The Social Security Fund (SSF) is known as Samajik Surakyash Kosh in Nepal, which is regulated by the Social Security Act, 2018 (2075). It is a remarkable step in ensuring the financial security of workers across the whole country.
For the first time, the government of Nepal introduced the contribution-based Social Security Act, 2018 (2075), to strengthen workers’ economic and social protection during and after their employment.
The Social Security Fund provides financial support to employees and their families in times of need, such as illness, accidents, retirement, and covers all medical expenses.
In addition, the official enrolment Gazette Notice does not limit SSF registration to any specific industry or sector, which means all the registered companies and organisations, regardless of their nature of business, must enrol with the SSF.
What Is Social Security Fund (SSF) In Nepal?
Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF) is a contributory system where workers and employers contribute money to help protect employees financially, including those working in formal, informal, and even self-employed sectors.
The concept of SSF was introduced in Nepal for the first time in 2011 and was expanded by the Social Security Act of 2018 to include more groups, like migrant workers and freelancers.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security (MoLESS) manages and operates the fund.
The main aim of MoLESS regarding SSF is to support workers throughout their lives by offering benefits like pensions, health care, maternity leaves, and help for their family members in times of need.
Here are the key objectives of the SSF in Nepal:
- Pension coverage for old-age security – Workers who retire receive a regular income (pension) from the SSF. This helps them live with financial stability even after they stop working.
- Healthcare for workers and their families – The SSF helps cover medical expenses for workers and their family members. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medicines, and other healthcare needs.
- Disability benefits for workplace accidents – If a worker gets injured or becomes disabled while working, the SSF provides financial support to help them manage their daily life and treatment costs.
- Maternity support for female workers – Female employees can get financial help during pregnancy and after childbirth. This support allows them to take time off work and care for their newborn without worrying about income.
- Dependent family support in case of worker death – If a worker dies, the SSF offers financial assistance to their family members. This helps the family cope with the loss and meet their basic needs.
Who Should Register for the Social Security Fund (SSF)?
The SSF is a mandatory system for most people with different jobs and their respective employment statuses. Here are breakdowns for those who are eligible to register:
- Formal Sector Employees – If you work in a registered company or government office, your employer must register you in the SSF.
- Employers – All registered businesses, whether public or private, must enrol in the SSF and make regular payments for their workers.
- Self-Employed and Informal Workers – People who run their own small businesses, work as freelancers, or do informal jobs (like domestic work) can join the SSF voluntarily and make their own contributions.
- Migrant Workers – Nepali citizens working abroad can also choose to join the SSF and keep contributing to get healthcare and retirement benefits while overseas.
Why SSF Enrolment Matters?
Joining the SSF helps protect workers and their families in the long run. It gives support during illness, accidents, pregnancy, or retirement.
For workers, not being enrolled means risking financial problems in the future and failing to register employees is a violation of the law, which may lead to legal penalties.
How Do You Register for the Social Security Fund (SSF)?
All companies, private or public, must register with the SSF for registration and contributions in accordance with the Labour Act, 2017 and the Social Security Act, 2018.
Here are the procedures and the documents required for the registration:
Employer Registration
Steps:
- Visit https://sosys.ssf.gov.np
- Create an employer account
- Upload company documents
- SSF approval within two working days
- Register all employees within three months of hiring
Documents Required:
- Company Registration Certificate (PAN/VAT)
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Business Profile
- List of employees (with salary, citizenship number, contact info)
Employee Registration
Steps:
- Confirm your SSF registration
- Make sure salary deductions are being made
- Track your contributions online or on a mobile app
Documents Required:
- Citizenship Certification
- Passport-size photo
- PAN Card
Self-Employed and Informal Workers Registration
Steps:
- Go to the SSF website and select “Self-Employed Registration”
- Upload documents
- Choose a contribution tier based on your earnings
- Pay contributions quarterly or annually
Documents Required:
- Citizenship
- PAN
- Proof of income
Is the Government Making SSF Enrolment Compulsory for All Employees?
The government of Nepal has announced that SSF enrolment will be mandatory for all employees and individuals at the beginning of the fiscal year 2082/83.
President Ramchandra Paudel stated that this will be applied to workers in both the public and private sectors, including those in formal organisations, as well as eligible individuals in the informal and self-employed sectors.
To enforce the new legal provisions under the Labour Act 2017 and the Social Security Act 2018, all companies, cooperatives, firms, and organised entities must show proof that their employees are enrolled in the SSF and regular contributions are being made, especially when renewing their business registration.
Conclusion
The Social Security Fund (SSF) is now a mandatory, contribution-based system designed to provide long-term financial security to all types of workers in Nepal, including those in formal jobs, informal sectors, self-employed professions, and migrant work.
With the government making SSF enrolment compulsory from FY 2082/83, all employers must register and contribute for their employees. Workers are entitled to vital benefits such as pensions, healthcare, maternity, disability, and family support.
Strict legal provisions now require companies to show SSF compliance when renewing their registration, making it essential for both businesses and individuals to enrol and contribute on time.
Babita Pariyar
Babita is a law student with a keen interest in property accountancy and legal compliance. She contributes insightful, well-researched articles that reflect a fresh and analytical perspective on evolving legal matters.
