What happens to your SSF contribution after you leave a job?
✓ Verified: 2026-07-11Reading time: 6 min
Short answer:
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.
✨ Highlights
- ✔The retirement benefit can be withdrawn as a lump sum; the pension comes monthly after 60.
- ✔Join a new SSF employer and it continues on the same SSN — nothing is lost.
- ✔If contributions stop, medical coverage lasts only 3 months.
- ✔“Leaving the job returns all 31%” — a wrong myth.
Table of contents
- Your money has two parts — with different rules
- New job or contributing on your own
- Common misconceptions
Your money has two parts — with different rules
| Part | Amount | What happens when you leave the job |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefit Scheme | 8.33% + voluntary additions + transfers from old PF/gratuity | Can be withdrawn as a lump sum when employment ends or at retirement |
| Pension Scheme | 20% | Stays in the Fund until age 60; then a lifelong monthly pension by the ÷160 formula |
New job or contributing on your own
- If you join a new SSF-registered employer: your SSN stays the same, the new employer contributes to the same number — nothing is lost
- During a period without a job: you can keep contributing yourself through the self-employed or informal-sector scheme
- If contributions stop: the medical treatment benefit continues for only 3 months; the accident benefit stops immediately
- The employer must notify the Fund within 1 month that your employment has ended
[Common mistakes]Common misconceptions
- “After leaving a job you get the whole 31% back” — wrong: only the Retirement Benefit Scheme portion is paid as a lump sum
- “If contributions stop, the deposited money is lost” — wrong: the money stays safe in your own account with returns
- “Going abroad ends your SSF” — wrong: you can continue through the Foreign Employment Scheme
📺 Related videos
Related FAQs
📜 Official sources
- सामाजिक सुरक्षा योजना सञ्चालन कार्यविधि, २०७५ (५औँ संशोधनसहित) (मूल २०७५।०८।०६; ५औँ संशोधन २०८१।०९।१०, लागू २०८२।०१।०१)
- SSF अध्ययन सामग्री (Digital Solution संकलन) (२०८३ असार)
For legal purposes always consult the original documents and latest amendments. Rates and limits can change through amendments.
This content is for educational purposes; final approval and benefits follow official SSF rules. Found outdated information? Report it here.