Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF) is a significant step in ensuring the financial security of workers across the country. By providing healthcare coverage, old-age pensions, and accident and disability benefits, SSF plays a key role in safeguarding workers and their families. However, despite its importance, a large portion of eligible workers and employers still remain unregistered, missing out on these essential benefits.

This article offers a detailed, comprehensive guide on Nepal’s Social Security Fund, covering its structure, eligibility requirements, contribution details, and the step-by-step registration process. We’ll also cover how to claim your benefits and tackle some of the systemic challenges that affect SSF’s full implementation.

1. What is Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF)?

Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF) is a contributory social security system designed to provide comprehensive financial protection for employees, including those working in formal, informal, and self-employed sectors.

The SSF was established in 2011, with an expanded scope under the Social Security Act, 2018 to provide more inclusive coverage for various groups such as migrant workers and self-employed individuals. The fund is managed by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security (MoLESS), and it operates through mandatory contributions from both employers and employees.

The primary purpose of SSF is to provide lifelong protection through benefits that include pension schemes, healthcare coverage, maternity benefits, and financial support for dependent family members.

Key Objectives of SSF

• Pension coverage for old-age security
• Healthcare for workers and their families
• Disability benefits for workplace accidents
• Maternity support for female workers
• Dependent family support in case of worker death

Who Needs to Enroll in SSF?

The SSF is a mandatory system, meaning all employees, employers, and self-employed individuals must be enrolled in the system based on their respective employment status. Here’s a breakdown of who is eligible to register:

1. Formal Sector Employees
   • Any employee working in registered businesses and government institutions must be enrolled in SSF by their employers.
2. Employers
   • Every registered business, private or public, is legally obligated to register with SSF and make contributions for its employees.
3. Self-Employed and Informal Workers
   • Self-employed individuals and workers in the informal sector (like small business owners, freelancers, and domestic workers) can voluntarily register and contribute.
4. Migrant Workers
   • Nepalese citizens working abroad can opt into SSF and continue to make contributions, securing healthcare and pension benefits while working overseas.

Importance of SSF Enrollment

Employees and employers alike need to understand the importance of SSF enrollment to ensure long-term financial security. Failure to enroll can result in financial instability in case of workplace accidents, illness, or retirement. For employers, not enrolling employees is a violation of the law, which can lead to legal penalties.

2. SSF Contribution Structure: Detailed Breakdown

SSF contributions are shared between employees and employers, with both parties contributing a percentage of the employee’s basic salary. Additionally, the government contributes to informal sector workers' contributions.

2.1 Contribution Breakdown for Formal Sector Employees

The combined contribution to SSF amounts to 31% of the employee’s basic salary. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

For example, if an employee earns NPR 50,000 per month, the contribution breakdown would be:

• Employee Contribution: NPR 5,500
• Employer Contribution: NPR 10,000
• Total Contribution: NPR 15,500

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These pooled contributions fund four main protection plans:

1. Health and Maternity Coverage
2. Accident & Disability Benefits
3. Old-age Pension
4. Dependent Family Support

2.2 Contribution for Informal and Migrant Workers

• Informal Workers: These workers contribute 9.37% of their income, with the government matching the contribution to improve inclusivity.
• Migrant Workers: Migrant workers contribute three times their base salary while receiving limited medical benefits, though they are still entitled to pension coverage.

2.3 Where Do SSF Contributions Go?

The SSF contributions are allocated to ensure that workers have protection in multiple areas:

• Health Coverage: Up to NPR 700,000 for accident-related treatments
• Pensions: Monthly pension for workers contributing for 15+ years
• Family Support: Monthly financial assistance for spouses and children
• Accident/Disability Coverage: Compensation for workers injured on the job

3. The Registration Process for SSF: How to Enroll

3.1 Employer Registration

All companies, private or public, must register with SSF. Employers are responsible for enrolling their employees and making contributions as per the Labour Act, 2017 and the Social Security Act, 2018.

Who Needs to Register?

• Private companies, NGOs, INGOs, government institutions, factories, and corporations
• Any registered employer with at least one employee

Documents Required for Employer Registration

1. Company Registration Certificate (PAN/VAT details)
2. Tax Clearance Certificate
3. Employer’s Business Profile
4. List of employees with salary details, citizenship numbers, and contact information

Step-by-Step Employer Registration Process

1. Go to SSF’s official website: https://sosys.ssf.gov.np/
2. Create an employer account and upload company details
3. Submit required documents for verification
4. Approval within two working days
5. Register employees within three months of hiring

Penalty for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to register may face legal fines and restrictions on conducting business.

