Late Filing SSS Maternity Notification 2026 | Stil...

Missing the SSS maternity notification deadline is more common than you might think. Many expecting mothers only learn about this requirement late in their pregnancy, while others face unexpected circumstances like miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP) that make timely filing difficult.

The good news? You can still claim your SSS maternity benefits even if you filed late. Under Republic Act No. 11210 (Expanded Maternity Leave Law), you have up to 10 years from the date of delivery, miscarriage, or ETP to file your maternity benefit claim.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about late filing of SSS maternity notification, including the process, required documents, and what to expect.

SSS Maternity Notification Deadline

The SSS requires pregnant members to submit their maternity notification (MAT-1 form) at least 60 days from the date of conception and before the actual delivery, miscarriage, or ETP.

What Counts as “Start of Contingency”?

The “start of contingency” refers to the specific event that triggers your eligibility for maternity benefits:

Childbirth – The actual date of delivery (whether normal or cesarean)
Miscarriage – The date the pregnancy was naturally terminated
Emergency Termination of Pregnancy (ETP) – The date of medical termination, including ectopic pregnancy or hydatidiform mole

Notification Requirements by Member Type

Member Type	Who to Notify	How to Notify
Employed	Employer (who forwards to SSS)	Submit MAT-1 form to HR/employer
Self-employed	SSS directly	Via My.SSS account or SSS branch
Voluntary member	SSS directly	Via My.SSS account or SSS branch
OFW	SSS directly	Via My.SSS account or SSS branch
Non-working spouse	SSS directly	Via My.SSS account or SSS branch

Why Early Notification Matters

Filing your maternity notification on time ensures:

Smooth and faster processing of your benefit claim
No need for additional explanation letters or documentation
Your employer can properly advance your benefit within 30 days of filing maternity leave
Reduced risk of claim denial or delays

What Happens If You File Late?

Here’s what you need to know if you’ve missed the 60-day notification deadline:

Benefits Are NOT Automatically Forfeited

Contrary to what many believe, late notification does not automatically mean you lose your maternity benefits. According to the SSS and RA 11210 implementing rules and regulations, the female worker shall still receive her maternity benefits even if she failed to notify her employer, subject to SSS guidelines.

The critical factor is whether you meet the contribution requirement: at least 3 monthly contributions within the 12 months immediately preceding the semester of your delivery, miscarriage, or ETP.

What to Expect with Late Filing

Processing may take longer – Additional verification and review of your case
Additional documentation required – You’ll need to submit an explanation letter
Possible initial denial with opportunity to appeal – If denied, you can file a request for reconsideration
No monetary penalty – There is no financial penalty for the member for late notification
Benefit amount remains the same – If approved, you receive the full benefit amount you’re entitled to

Employer Liability for Late Filing

If you’re employed and your employer failed to transmit your MAT-1 to SSS on time, the employer remains solidarily liable for the full benefit. This means your employer must still advance your maternity benefit even if SSS denies reimbursement.

How to File SSS Maternity Notification Late

If you’ve already given birth or experienced a miscarriage/ETP without prior notification, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the MAT-1 Form

Download the Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1) from the SSS website or obtain a copy from your nearest SSS branch.

Fill out the form completely with:

Your SSS number and personal information
Employer information (if employed)
Expected or actual date of delivery
Pregnancy history
Optional allocation of maternity leave credits (up to 7 days to the child’s father or alternate caregiver)

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare all required documents plus additional documentation to support your late filing (detailed in the next section).

Step 3: Prepare an Explanation Letter

Write a letter of explanation or Sworn Statement of Maternity (SSM) that addresses:

Why you were unable to file the notification on time
The circumstances of your pregnancy and delivery
Supporting evidence for your explanation

Common valid reasons include:

Unknown pregnancy until late stages
Medical emergency or complications
Lack of awareness about the requirement
Employer’s failure to file the notification
System downtime or technical issues with My.SSS

Step 4: Submit to SSS

You can submit your late maternity notification through:

Online (via My.SSS):

Log in to your My.SSS account at member.sss.gov.ph
Navigate to E-Services > Submit Maternity Notification
Fill out the required fields and upload supporting documents
Submit and note your transaction number

In Person (at SSS branch):

Visit your nearest SSS branch
Submit all documents to the receiving clerk
Keep the claim stub or acknowledgment receipt

Step 5: Follow Up on Your Application

After submission:

Check your My.SSS account regularly for status updates
Respond promptly if SSS requests additional documents
If denied, file a Request for Reconsideration within 30 days

Required Documents for Late Filing

Standard Documents (All Members)

Accomplished MAT-1 Form – Completely filled out and signed
Proof of Pregnancy (any of the following):
- Result of pregnancy test signed by physician
- Ultrasound results
- Blood pregnancy test (Beta HCG)
Valid IDs – One primary ID or two secondary IDs (both with signature, at least one with photo)

After Delivery Documents

For Live Childbirth:

Certificate of Live Birth (CLB) from LCR with official receipt (if within 6 months from delivery)
PSA-issued CLB (if beyond 6 months from delivery)

For Stillbirth/Fetal Death:

Certificate of Fetal Death (COFD) from LCR or PSA

For Miscarriage/ETP:

Proof of pregnancy (pregnancy test, ultrasound)
Proof of termination (pregnancy test result, ultrasound, histopathological report, or ORR)
Medical certificate, records of consultation, or clinical abstract

Additional Documents for Late Filing

Letter of Explanation – Detailed explanation of why notification was filed late
Sworn Statement of Maternity (SSM) – Notarized affidavit explaining the circumstances (if required)
Supporting Evidence – Any documents that support your explanation (medical records, system error screenshots, etc.)

