10 Types of SOCSO Claims in Malaysia (Jenis-jenis Tuntutan PERKESO)

When an employee is injured, falls sick due to their job, or faces a permanent disability, the first thing employers often ask is, “Can this be claimed under SOCSO?”

Knowing the types of SOCSO claims (Jenis-jenis Tuntutan PERKESO) is not only important for HR operations, but also for compliance and employee welfare.

SOCSO, also known as PERKESO, provides financial and medical protection to employees through various schemes. Each type of claim comes with its own eligibility, coverage, and employer responsibilities.

Check out a clear and practical guide below to help you understand the different types of SOCSO claims in Malaysia and your role in the process.

1. Employment Injury Scheme Claims

This is the most common claim type under SOCSO. It covers accidents that happen at the workplace or while commuting to and from work.

If an employee is injured during working hours or while traveling between their home and office, this scheme helps cover the costs.

The benefits include:

Medical treatment
Daily cash allowance for temporary disability
Lump-sum payments for permanent disability
Dependants’ benefits (if the injury leads to death)
Physical rehabilitation services

Employers are required to report any workplace accident within 48 hours and assist the employee in completing their claim documents.

2. Invalidity Scheme Claims

This scheme applies when an employee suffers from a long-term illness or condition that makes them unable to work before retirement age (60 years).

It doesn’t have to be related to work. Even if the illness develops outside the job, the employee can still claim if they’ve contributed to SOCSO long enough.

Benefits under this scheme include:

Monthly invalidity pension
One-time invalidity grant (if contributions are not enough for pension)
Rehabilitation support
Dialysis treatment for kidney failure patients

Employers should support affected employees in submitting the correct forms and confirming employment records when requested by SOCSO.

3. Survivors’ Pension (Pencen Penakat)

If an employee passes away (not due to work-related injury), their family may still be eligible for the Pencen Penakat under the Invalidity Scheme.

This is paid monthly to the widow or widower, children under 21, or dependent parents.

Inform SOCSO promptly upon the employee’s death and provide any records needed to help the family claim the benefit.

4. Constant Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance is an extra monthly allowance given to employees who suffer permanent disability and need full-time care.

For example, if a workplace accident causes total paralysis or brain injury, the injured worker may be eligible to receive this allowance in addition to other benefits.

As an employer, you need to support the claim process and provide information to confirm the employee’s work history.

5. Funeral Benefit

If an employee passes away due to a workplace injury or under the Invalidity Scheme, SOCSO provides a lump-sum funeral benefit to the person who paid for the funeral.

This can be the spouse, family member, or even the employer. The amount is fixed and meant to reduce the financial burden of funeral arrangements.

HR or payroll teams should help by preparing the required documentation and confirming contribution records if needed.

6. Education Benefit

Education benefit covers education expenses for children of employees who are either receiving an invalidity pension or deceased due to a work-related incident. It supports primary up to tertiary education, depending on eligibility.

Employers may be asked to verify past employment and contribution history when the dependants submit the claim.

7. Return to Work Program

SOCSO also supports injured employees through a Return to Work Program, including rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and even re-employment services.

If one of your employees is recovering from a serious injury and has difficulty returning to their original job, they may be eligible for this program.

Cooperate with SOCSO’s case managers and medical officers to explore modified roles or support re-employment arrangements.

8. Temporary Disablement Benefit

When an employee is on medical leave due to a workplace injury, SOCSO provides a daily allowance starting from the fourth day of absence.

The amount depends on the employee’s wages and must be certified by a registered medical practitioner.

Employers are required to:

Submit the accident report
Confirm wages and employment details
Cooperate with SOCSO’s investigation if needed

9. Permanent Disablement Benefit

If the injury results in permanent loss of function, SOCSO will calculate compensation based on the percentage of disability.

For example, losing a finger or partial loss of eyesight will be rated by SOCSO’s medical board. The employee receives a lump sum or monthly benefit accordingly. Employers may be involved in the medical board process and wage confirmation.

10. Occupational Disease Claims

Not all work injuries are caused by accidents. Some develop slowly over time. This type of claim covers illnesses caused by job conditions, such as:

Asbestosis from long-term exposure to industrial dust
Hearing loss from noisy machinery
Skin diseases due to constant contact with chemicals

If the doctor certifies the illness as job-related, it falls under the Employment Injury Scheme. Assist with medical documentation and submit the case to SOCSO with proper evidence.

What to Do as Employers

Employers play a key role in making sure employees receive their rights under SOCSO. So, you need to:

Register all eligible employees with SOCSO once they join the company
Make monthly SOCSO contributions on time through the official system
Report any workplace accident within 48 hours using the prescribed form
Support employees during the claim process, including by providing documents such as payslips, medical reports, and employment letters
Avoid late reporting, which may result in penalties or rejection of claim.

FAQs

What is the difference between Employment Injury and Invalidity Scheme?

The Employment Injury Scheme covers accidents or diseases related to work. The Invalidity Scheme covers long-term illness or disability not related to work.

How long does SOCSO take to process claims?

It depends on the case. Some claims (like medical leave) can be processed in a few weeks. Complex cases, especially those involving permanent disability, may take longer.

Can foreign workers make SOCSO claims?

Yes, as long as they are legally employed and contributions have been made under the relevant scheme.

What documents are required for SOCSO claims?

It depends on the type of claim, but generally includes: accident report, medical reports, payslips, copy of IC/passport, and employment confirmation.

How does SOCSO define ‘accident while commuting’?

It refers to accidents that happen on the direct route between home and work. Taking long detours may disqualify the claim.

What if an employee is injured outside working hours?

If the injury is not related to work or commuting, it may not qualify under the Employment Injury Scheme. However, other schemes like the Invalidity Scheme might apply.

Can I submit a claim SOCSO/PERKESO online?

Yes, you can submit and claim online through https://www.perkeso.gov.my/

Is there a penalty if I delay reporting an accident?

Yes. Late reporting may lead to investigation delays or claim rejection. It may also result in penalties for the employer.

What happens if an employer didn’t register the employee with SOCSO?

The employer may be fined, and the employee may lose access to benefits. It’s also a violation of the Employees’ Social Security Act.

Looking to Hire a New Team?

Let AJobThing help you find the right people who will grow with your company.

Post your job ads and connect with top talent across platforms like Maukerja, Ricebowl, and Epicareer today.