SSS Sickness Benefit: Requirements, Computation & Claims Guide
Complete guide to SSS sickness benefits in 2026. Learn requirements, daily benefit computation, documents needed, and how to file claims online or at a branch.
The SSS Sickness Benefit provides daily cash allowance to members who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Under Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018), qualified members can receive up to 90% of their average daily salary credit for a maximum of 120 days per calendar year. This guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, computation, required documents, and the claims process in 2026.
Who Can Claim SSS Sickness Benefits?
The sickness benefit is available to SSS members who meet both the contribution and medical requirements.
Contribution Requirements
- At least 3 monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of sickness
- Contributions can be from the member, employer, or both
- Must be paid on time or within the prescribed grace period
Medical Requirements
- Must be unable to work due to sickness or injury
- Confinement period must be at least 4 days (the first 3 days are the waiting period)
- Must have a medical certificate from a licensed physician
- The illness or injury must prevent you from performing your regular job duties
Eligible Member Types
| Member Type | Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employed (private sector) | Yes | Employer advances payment, then files reimbursement |
| Self-Employed | Yes | Files claim directly with SSS |
| Voluntary Member | Yes | Files claim directly with SSS |
| OFW | Yes | Files claim directly with SSS |
| Kasambahay | Yes | Employer advances payment |
Important for Employed Members: Your employer is required to advance the sickness benefit payment and then seek reimbursement from SSS. If your employer refuses, you can file the claim directly with SSS.
Understanding the Benefit Computation
The SSS sickness benefit is calculated based on your Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC) and compensable days.
Step 1: Determine Your AMSC
Your AMSC is calculated by taking the sum of your 6 highest monthly salary credits within the 12-month period before the semester of sickness, divided by 6.
What is a “semester of sickness”?
| If You Got Sick In | The Applicable Semester Is |
|---|---|
| January - June | July - December of previous year |
| July - December | January - June of the same year |
Step 2: Calculate Daily Salary Credit
Daily Salary Credit = AMSC ÷ 30
Step 3: Calculate Daily Sickness Benefit
Daily Sickness Benefit = Daily Salary Credit × 90%
Step 4: Calculate Total Benefit
Total Benefit = Daily Sickness Benefit × Number of Compensable Days
Compensable days = Total confinement days minus the 3-day waiting period.
Computation Examples
Example 1: Minimum MSC
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) | ₱5,000 |
| Daily Salary Credit (÷ 30) | ₱166.67 |
| Daily Sickness Benefit (× 90%) | ₱150.00 |
| 10-day confinement (minus 3-day waiting) = 7 compensable days | |
| Total Benefit | ₱1,050.00 |
Example 2: Mid-Range MSC
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) | ₱20,000 |
| Daily Salary Credit (÷ 30) | ₱666.67 |
| Daily Sickness Benefit (× 90%) | ₱600.00 |
| 14-day confinement (minus 3-day waiting) = 11 compensable days | |
| Total Benefit | ₱6,600.00 |
Example 3: Maximum MSC
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) | ₱35,000 |
| Daily Salary Credit (÷ 30) | ₱1,166.67 |
| Daily Sickness Benefit (× 90%) | ₱1,050.00 |
| 30-day confinement (minus 3-day waiting) = 27 compensable days | |
| Total Benefit | ₱28,350.00 |
Key Benefit Rules
- Waiting Period: First 3 days of confinement are NOT compensated
- Maximum Days: 120 compensable days per calendar year
- Benefit Rate: 90% of average daily salary credit
- MSC Range: ₱5,000 minimum to ₱35,000 maximum (2026 rates)
- Maximum Daily Benefit: ₱1,050 (based on ₱35,000 MSC)
Required Documents
Primary Requirements (All Members)
- SSS Sickness Notification Form (E-1) — Must be filed within 5 calendar days from the first day of sickness
- Medical Certificate — From the attending licensed physician, stating the diagnosis and period of confinement
- SSS ID or UMID Card — Or any two valid government IDs
- Proof of Confinement — Hospital/clinic records or certification
Additional Requirements for Employed Members
- Employer’s Certification — Confirming the member’s absence from work
- Daily Time Record (DTR) — Showing dates of absence
- Company sick leave records — If applicable
Additional Requirements for Self-Employed/Voluntary/OFW Members
- Income Tax Return (ITR) — Most recent filed ITR
- CTC of Birth Certificate — If no SSS ID or UMID
For Extended Sickness (Over 21 Days)
- Updated Medical Certificate — From attending physician
- Laboratory results — Supporting the diagnosis
- Hospital records — For confinement cases
How to File Sickness Benefit Claims
For Employed Members
Step 1: Notify Your Employer Inform your employer within 5 calendar days from the start of your sickness. Your employer should file the E-1 Form with SSS.
