Since the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (EML) was signed into law last February 20, over 120,000 female members of the Social Security System (SSS) have benefited from it.

This is according to SSS president and CEO Aurora Ignacio, who claimed a total of 122,571 SSS female members have enjoyed the 105-day leave granted by the said law.

“We are happy to report that we have assisted about 122,571 female members of SSS during their pregnancy from January to April 2019,” Ignacio said during a press briefing in Malacañang last Wednesday.

“Those who gave birth starting March 11, 2019 when the 105 day-expanded maternity leave law (Republic Act 11210) took effect have benefited from the longer period of recuperation, after giving birth and a longer time to take care of their newborns,” she added.

Maternity financial leave benefits up to Php 70,000

Following the new maximum salary credit of Php 20,000 that was implemented last April, SSS will also increase its maximum maternity financial assistance to Php 70,000 by January 2020, which is more than double the previous benefit of Php 32,000.

Ignacio also clarified some concerns of their self-employed and voluntary members, and those who have paid their maternity benefit adjustment in advance.

“Employers who have paid in advance the corresponding adjustment in maternity benefit to their qualified female employees in accordance with RA 11210, they have to submit to SSS a proof of advance payment with their letter request for adjustment and a photo copy of solo parent ID — if applicable,” she explained.

“For self-employed, voluntary members, OFW workers, members separated from employment — payment of differential shall be made through banks or through checks as the case maybe. Based on the initial settlement of the maternity claim, SSS started paying the differential due self-employed and voluntary members on June 13,” Ignacio added.

Source: Philippine News Agency.