligibility.
It's important to understand that maternity benefits may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the policies of your employer. Be sure to communicate with your HR department and understand your rights and entitlements as a working mother in the Philippines.
How to avail SSS maternity leave benefits?
Availing SSS (Social Security System) maternity leave benefits in the Philippines involves several steps and requirements. Here's a general guide on how to do it:
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Eligibility
First, ensure that you are eligible for SSS maternity leave benefits. To be eligible, you should have at least three (3) posted monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of childbirth. The semester of childbirth refers to the two consecutive quarters where the expected date of delivery falls.
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Inform your employer
Inform your employer about your pregnancy as early as possible. They will need to process and submit the necessary documents to the SSS on your behalf.
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Secure maternity notification form
Obtain the Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1) from your employer, or the nearest SSS branch, or download it from the official SSS website.
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Accomplish MAT-1 Form
Fill out the MAT-1 form completely. Make sure to provide accurate information, including your SSS number, expected date of delivery, and the number of pregnancies you've had.
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Submit MAT-1 Form
Submit the accomplished MAT-1 form to your employer. They will verify and complete their portion of the form and forward it to the SSS.
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SSS Processing
The SSS will process your maternity benefit claim based on the MAT-1 form and other necessary documents. The processing time may vary, so it's essential to follow up on the status of your claim.
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Receive benefit payment
Once your claim is approved, you will receive your maternity benefit payment. The payment will be made either through your bank account or a check issued by the SSS.
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Claiming after childbirth
If you were unable to file your maternity notification before giving birth, you may still file your claim after childbirth. In such cases, submit MAT-1 form and MAT-2 (Maternity Reimbursement Form) to the SSS. Include the required supporting documents.
Remember that the process and requirements may be subject to change, so it's advisable to check the official SSS website or visit your nearest SSS branch for the most up-to-date information and specific guidance on availing maternity leave benefits. Click here for more comprehensive information regarding SSS Maternity Benefits.
Steps on availing PhilHealth maternity benefits
We listed the specific steps and requirements for availing of PhilHealth maternity benefits in the Philippines for comprehensive information regarding PhilHealth maternity benefits, click here. Here's a general guide on how to do it:
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Check PhilHealth membership
Ensure that you are a registered member of PhilHealth and that your contributions are up to date. Both employed and voluntary members are eligible for maternity benefits.
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Attend prenatal checkups
Regularly attend prenatal checkups with your healthcare provider. PhilHealth requires that you have at least four (4) prenatal checkups during your pregnancy.
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Complete PhilHealth Claim Form 1 (CF1)
Of course, secure first a PhilHealth Claim Form 1 (CF1) from your healthcare provider, or the nearest PhilHealth office, or download it from the official PhilHealth website.
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Fill out CF1 form
Additionally, fill out the CF1 form, providing accurate and complete information about your pregnancy and prenatal checkups. Your healthcare provider should also complete their portion of the form.
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Attach Supporting Documents
Prepare the following documents to support your claim:
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- A certified true copy of your ultrasound or prenatal record.
- Proof of identification, such as your PhilHealth ID or other valid government-issued IDs.
- PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR), if available.
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Submit CF1 Form and documents
Moreover, submit the accomplished CF1 form along with the required documents to your healthcare provider. They will assist you in processing your maternity benefit claim.
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Wait for PhilHealth approval
The healthcare provider will process your claim and submit it to PhilHealth for approval. The processing time may vary, so it's essential to follow up on the status of your claim.
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Receive Benefit Payment
Once your claim is approved, you will receive your maternity benefit payment. The payment will be made either through your bank account or a check issued by PhilHealth.
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Claiming after childbirth
Lastly, if you were unable to file your maternity benefit claim before giving birth, you may still file your claim after childbirth. In such cases, submit the necessary documents and requirements to PhilHealth.
It's important to remember that the process and requirements may change, so it's advisable to check the official PhilHealth website or visit your nearest PhilHealth office for the most up-to-date information and specific guidance on availing maternity benefits.
The takeaway
Undoubtedly, preparing for maternity leave and understanding the associated benefits is crucial as your due date approaches. It's better to seek help from your spouse, friends, or family members on applying for your maternity leave. Talk to your employer about your maternity leave ahead of time for applying for your leave and your other benefits.
Lastly, make sure to have all your requirements ready before applying for your SSS and PhilHealth maternity benefits, in order to have a smooth transaction. All in all, enjoy your journey to motherhood, and remember to take a rest after giving birth and eat a lot of healthy foods.