If you’re expecting a baby within the year, do know that there’s great news for you – especially as working parents since there’s a law in place that ensures you have more time to care, recover, and bond with your newborn. Republic Act No. 11210, or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, offers longer paid leave and broader support for women in the workforce. Whether you’re employed full-time, self-employed, or even a national athlete, this law has got your back.
What Is the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210)?
Signed in 2019, RA 11210 expands the paid maternity leave period in the Philippines and aims to strengthen the health, well-being, and financial security of working mothers. It replaces the old 60-day limit and ensures moms get the rest and care they deserve without worrying about losing income.
Republic Act No. 11210Who Can Avail of the Benefits?
The law covers more than just office employees. Here’s who qualifies:
- Female workers in the private and public sectors
- Women working in the informal economy (like sari-sari store owners or street vendors)
- Self-employed or voluntary members of the Social Security System (SSS)
- National athletes
- Women who give birth, miscarry, or have emergency pregnancy terminations within 15 days of losing their jobs
This inclusive coverage means even if you’re in between jobs or working outside traditional employment, you may still be entitled to claim benefits.
How Many Days of Leave Do You Get?
Under RA 11210, the leave periods are more generous than ever:
- 105 days of fully paid maternity leave for live births
- Solo mothers get an extra 15 days, totaling 120 days
- 30-day optional extension (without pay) if you need more time
- 60 days of paid leave for miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy
And here’s a helpful bonus: up to 7 days of your paid leave can be shared with your partner or a trusted caregiver. That way, you’re not carrying the load alone.
What Happens If Your Employer Doesn’t Follow the Law?
Employers who fail to provide the required leave face serious consequences:
- Fines from ₱20,000 to ₱200,000
- Imprisonment of 6 years and 1 day up to 12 years
- Non-renewal of business permits
These penalties exist to protect your rights as a mother and ensure that companies comply with what the law demands.
How to Claim Your Maternity Benefits
For SSS Members:
- Make sure you’ve paid at least 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before your delivery or miscarriage.
- Notify your employer (or SSS directly if self-employed or voluntary) about your pregnancy and expected delivery date.
- Prepare documents like your MAT-1 form, proof of pregnancy, and other SSS-required forms.
For PhilHealth Members:
- Ensure you’ve paid at least 9 months of premiums within the 12 months before your due date.
- You may be eligible for the Maternity Care Package, covering prenatal checkups, delivery, and postnatal care.
- Submit your MDR (Member Data Record) and proof of payments at your accredited healthcare provider.
Having all your documents in order will make the process smoother and quicker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does the Expanded Maternity Leave Law include benefits for fathers?
Yes — under RA 11210, a female worker may allocate up to 7 days of her paid maternity leave to the child’s father, regardless of marital status. This is called transfer of leave credits and applies even if the father is not legally married to the mother, as long as he is acknowledged by her. If the father is unavailable, the leave can be transferred to an alternate caregiver (like a relative or partner) who is actively helping in childcare.
Note: This is separate from the 7-day paternity leave granted under RA 8187 (Paternity Leave Act of 1996), which applies to married male employees.
- Can both the SSS and PhilHealth maternity benefits be claimed?
Yes — you can claim maternity benefits from both SSS (for income support) and PhilHealth (for medical costs such as delivery, confinement, and check-ups), as long as you meet each agency’s contribution requirements and file the documents on time. - I’m self-employed. Can I still claim the maternity benefit?
Absolutely. As long as you’re a voluntary SSS contributor and have paid at least 3 monthly premiums in the 12 months before your due date or miscarriage, you’re eligible to claim maternity benefits directly from SSS.
What Filipinos Are Saying About the Expanded Maternity Leave Law
RA 11210 has received strong support from women’s groups, legal experts, and government officials. Advocates like the Philippine Commission on Women and Senator Risa Hontiveros praised the law as a major win for Filipino families, noting that it finally aligns the country’s maternity benefits with global standards. Many women appreciate the extended paid leave and the flexibility it provides during a critical stage of motherhood.
However, some business groups have voiced concerns. According to studies cited by NNC.gov.ph and DLSU’s Animo Repository, around 31% of employers worry about higher costs and productivity loss. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce also raised issues about the financial impact on small to medium enterprises.
On public forums like CSC.gov.ph, individual mothers shared their experiences navigating the new law. One mother mentioned she initially received only 60 days of leave and had to request an additional 45 days once the law’s implementing rules were finalized. This highlights the importance of clear communication and timely implementation.
Overall, the Expanded Maternity Leave Law is widely seen as a positive step forward. It provides much-needed support for working mothers but also brings up real challenges for employers. Clear policies and cooperation between workers, government agencies, and companies are essential to make the law work well for everyone.
Final Thoughts
RA 11210 isn’t just about days off—it’s about dignity, recovery, and the kind of support every mother deserves. So if you or someone you know is expecting, take the time to explore how this law can help. You’ve earned this time, and you’re not alone in your journey.