Maternity Benefits every soon-to-be Moms should know

Hello Moms-to-be! Do you know that we have Maternity Benefits here in our country that provides cash assistance for expectant moms?

As soon as you get pregnant, you must notify your employer (if you are employed) or SSS if you are self-employed atleast 60 days from the date of conception.

Disclaimer: This blog is solely based on my experience. For more info, refer to their official website. 

SSS MATERNITY BENEFIT
A cash allowance granted only to female workers in government and private sector who are unable to work due to childbirth, miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy.

Who qualifies for the SSS Maternity Benefit?
Female employees in government, private sector and self-employed individuals.

Notification Requirements
1. Atleast 3 posted monthly SSS contributions within 12 months immediately before the semester of delivery, miscarriage or termination. (For self-employed & private employees)
2. Proof of pregnancy: Ultrasound report or PT sent to the employer (private employee) or directly to SSS mobile app/portal (self-employed & unemployed members)
3. Maternity Notification Form and (MAT-1)
4. UMID ID or 2 other valid ID with signature and date of birth.

Reimbursement Requirements
1. Maternity Reimbursement Form (MAT-2)
1. For normal delivery, certified true copy of birth registered with the local civil registrar
2. For CS delivery, certified true copy of birth registered with the local civil registrar, operating room record or surgical memorandum duly certified by the hospital where the member is confined.

Notification Procedures:
For MAT-1
1. Fill-up the SSS Maternity Notification Form (MAT-1) and submit it to your employer or directly to SSS including your proof of pregnancy.
2. For employed members, your employer will be the one to forward your form and ultrasound report to SSS.
3. For self-employed, unemployed and voluntary members, you may notify the SSS directly.

For MAT-2
If you are employed, just submit all the requirements to your HR.
1. Fill-up the Maternity Reimbursement Form (MAT-2 for employed)
2. Submit along the requirements stated above
3. 2 Valid IDs
4. MAT-1 stamped by SSS.

For self-employed and voluntary, you may refer to SSS website for more accurate information.

Note: Maternity Benefit Application may be denied due to failure to notify SSS or your employer.

How much will I get from SSS Maternity benefits?
Maternity Benefits amount differs from everyone depending on your salary and how much is your contribution every month.

If you want to compute how much will your Maternity Benefit will be, go to SSS portal or website, they provide an online calculator for this.

When will I get the maternity benefit?
Some companies give the benefit in full within 30 days from date of filing of maternity leave. In my case, they issued me a check (I think it's 30% of my maternity benefit) before my maternity leave starts and the 70% (this is my estimation only) after delivery upon submission of other requirements like medical records signed by OB and certified true copy of birth of my child.

PHILHEALTH MATERNITY BENEFIT
This are health benefit package provided by the government to pregnant women, to cover their healthcare needs from prenatal to postpartum care

Who qualifies for Philhealth Maternity Benefits?
Every Philhealth Members who's about to give birth are eligible to apply.

Packages:
1. Maternity Care Package
Coverage: Prenatal Consulation, Normal Delivery, Postpartum Care
PHP 6,500/Accredited hospitals
PHP 8,000/Accredited lying-ins or maternity clinics

MCP includes these packages:

Antenatal Care Package
Includes: Prenatal Check-ups (Lab tests and Ultrasound)

Normal Spontaneous Delivery Package
Coverage: Post-partum care, post natal follow-up visits
PHP 5,000/Accredited hospitals
PHP 6,500/Accredited lying-in or maternity clinics

2. Expanded Newborn Care Package
Coverage: Newborn Screening, ENC, Newborn Hearing Screening Test
PHP 2,950

Requirements:
1. MDR form (latest)
2. Philhealth Claim Form (CF1)
You may get this from your employer or healthcare provider (For employed)
3. Philhealth CSF Form (For employed)
4. Proof of Premium Payments
5. Philhealth ID aand other valid IDs
6. Philhealth Claim Form 2 (CF2) from healthcare provider

How to avail benefits
For Philhealth Members, check your records and process your claims in available Philhealth portals or accredited facilities

For non-members, you may want to be a member first and accomplish PMRF (You can download this online) along with copy of your valid ID, PSA birth certificate and other supporting documents. You may email this to official email of Philhealth or submiy directly to Philhealth office near you.

When can you file for Philhealth Maternity Benefit?
As soon as you knew that you are pregnant, you can process the requirements immediately to avoid hassles.

Other infos:
• If you are not a Philhealth member, you may use your husband's Philhealth number instead. As long as you are listed to your husband's dependents.
• You may still avail the packages even if you are an inactive member
• Solo parents can also avail the benefits as long as you're a Philhealth member
• There is no limit in the number of pregnancies covered by Philhealth benefits
• Philhealth no longer requires a minimum number of contributions. However, it is advised that you regularly pay your monthly premiums

Important Note: Unlike SSS benefits, you will not receive Philhealth Maternity Benefits in the form of cash, this will be deducted on your bill upon discharge.

Again, for more accurate information please check the official website of SSS and Philhealth. I may have missed some important points for this is based on my personal experience.

Some references are from filipiknow.net

If you have questions, please comment down below 🤍