Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) 2026: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

Rising living costs continue to affect many Malaysian households, including employees. To help ease financial pressure, the government introduced the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) 2026 programme, a nationwide cash aid scheme that supports low- to middle-income Malaysians.

HR professionals and employers need to understand STR 2026 to support employees’ well-being, financial stability, and morale. Here’s a detailed look at how STR 2026 works, who qualifies, and how your company can help employees benefit from it.

What Is STR 2026?

Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) 2026 is a direct cash assistance programme by the Malaysian government aimed at helping B40 and M40 households manage daily expenses.

The programme also includes an additional component called Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), a monthly financial allowance designed to provide continuous support for the most vulnerable groups.

In 2026, the government has allocated RM15 billion for STR and SARA combined, benefiting households earning below RM5,000 per month, single individuals earning RM2,500 or less, elderly citizens without a spouse, and vulnerable groups registered under eKasih.

The initiative will ease financial strain and strengthen social safety nets for Malaysian families and individuals struggling with the cost of living. So, employers can use this information to advise employees and help staff plan finances.

Who Can Receive STR 2026

Eligibility for STR 2026 is based on income category, household status, and age. Below are the main groups covered:

Households (Isi Rumah)

Married couples or single parents with dependants with a household income of Rp5,000 or below

Elderly Without Spouse (Warga Emas Tiada Pasangan)

Malaysians aged 60 years and above with an income of RM 5,000 or below. Elderly may live alone or with dependants, but without a spouse.

Single Adults (Bujang)

Single adults between the ages of 21 to 59 years old with an income of RM2,500 or below. The category also includes Persons with Disabilities (OKU) aged 19 and above who are not full-time students.

Vulnerable and eKasih Recipients

Citizens who registered under eKasih or the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). They also may qualify for the SARA top-up of up to RM200 per month.

Example:

A household earning below RM2,500 per month with five children could receive up to RM4,600 per year, combining both STR and SARA payments.

Benefits for Employees

Many employees in Malaysia, especially in lower-income groups, depend on government aid to manage essential expenses. HR professionals should be aware of how STR 2026 can directly benefit staff:

Monthly Cash Support

Eligible employees may receive a monthly SARA allowance ranging from RM100 to RM200, depending on category and income.

Early Disbursement During Festivals

Payments may be made earlier during major festive seasons, such as Deepavali, Chinese New Year, or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, to help employees manage seasonal spending.

Flexible Disbursement Channels

Recipients receive payments directly to their bank account. Those without bank details can withdraw cash at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).

Easier Budgeting and Wellbeing

The programme helps employees with budgeting and provides peace of mind, allowing them to focus better at work instead of worrying about financial stress.

How Employees Apply

Employees can apply either online through the official portal or manually via LHDN offices. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Application Period

The STR 2026 application window is open from 13 October to 28 November 2025. Employees who have not updated their STR information for three consecutive years must reapply to remain eligible.

1. Apply Online via STR Portal

The easiest way to apply is through the official STR website. Steps:

Visit the official STR 2026 Portal at: https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my
Click the “Permohonan Baharu” button.

Choose your preferred method:

With MyDigital ID: Click “Permohonan Baharu dengan MyDigital ID,” then scan the QR code and continue.
Without MyDigital ID: Click “Ya, Teruskan” to proceed with the regular application.

Fill in the “Maklumat Pemohon” section. Enter your MyKad number and click “Semak” for initial confirmation.

Complete all required fields in the application form, including:

Personal details
Dependant information
Income details
Bank information
Email address

Upload supporting documents, such as:

Copy of MyKad
Marriage certificate
Children’s birth certificates
Proof of income or other relevant documents (if requested)

*If the Applicant is Married, upload a scanned marriage certificate or submit the original document and a copy to the nearest HASiL office within 7 days after submitting your application.

**If the Applicant is Divorced, upload a scanned divorce certificate or submit the original document and a copy to the nearest HASiL office within 7 days after submission.

***If the Applicant’s Spouse Has Passed Away, upload a death certificate or submit the original document and a copy to the nearest HASiL office within 7 days after submission.

Review all details, tick the consent box, and confirm that all information provided is accurate. Click “Hantar” to send your application.

Download Free Tutorial on Apply STR Online via STR

2. Apply Using MyDigital ID

Applicants who already have a MyDigital ID can log in faster and securely.

Steps:

Select “Permohonan Baharu dengan MyDigital ID” on the STR portal.

Scan the QR code using the MyDigital ID app.

Verify identity and continue filling in details. Some information will be auto-filled.

This option reduces verification time and minimises the need for manual document uploads.

Download Free Tutorial on Apply Using MyDigital ID

3. Manual or Offline Application

Employees who prefer to apply in person can visit the nearest LHDN or HASiL office, including UTC branches, or mail their completed form.

Steps:

Obtain and complete the BK-01 application form.
Attach supporting documents.
Submit the form directly to any LHDN branch before the deadline.

4. Update or “Kemaskini” Existing Applications

Applicants who already receive STR must update their records if there are any changes, such as:

Marital status (married/divorced/widowed).
Number of dependants or children.
Updated income or job status.
Bank details or contact information.

Failing to update may lead to delays or disqualification from receiving future payments.

Download Free Tutorial on Apply STR 2026 for Kemaskini

HR & Employer Considerations

While STR is applied individually by employees, HR teams play an important role in spreading awareness and support. Here’s how employers can help:

Educate Employees

HR can organise short info sessions or send internal memos to explain eligibility, application steps, and key deadlines.

Provide Guidance (Without Handling Applications)

While HR should not collect or process employee data, they can guide staff on using official government channels such as MySTR or LHDN offices.

Encourage Timely Updates

Remind employees who have not updated their information in three years to renew their applications early to avoid missing out.

Support Financial Wellbeing

STR can complement internal welfare initiatives. HR can integrate financial literacy programs or budgeting workshops to help employees make the most of their assistance.

Maintain Confidentiality

Remind managers that employee participation in STR is personal and confidential. Avoid discussing eligibility or income status openly in the workplace.

FAQs

Who qualifies for STR 2026?

Households earning ≤ RM5,000, single adults earning ≤ RM2,500, and elderly individuals without a spouse earning ≤ RM5,000. Registered eKasih or JKM recipients may receive higher monthly top-ups.

How much can employees receive?

Amounts vary by category. For example, households earning below RM2,500 with five children may receive up to RM4,600 annually, including SARA.

Can applications be done online?

Yes. Employees can apply or update online through the MySTR portal or use MyDigital ID for faster login and verification.

What is the application deadline?

The application and update window for STR 2026 runs from 13 October to 28 November 2025.

Are gig workers or part-time staff eligible?

Yes, as long as their total monthly income meets the qualifying criteria. Employment type doesn’t affect eligibility.

Where can employees check their payment status?

What should employees do if their application is rejected?

They can file an appeal or “Rayuan” through the same portal once the appeal window opens, by providing additional supporting documents.

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