3.2 Employee Registration

Employees are automatically registered by their employer once the company is enrolled in SSF. However, employees should confirm their registration status and verify that contributions are being deducted correctly from their salary.

Steps for Employee Registration

1. Confirm employer’s SSF registration
2. Provide necessary documents:
   • Citizenship certificate
   • Recent passport-size photograph
   • PAN card (if applicable)
3. Receive SSF Number & Access Online Portal
4. Track contributions via SSF’s website or mobile app

Tip: Employees can visit SSF offices for any issues related to delayed enrollment or contribution verification.

3.3 Self-Employed & Informal Workers Registration

The Nepal government has expanded SSF coverage to include self-employed individuals and informal sector workers to increase financial protection.

Who is eligible?

• Self-employed professionals (doctors, freelancers, consultants, business owners)
• Small-scale entrepreneurs (shopkeepers, tailors, mechanics, etc.)
• Daily wage workers and informal sector employees

How to Register as a Self-Employed or Informal Worker?

1. Go to  and select “Self-Employed Registration”
2. Upload required documents (Citizenship, PAN, and income proof)
3. Choose contribution tier based on income level
4. Make contributions either quarterly or annually

Government Matching Contribution: Informal sector workers contribute 9.37% of their income, and the government matches the same amount to support their future security.

4. SSF Benefits: What Employees & Employers Gain from the Fund

4.1 Overview of SSF Benefits

SSF provides four major financial protections to employees and their families:

4.2 How to Claim SSF Benefits?

Healthcare & Maternity Claims

1. Visit an SSF-approved hospital
2. Show SSF ID card at the reception
3. Hospital processes direct billing to SSF
4. Employees receive free medical treatment

Maternity Benefits: Covers prenatal, delivery, and postnatal expenses for both mother and newborn.

Pension & Retirement Claims

1. Employees must contribute for at least 15 years to qualify for pension
2. Fill out the pension withdrawal form from SSF
3. Pension starts from age 60 onwards

Spouse Benefit: If the contributor passes away, their spouse receives 40% of the pension for life.

Accident & Disability Claims

1. Submit medical reports and employer verification
2. Compensation of up to NPR 1.2 million for workplace injuries
3. Temporary disability grants: 70% of salary is paid during recovery

4.3 SSF Loans & Tax Benefits

What types of loans can employees take from SSF?

• Home Loan
• Education Loan
• Social Function Loan
• Special Contribution Loan

Loan Limit: 15 years’ salary or NPR 10 million (whichever is lower)

What are the tax benefits of SSF?

Employees can deduct up to NPR 500,000 or one-third of taxable income (whichever is lower) as a tax benefit for SSF contributions. 

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5. Challenges Facing Nepal’s SSF System

5.1 Low Enrollment & Employer Non-Compliance

• Only 20,152 employers registered, leaving many workers without coverage
• Lack of awareness among informal sector workers

Solution: Stricter enforcement, employer awareness campaigns, and penalties for non-compliance.

5.2 Administrative Delays & Transparency Issues

• Slow claim processing due to outdated ICT systems
• Frequent staff transfers disrupt service continuity

Solution: Digital automation of claims processing and better staff training.

5.3 Limited Awareness Among Informal Workers

• Low financial literacy and trust issues
• Only 12% of informal workers had enrolled by 2024

Solution: Multilingual outreach via radio, community networks, and employer workshops.

6. Future Prospects & Strategic Recommendations

6.1 Expanding Coverage for Migrant Workers

• Bilateral agreements with Malaysia, UAE, and Qatar for portable pension schemes
• Easier contribution tracking for overseas workers

6.2 SSF Fund Mobilization for Economic Growth

• NPR 132.3 billion earmarked for investments in infrastructure, SMEs, and capital markets
• Need for secure, high-return investment policies to sustain the fund

6.3 Digital Transformation & Fintech Integration

• SSF mobile app launch to automate contribution payments & claim tracking
• Integration with banks & digital wallets for real-time processing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF)

This comprehensive FAQ provides detailed answers on Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF), covering registration, contributions, benefits, claims, penalties, and tax implications.

