Social Security Fund (SSF) Services

Services of the Social Security Fund (SSF)

The Social Security Fund provides lifelong financial security to workers and their families through contribution-based social security schemes. The Fund primarily operates services under four pillars: (1) medical treatment, health and maternity protection, (2) accident and disability protection, (3) dependent family protection, and (4) old age protection (pension and gratuity). These schemes help carry the financial risks that contributors may face due to illness, accidents, death, or old age.

In addition to these core schemes, the Fund also offers financial services such as special borrowing, home loans, education loans, and social activity loans. All SSF services (registration, KYC, claim payments, and viewing account details) are delivered transparently, quickly, and paperlessly through the online system (SOSYS) and mobile app. The central purpose of SSF services is to ensure protection “from womb to tomb” for workers in formal, informal, and foreign employment sectors.

The Social Security Fund is not only an institution that collects contributions. It is a service provider that manages life risks faced by workers and ensures financial protection. SSF services can be understood in four broad categories:

1. Core social security scheme services

2. Financial and loan services

3. Administrative and digital services

4. Targeted sector services (foreign employment and informal sector)

Core Social Security Scheme Services

Workers who are enrolled in the Fund and make regular contributions receive the following four main services:

(a) Medical Treatment, Health, and Maternity Protection Services

This is the most frequently used service.

• Inpatient treatment (IPD): If a contributor is admitted to a hospital for treatment, the Fund covers annual medical expenses up to NPR 100,000. (Of this, 80% is covered by the Fund and 20% must be paid by the patient.)

• Outpatient treatment (OPD): For check-ups and medicine purchases without hospital admission, claims can be made up to NPR 25,000 per year (this limit falls within the NPR 100,000 annual ceiling).

Maternity protection services:

• If a female contributor, or the wife of a male contributor, gives birth, a cash amount equal to one month of the minimum remuneration per child is provided for newborn care.

• If a female contributor is on maternity leave and the employer has not paid salary, she can receive salary support for up to 98 days at a rate of 60%.

How to receive the service:

• Cashless: Visit a hospital contracted with the Fund and show identification (only 20% needs to be paid).

• Reimbursement: If treatment is received at another hospital, the amount can be reimbursed by submitting bills within 35 days.

(b) Accident and Disability Protection Services

• Employment-related accident: If an accident occurs during work, or if a contributor suffers from an occupational disease, the Fund covers the full treatment cost (no limit).

• Other accidents: If an accident occurs outside work (such as at home or during leave), treatment expenses are covered up to NPR 700,000.

• Disability allowance: If a contributor becomes permanently unable to work due to an accident (disability), lifetime monthly allowance (pension) is available based on the disability percentage.

(c) Dependent Family Protection Services

Services provided to the family in case of a contributor’s death:

• Spouse pension: 60% of the deceased contributor’s last basic salary, paid as a monthly pension for life.

• Child education allowance: Monthly education allowance of 40% for children under 18 years (or under 21 years if studying).

• Funeral expenses: Lump sum NPR 25,000 for funeral rites.

(d) Old Age Security Services (Retirement Benefits)

• Monthly pension: Lifetime monthly pension after reaching 60 years of age and contributing for at least 15 years (180 months).

• Gratuity: Contributors who joined the Fund before the end of Ashad 2078, or those who do not want to choose the pension option (if eligible under the rules), can receive a lump sum amount with interest.

Financial and Loan Services

To help workers manage essential needs, the Fund provides the following loan services in accordance with the Special Borrowing and Loan Guidelines:

(a) Special Borrowing

What it is: This is similar to a provident fund loan. A contributor can take a loan based on a certain amount accumulated in their account (pension or retirement fund amount).

Limit: Up to 80% to 90% of the accumulated amount (as per the guidelines).

Process: This service can be obtained fully online. After applying through the mobile app or portal, the amount is deposited into the bank account within a short time.

