SOCSO & EIS Benefits in Malaysia 2026: The Claim Guide Nobody Reads
TL;DR: Every Malaysian employee earning above RM 30/month contributes to SOCSO and EIS. Combined they cover eight major life events — from workplace injury to retrenchment — yet fewer than 20% of Malaysians know how to claim. Here is what you are entitled to in 2026 and the portal flow that actually works.
What you are actually paying for
Your monthly payslip shows two deductions most people never question: SOCSO (usually 0.5% of wages, matched 1.75% by the employer) and EIS (0.2% from each side). Together they fund PERKESO, which runs eight distinct benefit schemes. Miss a claim window and the money you paid for stays locked in — there is no refund.
Monthly contribution table (2026 rates)
| Monthly wage band | Employee SOCSO | Employer SOCSO | Employee EIS | Employer EIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM 2,000 | 10.00 | 35.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| RM 3,500 | 17.50 | 61.25 | 7.00 | 7.00 |
| RM 5,000 | 24.75 | 86.65 | 9.90 | 9.90 |
| RM 6,000 (cap) | 29.75 | 104.15 | 11.90 | 11.90 |
Note: the insured wage ceiling was raised from RM 5,000 to RM 6,000 effective 1 October 2024 — if your salary is above RM 5k, double-check your payslip still shows the capped contribution instead of a lower legacy figure.
The eight benefits you can claim
| # | Benefit | What triggers it | Typical payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical benefit | Injury or disease caused by work | Free treatment at panel hospital |
| 2 | Temporary disablement | MC-certified leave from work injury | 80% of daily wage, from day one |
| 3 | Permanent disablement | Loss of earning capacity (LOEC) assessed | Daily rate × LOEC % for life |
| 4 | Dependants’ benefit | Insured dies from work injury | 90% of daily wage paid to family |
| 5 | Funeral benefit | Death of insured | Up to RM 2,000 lump sum |
| 6 | Invalidity pension | Unable to work before age 60 | 50 to 65% of average wage monthly |
| 7 | Survivors’ pension | Insured dies before invalidity | Monthly pension to spouse + kids |
| 8 | EIS Job Search Allowance | Retrenchment / involuntary loss of job | 80/50/40/30% of wage for up to 6 months |
Job Search Allowance (JSA) — the most underclaimed
If you are retrenched, made redundant, or asked to “voluntarily resign” with a separation letter, EIS pays you a sliding-scale wage replacement for up to six months while you look for work. The catch: you must submit within 60 days of losing the job — apply late and you forfeit the whole claim.
JSA payout schedule
| Month | % of assumed monthly wage | On RM 4,000 salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 80% | RM 3,200 |
| 2 | 50% | RM 2,000 |
| 3 | 50% | RM 2,000 |
| 4 | 40% | RM 1,600 |
| 5 | 40% | RM 1,600 |
| 6 | 30% | RM 1,200 |
| Total | — | RM 11,600 |
JSA eligibility checklist
- Contributed to EIS for at least 12 months in the last 24 months.
- Loss of employment is involuntary — retrenchment, VSS, non-renewal of fixed-term contract, employer insolvency, constructive dismissal.
- You are under 60 and physically able to work.
- Application filed within 60 days of the last working day.
- Actively job-hunting (at least one verified application per payment cycle).
How to claim: the PERKESO Assist Portal flow
Every SOCSO/EIS claim now goes through the PERKESO Assist Portal (assist.perkeso.gov.my). In-person applications at branches are still accepted but add two to three weeks. The digital path:
- Register or log in using IC + mobile number. One-time OTP to verify.
- Pick the right benefit module — JSA for retrenchment, PKS for workplace injury, ILAT for invalidity.
- Upload supporting documents: IC (front/back), latest payslip (last three months), separation letter or MC, bank statement header.
- Fill in the bank details — BSB + account number. Mismatched names delay payment by up to four weeks.
- Submit and track. Status moves through Received → Under Review → Approved → Disbursed.
Self-employed? You need SKSPS
SOCSO now covers gig workers, freelancers and traders under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS). Monthly contributions range from RM 13.10 (Plan 1, RM 1,050 assumed income) to RM 49.40 (Plan 4, RM 3,950 income). Benefits mirror the employee scheme minus JSA — worth it for e-hailing drivers and delivery riders who face high injury risk.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim SOCSO for a bike accident on the way to work?
Yes — the Commuting Accident Scheme treats the “ordinary route” between home and workplace as covered. File a police report within 24 hours and retain the GPS/route receipts; SOCSO will pay medical and daily wage benefits.
Is EIS JSA taxable?
No. JSA payments are exempt from income tax in Malaysia and do not appear on the EA Form.
What if my employer never contributed?
SOCSO is a statutory obligation — non-registration does not cancel your entitlement. Lodge a complaint with PERKESO and they will pursue the employer. Benefits are still paid once contributions are reconstructed, but expect delays.
Can I receive JSA and take up freelance work?
Small freelance work is allowed if declared — but income above RM 1,000/month in any cycle disqualifies you for that month. Continue submitting job applications to keep eligibility for the next month.
The bottom line
SOCSO and EIS are not optional insurance — you are paying premiums every month whether you realise it or not. The goal is not to need the payouts; the goal is to know exactly how to claim them the week a redundancy letter lands or a work accident sends you to the hospital. Bookmark the PERKESO Assist Portal, keep your payslips for two years, and read the separation letter carefully before signing anything HR puts in front of you.