SOCSO and EIS in Malaysia: Benefits, Contribution Rates & How to Claim (2026)
Everything you need to know about SOCSO (PERKESO) and EIS — what they cover, 2026 contribution rates, how to claim work injury or job loss benefits, and how to use MySocso.
Every month, a small amount is deducted from your Malaysian payslip labelled SOCSO and EIS. Many workers have no idea what these deductions cover or how to claim the benefits they have been paying into. This guide explains what SOCSO covers, how EIS protects you if you lose your job, the exact 2026 contribution rates, and step-by-step guidance on making a claim.
Published 2026-02-20 · 8 min read · Salary & Tax
What is SOCSO (PERKESO)?
SOCSO — Social Security Organisation, or PERKESO (Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial) in Malay — is the Malaysian statutory body established under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969. It provides two types of social protection insurance: coverage for workplace accidents and occupational diseases, and protection against permanent invalidity or death from any cause.
SOCSO is mandatory for eligible employees employed under a contract of service. PERKESO's monthly wage ceiling increased to RM6,000 from 1 October 2024; wages above that amount use the RM6,000 ceiling band.
The Two SOCSO Schemes
- Employment Injury Insurance Scheme (First Category) — Covers work accidents and occupational diseases. Benefits include free medical treatment at government hospitals and panel clinics, temporary disablement allowance (80% of assumed daily wage from day 4), permanent disablement pension or lump sum, death benefit and dependants' pension.
- Invalidity Insurance Scheme (Second Category) — Covers permanent invalidity or death from any cause — not just work-related incidents. Benefits include monthly invalidity pension (if deemed permanently invalid before 60), invalidity grant (lump sum for fewer than 24 contribution months), and survivors' pension for spouse and children.
SOCSO Contribution Rates (2026)
| Monthly Wage | Employee contribution | Employer contribution | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| RM1,000 | RM5.00 | RM17.50 | RM22.50 |
| RM1,500 | RM7.50 | RM26.25 | RM33.75 |
| RM2,000 | RM10.00 | RM35.00 | RM45.00 |
| RM3,000 | RM15.00 | RM52.50 | RM67.50 |
| RM6,000 (ceiling band) | RM29.75 | RM104.15 | RM133.90 |
Even if you earn more than RM6,000 per month, the contribution calculation uses the RM6,000 wage ceiling. PERKESO's official ceiling-band amounts are RM29.75 (employee) and RM104.15 (employer).
What is EIS (Employment Insurance System)?
EIS was introduced in January 2018 under the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 and is administered by SOCSO/PERKESO. While SOCSO protects you against injuries and invalidity, EIS protects you against involuntary job loss.
If you are retrenched, made redundant, or your fixed-term contract expires without renewal, EIS provides financial support and career services to help you find new employment. Voluntary resignations do not qualify for EIS benefits.
EIS Benefits
- Job Search Allowance (JSA) — Monthly cash benefit while job hunting. First month: 80% of assumed daily wage × 30 days. Reduces to 50% by month 3. Maximum benefit period: 3–6 months depending on contribution history.
- Reduced Income Benefit (RIB) — If you accept a new job paying at least 30% less than your previous salary, EIS tops up your income for up to 6 months.
- Career counselling — Free sessions with SOCSO-approved counsellors to plan your next steps and update your CV.
- Job placement assistance — Access to JobsMalaysia and SOCSO's employer network for job matching.
- Upskilling programmes — Training through HRDF-registered providers to improve your employability in new sectors.
EIS Contribution Rates (2026)
| Monthly Wage | Employee (0.2%) | Employer (0.2%) | Total (0.4%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RM2,000 | RM4.00 | RM4.00 | RM8.00 |
| RM3,000 | RM6.00 | RM6.00 | RM12.00 |
| RM4,000 | RM8.00 | RM8.00 | RM16.00 |
| RM6,000 (maximum) | RM11.90 | RM11.90 | RM23.80 |
At the RM6,000 wage ceiling, EIS is RM11.90 each for the employee and employer (RM23.80 total). The official table rounds contributions by wage band.
How to Claim SOCSO Benefits
For invalidity claims (non-work-related), contact SOCSO via the MySocso portal or visit a SOCSO branch with medical documentation from a registered doctor confirming your permanent invalidity.
- For work accidents: report within 48 hours — Your employer must complete Form 34 (Accident Report) and submit it to SOCSO within 48 hours of the incident.
- Seek treatment at a SOCSO panel clinic or government hospital — Present your MyKad at the clinic. Treatment costs are covered directly — you should not pay out of pocket for panel treatment.
- Submit Form 10 (Employee Accident Notice) — You or your employer submits this form along with your medical certificate and Form 34 to SOCSO.
- Temporary disablement benefit begins from day 4 — SOCSO pays 80% of your assumed daily wage for each day you cannot work. The first 3 days are not covered.
How to Claim EIS Benefits
- Confirm eligibility — You must have contributed to EIS for at least 12 months within the previous 24 months. Only involuntary job loss qualifies.
- Apply within 60 days of losing your job — Applications after 60 days from the last day of employment are automatically rejected.
- Apply online via eis.perkeso.gov.my — Upload your termination letter, MyKad copy, and bank account details. Your employer must also submit the Separation Notice (Form SPN-I) online.
- Report monthly job search activities — You must log your job search efforts each month to continue receiving JSA. Failure to report results in suspension of payments.
MySocso: Your Online Portal
MySocso (perkeso.gov.my) and the MySocso mobile app give you full visibility of your SOCSO and EIS records. You can check contribution history, verify coverage, download contribution statements, submit and track claims, and access career services — all without visiting a branch.
Check your SOCSO contributions regularly. Employers are legally required to register all employees from their first day of work. If contributions are missing from your statement, report it to SOCSO — employers who fail to contribute face fines and prosecution.