(b) Home Loan

Purpose: To build a new house, purchase a house, or purchase land.

Eligibility: At least 36 months of contributions must be completed.

Amount: Maximum NPR 7.5 million or 15 years of salary (whichever is lower).

(c) Education Loan

Purpose: For higher education of the contributor or the contributor’s children.

Eligibility: At least 36 months of regular contributions must be completed.

Amount: Up to NPR 3.5 million.

(d) Social Activity Loan

Loan facility of up to NPR 500,000 for social events such as marriage and bratabandha.

Note: Loan facilities may be revised from time to time based on the Fund’s liquidity position and investment procedures.

Administrative and Digital Services

The Fund has emphasized technology-friendly services while reducing the need for physical presence.

(a) Registration and Enrollment Services

• Employer enrollment: Service to register a company through the online portal and receive an “SSF Employer ID.”

• Contributor enrollment: Service to enter employee details and generate the “Social Security Number” (SSF ID).

(b) Detail Correction and Updates (KYC Update/Correction)

• Name/date of birth correction: If details do not match citizenship information, a correction request can be submitted online for improvement.

• Bank account update: Facility to change or update bank account details for claim payments.

• Nominee update: Service to update beneficiary details for dependent family benefits.

(c) Account Merging

If a person has more than one SSF number (which may happen when changing jobs), the Fund provides a service to merge both accounts into one and transfer old balances into the updated account.

(d) Contribution Statement Services

Facility to download and view statements from the mobile app or website to verify:

• how much was deposited each month, and

• whether the employer deposited the contribution or not.

(e) Issuance of Certificates and Letters

• For tax-related purposes: Certificate proving registration and regular contributions in the Fund.

• Clearance/retirement letter: Letter confirming settlement of SSF amount after leaving a job.

(f) Grievance Handling Services

If the employer fails to deposit contributions, if there is delay in claim payment, or if other issues arise, the Fund receives complaints through online channels, phone (1151), or written submissions and provides resolution services.

Targeted Sector Services

The Fund has started special services for groups beyond the formal sector:

(a) Services for Workers in Foreign Employment

Enrollment: Workers can join online while taking labour approval or while staying abroad.

Benefits: By contributing a minimum of NPR 2,000 per month (or more), contributors can ensure lifelong pension, accident insurance, and family protection services.

Special feature: Significant financial relief in case of disability or death abroad, and pension assurance after returning to Nepal.

(b) Services for the Informal and Self-Employed Sector

Small business owners, farmers, and domestic workers can deposit contributions independently or in coordination with local governments and receive benefits similar to formal sector employees (medical treatment, pension, etc.).

How to Access Services

SSF services can be accessed through the following channels:

• Website (SOSYS Portal): www.ssf.gov.np or sosys.ssf.gov.np
  Services include registration, claims, and viewing account details.

• Mobile App (SSF Nepal App): Available on Play Store and App Store
  Highly useful for viewing personal details and applying for borrowing/loans.

• Call Center: 1151 (toll-free)
  For information and complaint handling.

• Contact offices: SSF offices located in major cities across all seven provinces.

Required Preparation to Receive Services

To receive services efficiently, service users should focus on the following:

• KYC verification: Keep mobile number, email, and bank account details updated at all times.

• Regular contribution: Contributions (installments) must be deposited regularly in order to receive benefits.

• Correct documentation: When making claims, prescriptions, bills, and reports should be clearly scanned and complete.

Conclusion

Social Security Fund services are based on the concept of “womb to tomb.” Although it initially appeared limited to pension, the Fund has expanded into practical services such as health treatment, home loans, and education loans, making the system a comprehensive package.

These services are not grants—they are the contributor’s own contribution-based rights. Therefore, using digital tools to maximize the benefits of these services is a practical approach.

Disclaimer

The loan limits, interest rates, and services mentioned above may change when the Fund revises its operating procedures. For updated information, please refer to the Fund’s official website.