Over Seven Million Contributors to Enjoy Improved SOCSO Benefits Effective Today

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 – More than seven million contributors stand to gain from enhanced social protection measures following amendments to the Employment Insurance System and Employment Services Act 2017 (Act 800), which officially take effect today, October 1, 2026.

According to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), contributors who lose their jobs starting today and meet the eligibility requirements can apply for benefits under the newly revised rates, which provide an average benefit value of RM3,300 per individual.

The legislative amendments—gazetted on September 15—introduce three primary benefit upgrades designed to accelerate career transitions and strengthen the national labor market:

• Increased Early Re-employment Allowance (EBSA): Raised to 50 per cent of the remaining Job Search Allowance (EMP), up from the previous 25 per cent rate.
• Higher Training Allowances and Fees: The maximum limit for Training Fees has been increased from RM4,000 to RM7,000, while the daily Training Allowance has been raised to RM30 per day.
• New Mobility Assistance Allowance (EBM): Introduced as a new one-off payment of RM1,000 for job-seeking contributors under the Employment Insurance System (EIS) who secure new employment located more than 100 kilometres away from their primary residence.

SOCSO confirmed that eligible contributors can submit applications for the new benefits online via the LINDUNG Kerjaya portal ([https://lindungkerjaya.perkeso.gov.my/](https://lindungkerjaya.perkeso.gov.my/)) or in person at any SOCSO counter nationwide.

Integrated Labor Support Ecosystem

SOCSO emphasized that the legislative reform complements the MADANI Government’s broader agenda to expand social safety nets, following the rollout of the LINDUNG 24 Jam initiative on June 1.

The enhanced financial safety net is backed by active labor market interventions, including job-matching through the national MYFutureJobs portal, personalized career counseling, upskilling, and relocation support.

“Overall, SOCSO is committed to ensuring that social protection evolves alongside the changing landscape of work going beyond merely assisting contributors during job loss to ensuring they possess the skills, opportunities, and support needed to return to the workforce more quickly,” the organization stated.

–NMT