1. General Questions About SSF

1.1 What is Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF)?

The Social Security Fund (SSF) is a government-managed contributory scheme that provides financial protection for employees through pension, healthcare, maternity, accident, and dependent family benefits. It was established under the Social Security Act, 2018, and is managed by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security (MoLESS).

1.2 Is participation in SSF mandatory?

Yes. Participation in SSF is mandatory for all employers and employees in Nepal as per the Social Security Act, 2018. Failure to register and contribute can result in legal penalties and fines for employers.

1.3 Who needs to register for SSF?

SSF is mandatory for all formal sector employees and employers, while self-employed and informal sector workers can enroll voluntarily.

Must Register:

• Employers in private companies, NGOs, INGOs, and government-registered businesses
• All full-time employees in formal sectors
• Part-time, contractual, and work-based employees under the Labour Act, 2017

Exempted Entities:

• Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and civil service employees
• Independent consultants and freelancers (voluntary participation)

1.4 Can foreign nationals participate in SSF?

Yes. SSF does not exclude foreign employees, meaning expatriates working in Nepal can participate if their employer is registered with SSF.

2. SSF Registration Process

2.1 How can an employer register for SSF?

Employers must follow these steps:

1. Go to  and create an employer account.
2. Upload the required documents:
   • Company Registration Certificate (PAN/VAT)
   • Tax Clearance Certificate
   • List of employees with salary details
3. Submit the application for approval within two working days.
4. Once approved, register employees within three months of hiring.

Note: Employers must deposit contributions on time to avoid penalties.

2.2 How can an employee register for SSF?

Employees are automatically registered when their employer enrolls them in SSF. Employees should:

1. Verify with their employer that they are enrolled.
2. Log into  to check enrollment status.
3. Contact SSF if they are not listed despite employer contributions.

Employees receive a unique Social Security Number (SSN), which is used for benefits and claim processing.

2.3 Can self-employed and informal sector workers register?

Yes. Self-employed individuals and informal workers can voluntarily register and contribute based on their income level.

Registration Steps:

1. Visit  and select "Self-Employed Registration".
2. Upload citizenship, PAN, and income details.
3. Choose a contribution tier based on income.
4. Make contributions quarterly or annually.

Government Matching Contribution: Informal workers contribute 9.37% of their income, and the government matches this amount to support financial security.

3. SSF Contribution Structure & Payments

3.1 How much do employers and employees contribute?

Employers deduct the employee’s contribution (11%) from their salary before disbursement.

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3.2 How is SSF contribution calculated?

If an employee earns NPR 50,000 per month, with basic salary NPR 30,000 and allowance NPR 20,000, the contribution is:

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3.3 What happens if an employer does not deposit SSF contributions?

Employers who fail to deposit contributions must:

1. Pay the missing amount plus 10% interest within 15 days.
2. Compensate outgoing employees for the SSF benefits they would have received.
3. Face fines up to NPR 100,000 or imprisonment for up to one year in cases of fraud.

4. Claiming SSF Benefits

4.1 What benefits does SSF provide?

4.2 How to claim healthcare & maternity benefits?

1. Visit an SSF-approved hospital.
2. Show SSF ID card at the reception.
3. The hospital processes direct billing to SSF.

Maternity Benefits: Covers pregnancy check-ups, delivery, and postnatal expenses for both mother and newborn.

4.3 How to claim accident & disability compensation?

1. Notify SSF within seven days of the accident.
2. Submit medical reports and employer verification.
3. Compensation of up to NPR 1.2 million is provided.
4. Temporary disability grants cover 70% of wages during recovery.

5. SSF Loans & Tax Benefits

5.1 What types of loans can employees take from SSF?

• Home Loan
• Education Loan
• Social Function Loan
• Special Contribution Loan

Loan Limit: 15 years’ salary or NPR 10 million (whichever is lower)

5.2 What are the tax benefits of SSF?

Employees can deduct up to NPR 500,000 or one-third of taxable income (whichever is lower) as a tax benefit for SSF contributions.

Nepal’s Social Security Fund offers vital financial protection, but its full potential remains untapped due to low enrollment and administrative inefficiencies. By understanding the registration process and the benefits it provides, both employers and employees can secure a better financial future. Share this guide to spread awareness and secure Nepal’s workforce!