Step 2: Employer Advances Payment Your employer pays you the sickness benefit and then files for reimbursement from SSS.
Step 3: Employer Files Reimbursement Your employer submits the E-1 Form and supporting documents to SSS within 10 calendar days after the close of the semester of sickness.
For Self-Employed, Voluntary, and OFW Members
Online Filing (My.SSS Portal)
- Log in to your My.SSS account
- Go to E-Services > Apply for Sickness Benefit
- Fill out the online sickness notification form
- Upload required documents (medical certificate, proof of confinement)
- Submit the application
- Track your claim status online
Branch Filing
- Visit the nearest SSS branch
- Request the Sickness Notification Form (E-1)
- Complete the form with your personal details and sickness information
- Attach all required supporting documents
- Submit at the counter and get an acknowledgment receipt
- Wait for SMS/email notification of processing
Filing Deadlines
| Member Type | Notification Deadline | Claim Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Employed | 5 days from start of sickness (employer) | 10 days after semester ends (employer) |
| Self-Employed | 5 days from start of sickness | Within 1 year from sickness |
| Voluntary/OFW | 5 days from start of sickness | Within 1 year from sickness |
Late Filing: Claims filed beyond the prescribed period may still be accepted but will be subject to penalties or reduced benefits.
Processing Time and Payment
| Filing Method | Processing Time | Payment Release |
|---|---|---|
| Online (My.SSS) | 7-10 working days | 3-5 days after approval |
| Branch (over-the-counter) | 10-15 working days | 3-5 days after approval |
How You Receive Payment
| Disbursement Method | Details |
|---|---|
| UMID-ATM | Credited to your UMID card (if enrolled as ATM) |
| Bank Account | Through SSS-accredited banks via DAEM |
| Cash Card | Through PESONet or InstaPay |
| Check | Special cases only (mailed or picked up at branch) |
Tip: Enroll your bank account through My.SSS under Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) for faster payment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing late — The 5-day notification deadline is strict. Mark the date and file immediately when you get sick.
- Incomplete medical certificate — Ensure your doctor includes the diagnosis, treatment, and exact confinement period.
- Not meeting the 4-day minimum — If your sickness is only 1-3 days, you won’t qualify for benefits. The 3-day waiting period means you need at least 4 days to get compensated for 1 day.
- Contribution gaps — Check that you have at least 3 contributions in the applicable 12-month period before claiming.
- Not enrolling a disbursement account — Without DAEM enrollment, payment may be delayed or issued as a check.
What If Sickness Exceeds 120 Days?
If your illness prevents you from working for more than 120 days in a calendar year:
- You may be eligible for SSS Disability Benefits instead
- Disability benefits provide a monthly pension or lump sum depending on your contributions
- Consult with your physician about filing for disability if your condition is long-term
See our SSS Disability Benefit Guide for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim sickness benefits multiple times per year? Yes, as long as the total compensable days don’t exceed 120 days per calendar year. Each claim must meet the 4-day minimum confinement requirement.
What if my sickness exceeds 120 days? You may transition to SSS Disability Benefits. Consult your physician and file a disability claim with SSS.
Can I work part-time while receiving sickness benefits? No. Sickness benefits are only payable when you are completely unable to work due to your illness or injury. Working while receiving benefits is a violation.
How is the AMSC calculated? By averaging the 6 highest monthly salary credits within the 12-month period before the applicable semester of sickness.
What if my employer doesn’t advance the payment? You can file the claim directly with SSS. Report your employer’s non-compliance to the SSS Legal Department.
Can I claim for outpatient treatment? Yes, as long as you are unable to work for at least 4 days and have a medical certificate supporting this.
Contact SSS
| Channel | Contact |
|---|---|
| Hotline | 8920-6446 to 55 |
| Toll-free | 1-800-10-2255777 |
| Website | sss.gov.ph |
| member_relations@sss.gov.ph | |
| My.SSS Portal | member.sss.gov.ph |
Use our SSS Sickness Calculator to estimate your daily and total benefit amounts based on your monthly salary credit.