Social Security Foreign Worker Number (SSFW): Definition, How to Get, Consequences

Workplace accidents can happen at any time, and when they do, foreign workers need financial protection just like local workers.

The SSFW number is important for all foreign employees in Malaysia because it connects them to SOCSO benefits.

These benefits help cover medical costs, injury compensation, and long-term disability support.

If employers do not register their foreign workers for SOCSO, they may face fines and will have to pay all medical and compensation costs themselves.

So, how to get an SSFW number, register foreign workers, and avoid legal problems? Find the answers in this article.

What is the SSFW Number?

The Social Security Foreign Worker (SSFW) number is a unique identification number assigned to each foreign worker under SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) in Malaysia.

This number links foreign workers to their Employment Injury Scheme and Invalidity Scheme and makes them eligible for medical and compensation benefits in case of work-related injuries or disabilities.

The SSFW number functions like a SOCSO account number for foreign workers to ensure they are covered under Malaysia’s social security system.

Without this number, foreign employees cannot receive SOCSO benefits, putting them at risk if they get injured or fall sick at work.

Why Do Foreign Workers Need an SSFW Number?

Foreign workers contribute significantly to many industries in Malaysia, from construction and manufacturing to plantations and services.

Like Malaysian workers, they also face workplace risks, such as accidents, occupational diseases, and permanent disabilities.

The SSFW number plays a key role in:

Providing financial protection for work-related injuries. If a foreign worker suffers an accident while working, the Employment Injury Scheme covers medical costs and compensation.
Offering long-term security in case of disability. If a worker develops a permanent health condition due to work, the Invalidity Scheme provides financial support.
Making foreign workers eligible for SOCSO benefits. Without an SSFW number, workers cannot claim medical or compensation benefits, leaving them unprotected.

How to Obtain a Social Security Foreign Worker (SSFW) Number

Employers must register their foreign workers through SOCSO’s Perkeso Assist Portal.

The SSFW number is automatically generated once the worker is registered in the system. Below is the tutorial:

Log in to the Perkeso Assist Portal.
Register the foreign worker by entering worker details, including passport number, work permit details, and employment information.
Upload the required documents, such as the worker’s passport, work pass (VP(TE)), and employment contract.
Once registered, SOCSO generates an SSFW number.
Enter the SSFW number into payroll and HR records to submit SOCSO contributions.

Employers can also register workers through appointed SOCSO agents if they need assistance with the process.

Who is Eligible for SSFW Registration?

Not all foreign workers require an SSFW number. It is only applicable to those working under valid employment permits in Malaysia.

Only workers with valid employment passes qualify for SOCSO coverage and require an SSFW number.

Foreign Workers Who Need SSFW Registration

Workers with a Temporary Employment Pass (VP(TE))
Foreign Domestic Helpers (maids) with a VP(SS)
Skilled and unskilled foreign workers in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, plantation, and service sectors

Foreign Workers Who Do Not Need SSFW Registration

Expatriates on a Professional Visit Pass
Foreigners working under short-term business visas
Foreign students in internship programs

Employer’s Responsibility Regarding SSFW Registration

Employers are responsible for registering their foreign workers under SOCSO and making monthly contributions. Failure to do so can result in:

Fines up to RM10,000
Imprisonment for up to 2 years
Legal action from workers in case of accidents

Immediately, employers must register workers after hiring and keep track of their contributions. This protects the business from unexpected claims and penalties.

The Process of Paying SSFW Contributions

SOCSO contributions for foreign workers cover two schemes:

Employment Injury Scheme (EIS): Covers accidents and diseases related to work.
Invalidity Scheme: Provides financial support if the worker develops a permanent disability.

Below are the details of how many employers and foreign workers need to contribute to the SOCSO contributions:

Contribution Type	Employer’s Share	Foreign Worker’s Share	Total Contribution
Employment Injury Scheme (EIS)	1.25%	0%	1.25%
Invalidity Scheme	0.5%	0.5%	1.0%

Payments must be made monthly through the Perkeso Assist Portal.

What Happens After SSFW Number Registration?

Once a foreign worker is successfully registered for SSFW, they:

Receive an SSFW number, which is linked to their employment details and SOCSO records.
Can track their SSFW registration status by logging in to the EIS Portal using user case ID and password.
Are eligible for SOCSO benefits, including coverage for workplace injuries and disabilities.
Obtain an SSFW card, which serves as proof of registration and is required for making claims.
Use the SSFW number for any SOCSO-related claims, such as medical expenses, invalidity pensions, or compensation benefits.

Keep the SSFW details in the company’s HR system for future SOCSO contributions and claims processing.

SSFW and Work Permits

The SSFW number is directly linked to the worker’s Visit Pass (Temporary Employment). Without it, workers may face issues renewing their work permits.

To avoid problems during work permit renewal, employers should:

Keep SSFW registration updated
Make regular SOCSO contributions
Submit all necessary documents when renewing permits

Neglecting SSFW registration can delay work pass renewals and affect business operations.

Penalties for Failing to Register Foreign Workers under SSFW

Employers who do not register their foreign workers for SSFW and SOCSO may face serious legal and financial consequences.

Fines up to RM10,000 under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).
Imprisonment for up to 2 years or both, if convicted.
Legal liability if the worker suffers a workplace injury, which means the employer may have to cover medical costs, compensation, or repatriation expenses.
Possible business restrictions, such as being blacklisted from hiring foreign workers in the future.

To avoid penalties, employers must register foreign workers immediately upon employment and make SOCSO contributions as required.

SSFW Number and Worker Repatriation

If a foreign worker returns to their home country, SOCSO contributions do not continue. However, if a worker passes away in Malaysia, employers may claim:

SOCSO’s funeral repatriation benefit (up to RM4,500)
Survivor’s pension for the worker’s family (if eligible)

The SSFW number is still used to process any remaining claims before repatriation.

FAQs

How can I check if my foreign worker has an SSFW number?

Employers can check the Perkeso Assist Portal using the worker’s passport number or work permit details. Payroll records may also have the SSFW number if SOCSO contributions were made.

Can I apply for SSFW for my foreign worker online?

Yes, employers can register via SOCSO’s Perkeso Assist Portal by entering worker details, uploading required documents (passport, work permit, employment contract), and submitting the application. An SSFW number will be generated upon approval.

What should I do if my foreign worker has lost their SSFW card?

Report the loss to SOCSO via the Perkeso Assist Portal or a SOCSO office. Submit worker details, a written request, and pay any replacement fees to get a new card.

What happens if my foreign worker’s SSFW number is not registered?

Without SSFW registration, workers are not eligible for SOCSO benefits. Employers risk fines up to RM10,000 or imprisonment. To fix this, register the worker immediately through the Perkeso Assist Portal and start making contributions.

Are foreign workers in Malaysia eligible for medical benefits under SSFW?

Yes, they receive coverage under the Employment Injury Scheme (work-related injuries, hospitalization, disability benefits) and the Invalidity Scheme (for those below 60). Workers aged 60 and above are only covered under the Employment Injury Scheme.

Is there any age limit for foreign workers to be eligible for SSFW?

Yes, workers below 60 are covered under both Employment Injury & Invalidity Schemes, while those aged 60 and above are covered only under the Employment Injury Scheme.

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility between employers and employees.

With an SSFW number, foreign workers gain access to medical benefits and financial protection, reducing uncertainties in case of accidents or illness.

Employers, in turn, gain peace of mind knowing their workforce is legally covered and protected.

Take the right steps now and your business can operate with confidence and avoid unexpected liabilities.

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