13th Month Pay 2026 Philippines: Who Gets It and How to Compute
Quick answer
13th month pay is one-twelfth (1/12) of the basic salary you earned during the calendar year, and your employer must pay it on or before December 24. All rank-and-file private-sector workers who worked at least one month in the year are entitled, including those who resigned. It is tax-free up to PHP 90,000, combined with other benefits.
Requirements
- You are a rank-and-file employee in the private sector.
- You worked at least 1 month during the calendar year.
- Your status does not matter: regular, probationary, contractual, part-time or resigned workers are covered.
- Managerial employees are not covered by the law, but may get it by company policy.
- Government workers get a year-end bonus under separate rules, not this law.
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic salary | Yes | Includes paid leave days |
| Overtime pay | No | Unless your CBA or policy says yes |
| Night differential | No | |
| Holiday premium pay | No | |
| Allowances (rice, transport, etc.) | No, unless part of basic pay | |
| Commissions | Depends | If they are part of the basic wage |
Steps
Online
1. Add up your basic salary from January to your last payday in the year
Use your payslips.
2. Divide the total by 12, or enter the numbers in the 13th month pay calculator
3. Compare the result with what your employer paid
4. If you were not paid by the deadline, you may file a request for assistance (SEnA) online on the DOLE website
Walk-in
1. Go to the nearest DOLE field or regional office to file a request for assistance (SEnA)
Bring payslips, your employment contract and ID. See /offices/dole/.
Processing time
- Payment deadline: on or before December 24. Employers may pay half earlier, for example in June.
- Resigned or dismissed workers: pro-rated 13th month is part of final pay, released within 30 days of separation.
- SEnA complaints aim to settle within 30 days.
Where to apply
- Apply on the official website: https://www.dole.gov.ph/
Common problems and fixes
Employer says you are "not regular yet"
Probationary and contractual workers are also entitled.
You resigned before December
You still get a pro-rated 13th month in your final pay.
Employer calls a Christmas bonus "13th month"
A bonus can count only if it is at least equal to the 13th month amount.
Tax was deducted from your 13th month
Check if your total benefits went over PHP 90,000.
Paid late or not paid
Keep your payslips and file with DOLE.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compute my 13th month pay?
Add your total basic salary for the year and divide by 12. Use our calculator.
When is the deadline for 13th month pay?
On or before December 24.
Is 13th month pay taxable?
It is tax-free up to PHP 90,000, together with other benefits.
Do resigned employees get 13th month pay?
Yes. You get a pro-rated amount based on the months you worked.
Is overtime included in 13th month pay?
No, unless your company policy or CBA includes it.
Are kasambahay entitled to 13th month pay?
Yes, under the Batas Kasambahay.
Do managers get 13th month pay?
Not under the law, but many companies give it by policy.
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