For Employed Members Separated from Work

Certificate of Separation from Employment – Stating effective date of separation and that no advance payment was granted
Affidavit of Undertaking – If unable to secure certificate from employer

For Solo Parents

Valid Solo Parent ID or Certification of Eligibility from the LGU (signed by Social Worker and Mayor)

Filing SSS Maternity Notification Online

The My.SSS portal is the primary channel for submitting maternity notifications.

Steps to File Online

Log in to My.SSS – Visit member.sss.gov.ph and log in with your credentials
Access Maternity Notification – Go to E-Services and select “Submit Maternity Notification”
Fill Out Required Information:
- Personal details
- Expected or actual delivery date
- Pregnancy history
- Allocation of leave credits (optional)
Upload Supporting Documents – Attach scanned copies of pregnancy proof and other required documents
Review and Submit – Double-check all information before submitting
Save Confirmation – Note your transaction number for reference

Can You File Late Online?

Yes, you can still file a late maternity notification through My.SSS. However, be prepared to:

Provide additional explanation in the remarks section
Upload supporting documents for your late filing
Potentially receive a request for additional information

What If Online Submission Is Rejected?

If your online submission is rejected or encounters errors:

Check the error message – Note the specific reason for rejection
Correct any issues – Fix incorrect information or missing documents
Re-submit online – Try submitting again with corrections
Visit SSS branch – If online issues persist, file in person at your nearest SSS branch
Contact SSS – Call the SSS hotline at 1455 or email usssaptayo@sss.gov.ph for assistance

SSS Maternity Benefit Claim After Late Notification

Once your late notification has been accepted, you can proceed with claiming your maternity benefit.

Claim Process

For Employed Members:

Your employer advances the full maternity benefit within 30 days of filing maternity leave
Submit the Maternity Benefit Reimbursement Application (MBRA/MAT-2) to your employer
Employer files for reimbursement from SSS

For Self-Employed/Voluntary/OFW/NWS Members:

File the Maternity Benefit Application (MBA) online through My.SSS
Submit required documents (birth certificate, medical records)
Enroll your disbursement account in DAEM (Disbursement Account Enrollment Module)
SSS directly deposits benefit to your enrolled account

Prescriptive Period

You have 10 years from the date of delivery, miscarriage, or ETP to file your maternity benefit claim. This generous timeframe means even significantly late claims can still be processed.

Timeline for Receiving Benefits

After filing your claim:

Processing time: 2-4 weeks for complete applications
Extended processing: Up to 30-90 days for late filings or complex cases
Payment: Deposited directly to your enrolled bank account or e-wallet

How Late Filing Affects Disbursement

No reduction in benefit amount – If approved, you receive the full benefit based on your contributions
Possible delays – Processing may take longer due to additional verification
Same computation – Benefit is calculated using the standard formula:

Maternity Benefit = (Total of 6 highest MSC / 180) x Number of leave days

Where leave days are:

105 days for live childbirth
120 days for solo parents
60 days for miscarriage/ETP

How to Avoid Late Filing

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to ensure timely notification:

Set Calendar Reminders

Mark your estimated conception date
Set a reminder for 30 days after conception to file MAT-1
Set another reminder for 60 days (deadline) as backup

Inform Your Employer Immediately

As soon as you confirm your pregnancy:

Notify your HR department or supervisor
Submit your MAT-1 form with proof of pregnancy
Follow up to ensure employer transmits notification to SSS

File Before Giving Birth

You can file your maternity notification as early as you confirm your pregnancy. Don’t wait until close to your due date. Early filing gives you buffer time for any issues.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

Receive and process employee’s MAT-1 form
Transmit notification to SSS via employer’s My.SSS account within 15 days
Advance maternity benefit payment within 30 days of maternity leave application
File for reimbursement from SSS

If your employer fails to file on time, they remain liable for your benefits.

Keep Your Contributions Updated

The most important requirement is having at least 3 monthly contributions within the 12 months before your semester of contingency. Even with timely notification, insufficient contributions will disqualify you from benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a penalty for late SSS maternity notification?

There is no monetary penalty for the female member for late notification. However, late filing may result in initial denial of your claim, which you can appeal by providing a valid explanation and supporting documents. The benefit amount itself is not reduced if your claim is eventually approved.

How late can I file the maternity notification?

While the notification should ideally be filed 60 days from conception and before delivery, you can still claim maternity benefits up to 10 years from the date of delivery, miscarriage, or ETP. However, the earlier you file, the smoother the process will be.

Can my employer file the notification for me?

Yes, if you’re employed, your employer is responsible for transmitting your MAT-1 form to SSS through their My.SSS account. You submit the accomplished form and proof of pregnancy to your employer, who then files it with SSS within 15 days. If your employer fails to do so, you can file directly with SSS and they may be held liable.

What if I didn’t know I needed to file a notification?

Lack of awareness is a valid reason for late filing. Prepare an explanation letter stating that you were not informed about the requirement. Many mothers successfully claim benefits even without prior notification, as long as they meet the contribution requirements and provide proper documentation.

Will late filing reduce my maternity benefit amount?

No, late filing does not reduce your maternity benefit amount. If your claim is approved, you will receive the full benefit based on your monthly salary credits and contributions. The benefit computation remains the same whether you filed on time or late.

Official References

Last Updated: December 2025

Information is based on current SSS guidelines and RA 11210. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official SSS website or contact the SSS hotline at 1455.