What is SOCSO? Here's What Malaysian Employees Must Know

Usually, you will find three contributions on it: the EPF, EIS, and SOCSO. Both you and your employer pay for these.

This article will answer the most frequent questions about SOCSO, including what to do with your SOCSO contribution and how to check your SOCSO number using your IC (identity card). But first of all, you should know what SOCSO actually means.

SOCSO (Social Security Organization) is sometimes referred to as PERKESO (Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial). It is a government agency formed in 1971 under the Ministry of Human Resources. Under the Employee’s Social Security Act 1969, all private companies in Malaysia are required to register with SOCSO.

What is the function of SOCSO?

Basically, the purpose of SOCSO is to give social security protection in terms of cash and benefits to employees in the private sector in case of workplace injuries, emergencies, occupational sickness, and death.

Both employers and employees should contribute to SOCSO payments. Employees pay the smaller portion, depending on their income. The contribution rate ranges from 0.5% to 3%. But for employees with a monthly salary of more than RM3,000, the SOCSO contribution is optional.

How do you check your SOCSO number using your IC (identity card)?

Checking your SOCSO number is easy. Your SOCSO number is the same as your IC number if you are a Malaysian resident.

If you want to confirm your SOCSO number, you can call the agency’s hotline at 1-300-22-8000. You can also talk to a representative through the PERKESO website. Moreover, you simply can check your payslip; your SOCSO number should be there.

Foreigners working in Malaysia do not have to make a SOCSO contribution; employers should cover that for them.

Who is eligible under SOCSO?

Employees below 60 years old who work for a private company in Malaysia are covered by SOCSO. This said, the following are not qualified for SOCSO coverage:

• Permanent employees of the Federal and State Government

• People who are self-employed

• Sole proprietors and owners of a partnership and their partners

• Domestic workers/servants

What are the details of the SOCSO benefits?

There are two groups for members. They are the following:

1. Employee Injury Scheme:SOCSO says this “provides protection to an employee against accident or an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of his employment.” This includes industrial and commuting accidents, occupational illnesses, and accidents during emergencies.

2. Invalidity Pension Scheme:This is 24-hour coverage against invalidity. Invalidity is defined as a morbid condition that is deemed difficult to cure. This includes people with terminal illnesses that would stop them from working.

Are there other benefits aside from support for accidents?

Yes! SOCSO has released health check vouchers for free health check-ups.

How do you file a claim?

If you or your family need to file a claim, your employer’s human resources department will help you. Speak to them first to know more.

While human resources will help you, it is important to know how to file a claim with SOCSO.

If you are applying for medical benefits for the first time, these are the documents you need to submit:

• Accident report – Form 21 OR occupational disease report –Form PKS 68 or PKS69

• Claims form – Form 10

• Employer’s identification letter

• Work attendance summary

• Medical leave certificate

• A photocopy of your employee identity card

• A police report and a sketch map of your trip (for accidents that happened while travelling to or from the workplace)

Remember that treatments or medical help are free of charge at SOCSO panel clinics and government hospitals and clinics when a claim is approved.

If you are treated at a non-SOCSO facility, you will need to submit the additional documents to your nearby SOCSO branch:

• Reimbursement Travel Claims Form – Form PKS (P) 24

• Reimbursement Payment Claim Report (general) – Form PKS (P) 26

• Original copy of the receipt of treatment

• Photocopy of the appointment card

• Photocopy of the medical report, if applicable

Keep in mind that SOCSO will determine how much will be reimbursed if you are treated at a non-SOCSO facility.

What if you have a workplace accident?

If you get injured because of a workplace accident, you can apply for permanent disablement benefits, regardless of your ability to work. To file for this, apply at the SOCSCO office with a reference from the medical board. You will also need to include these documents in your application:

• Medical report from the hospital or clinic where you were treated

• Completed application form

• Photocopy of your identity card

• Claims form – Form 10

• Form PKS (F) 1 with SOCSO contribution details and salary statement

• Employee’s account details for direct deposit of benefits

The benefit rate is 90% of your daily wage. If the medical board approves your application, you can choose to continue working. Finally, if you are not satisfied with the decision, you can file an appeal within 90 days from the date of the notice.

What else should you know when filing a claim?

When a doctor states that you are unfit to work for a minimum of four days (counting the day of your accident), you qualify for temporary disablement benefit. You can expect compensation during the time that you cannot work. In this case, you are eligible to receive continuous attendance if you have lost 100% of your ability to work (or permanent disability) because of an accident at work.

Understanding what your SOCSO contribution can do for you is just as important as knowing your income tax calculation or labour law facts in the country. Good employees are not just hard workers; they also know about their rights and benefits.

Now that you know what benefits you can claim under SOCSO, let the search for #JobsThatMatter begin. Update your profile at JobStreet and find work that will bring you passion and purpose. Finally, visit the Career Resources Hub for more expert tips and advice on your rights and benefits as an employee.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

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