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A Guide to SOCSO (PERKESO) Claims for Temporary Disablement (2025)

An accident can happen in an instant. Whether it’s a slip at the workplace or an incident on your way home from the office, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming. Beyond the physical injury, a pressing concern often arises: “If I can’t work, how will I earn a living?”

This is where Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation, widely known as SOCSO or PERKESO, steps in. It acts as a crucial social security safety net, designed to provide financial support and medical benefits to employees who suffer from workplace accidents or occupational diseases.

If you find yourself in such a situation, understanding how to claim the Temporary Disablement Benefit is essential. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step process to help you navigate your claim with confidence.

First, What is SOCSO and the Temporary Disablement Benefit?

Understanding SOCSO (PERKESO)

SOCSO is a mandatory government scheme established to provide social security protection to employees in Malaysia. Both you and your employer make monthly contributions. This fund is then used to support you in case of workplace injuries, invalidity, or death.

What is the Temporary Disablement Benefit?

The Temporary Disablement Benefit is a cash payment made by SOCSO to an employee who is on medical leave for at least four days due to an employment-related injury or occupational disease.

The purpose of this benefit is straightforward: to replace the income you lose while you are temporarily unable to work. This ensures you can focus on your recovery without severe financial distress.

Are You Eligible to Claim? Key Conditions

Who is Covered by SOCSO?

All Malaysian employees who are registered and have active contributions to SOCSO are eligible to claim. This protection starts from the very first day you start working, regardless of your salary.

What Incidents Are Covered?

The Temporary Disablement Benefit falls under SOCSO’s Employment Injury Scheme. This scheme covers the following incidents:

• Accidents at the workplace: Any injury that occurs while you are carrying out your official duties.
• Accidents while commuting: An accident that happens on your direct route between your home and your workplace.
• Accidents during an authorized work journey: An injury sustained while travelling for an official work-related reason.
• Occupational diseases: A disease contracted as a direct result of your occupation, such as hearing loss due to industrial noise.

How to File Your Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide

The claim process is systematic. While your employer is responsible for submission, knowing the steps will help you ensure everything is done correctly.

Step 1: Notify Your Employer Immediately

Your first and most important action is to inform your employer about the accident as soon as possible. This initiates the official reporting process, which is a legal requirement for the employer.

Step 2: Gather the Essential Documents

Your employer will need to compile and submit a set of documents to SOCSO. You will need to provide them with the following:

• Accident Report Form (Borang 34): This form should be filled out by your employer with details of the accident.
• SOCSO Claim Form: This is typically Form PKS (P) 68 or PKS (P) 69, which contains your details.
• Original Medical Certificate (MC): You must provide the original MC for the entire period of your leave.
• A copy of your NRIC (Kad Pengenalan).
• A copy of the police report: This is mandatory for any road accidents that occurred while commuting.
• Attendance records and salary statements for the relevant period.

Step 3: Submission and Follow-Up

Your employer must submit the complete set of documents to the nearest SOCSO branch office. While the law provides a 12-month window from the date of the accident to file a claim, it is always best to do it immediately to avoid delays in receiving your benefits.

Understanding the Payouts: How Much and How Long?

How is the Benefit Calculated?

SOCSO will pay you a daily rate equivalent to 80% of your average assumed daily wage. This rate is determined based on your monthly contribution amount.

For example, if your average daily wage is calculated to be RM100, your daily SOCSO benefit would be RM80.

How Long Will You Receive Payments?

You will receive payments for the entire duration of your medical leave, as certified by your doctor’s MC. There is no waiting period; if your MC is for 14 days, you will be paid for all 14 days. Payments are typically made directly to your bank account.

The Employer’s Role & How an HRMS Helps

Employers have a legal and moral duty to assist their employees with SOCSO claims. They are responsible for reporting the accident and submitting all necessary documentation promptly.

Accurate Employee Data Management

Filing SOCSO claim forms requires accurate and up-to-date employee information. Instead of searching through physical files, a system like Worksy provides extensive employee profile management. It acts as a single source of truth for all critical data, including NRIC numbers, SOCSO details, bank account information, and emergency contacts. This ensures that when your HR team fills out the claim forms, all information is accurate and instantly accessible, minimizing the risk of errors and submission delays.

Ensuring Payroll Accuracy and Compliance

One common point of confusion is how to handle salary. When an employee is on SOCSO leave, they should not be paid their salary by the company to avoid double payment. Worksy HRMS allows HR to tag the leave period, ensuring payroll is processed accurately while maintaining a complete record of the employee’s absence. This helps in managing common HR issues in Malaysia related to compliance.

Conclusion: Your Safety Net When You Need It Most

The SOCSO Temporary Disablement Benefit is more than just a policy; it is a fundamental right that protects your income and well-being when you are most vulnerable. By understanding the process, you can ensure you receive the support you are entitled to.

Remember the three key steps: Notify your employer immediately, Document the incident and your medical leave correctly, and ensure your employer Submits the claim promptly.

For employers, facilitating a smooth claim process is a hallmark of a responsible organization. Leveraging a modern HR system like Worksy can automate the administrative burden, allowing you to focus on supporting your employee’s recovery.