Everything about Samajik Suraksha Kosh (SSF), in one place

What is the Social Security Fund (SSF)?

The Social Security Fund (SSF) is an autonomous body established under Nepal's Contribution Based Social Security Act, 2074. Once workers and employers make monthly contributions, contributors receive protection through four schemes — medical treatment, accident, dependent family, and old age. The core principle: no contribution, no benefit.

Health Protection: Government Health Insurance vs SSF Medical Benefit — Which Is Better?

There is no single universal answer. Government Health Insurance is family-centric, low-cost, and accessible to ordinary citizens; SSF is contributor-centric and provides pension, accident, disability, and dependent-family protection alongside treatment. Choose based on your employment, income, family, and health needs — for many families, keeping both together is the most practical option.

How are employee and employer contributions calculated?

31% of the basic salary is deposited into SSF — 11% is deducted from the worker's salary (Provident Fund 10% + Social Security Tax 1%) and the employer adds 20% (Provident Fund 10% + Gratuity 8.33% + other 1.67%). Allowances, bonuses, and overtime are not subject to contribution.

Complete Guide to SSF Pension and Retirement Benefits

A contributor who reaches 60 years of age and has contributed for at least 180 months (15 years) receives a lifelong monthly pension — formula: (total amount in the pension account + investment returns) ÷ 160. The Retirement Benefit Scheme amount (8.33%) is paid as a lump sum when employment ends or at retirement.

The Complete Guide to SSF for Foreign Employment

Nepali workers going abroad are enrolled in SSF when taking their labour permit; those already abroad can apply online. Contribution: at least 21.33% of the industrial minimum basic remuneration (up to 3×) — 7.48% funds the protection schemes and 13.85% your old-age savings. Your family in Nepal gets medical coverage while you work abroad.

Where does the 31% deposited in SSF go?

The 31% splits across four schemes (5th Amendment, effective Baisakh 1, 2082): medical & maternity 1.20%, accident & disability 0.80%, dependent family 0.67%, and the largest share — 28.33% — goes into your own old-age account (pension 20% + retirement benefit 8.33%).

What happens to your SSF contribution after you leave a job?

The Retirement Benefit Scheme amount (8.33% + voluntary additions + transferred amounts) is paid as a lump sum when employment ends. The Pension Scheme amount (20%) comes as a monthly pension after age 60. If you join a new SSF-registered employer, contributions continue on the same SSN.

SSF Claim Rejected? The 10 Main Reasons and Their Solutions

Most reasons SSF claims are rejected are fixable — incomplete documents, not meeting the qualifying period, missing KYC, or mismatched details. Identify the reason, fix the documents, and resubmit; if still unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Labour Court within 35 days.