13th Month Pay in the Philippines, Explained Simply (2026)

Does your workplace have to pay you a 13th month pay? This general lesson explains who the rules usually cover in the Philippines, how the least amount is worked out, when it is due, and where to ask for help if it is late or missing. Covers: rank-and-file workers, probation, short contracts and part time work, household workers, workers the rules leave out (paid only by commission, boundary or task), the basic salary formula with two peso examples, leaving before it is paid, the December 24 date, money taken out of your 13th month pay, DOLE help, and the three-year time limit for a money claim. Next: what happens to your pay when you choose to leave your job. Chapters 0:00 A special payment in December 0:18 What 13th month pay is 0:38 Who usually gets it 0:58 Probation, short contract, part time 1:21 Household workers 1:40 Workers the rules leave out 2:16 How you are paid matters 2:56 How to work out the least amount 3:13 What is usually left out 3:47 Two examples with pesos 4:39 What about 24-hour duty? 5:04 If you leave before it is paid 5:17 The December 24 date 5:48 Can your employer take money out? 6:17 If it is late or missing 6:55 The three-year time limit 7:07 Quick check 7:31 Back to the coworker, and the next episode Full series playlist: [PLACEHOLDER: playlist link] Sources cited in this lesson (as of November 2, 2026) Presidential Decree No. 851 and its implementing rules DOLE, Handbook on Workers' Statutory Monetary Benefits, 2024 Edition Labor Code of the Philippines, Article 306 [291] Republic Act No. 10361 (Domestic Workers Act), section 25 G.R. No. 158693 (2004), Agabon v. National Labor Relations Commission G.R. No. 259988 (2025), Amor v. Constant Packaging DOLE Department Order No. 249-25 (SEnA rules), and DOLE's SEnA service This lesson provides general Philippine legal education as of November 2, 2026. This video is general education. It isn't legal advice, and it doesn't say what will happen in your case. The peso examples are only examples. For your own case, ask DOLE or a lawyer.