Lose your job? New Act 800 benefits offer bigger financial support for over 7mil Malaysians: Socso

KUALA LUMPUR — Contributors who lose their jobs from today and meet the eligibility requirements can apply for benefits under the Employment Insurance System and Employment Services Act 2017 (Act 800) at enhanced rates. The Social Security Organisation (Socso) said the revised rates followed amendments to Act 800, which were gazetted on Sept 15 and introduced three key enhancements to the benefits available to eligible contributors. Among the changes is an increase in the Early Re-employment Allowance (EBSA) to 50% of the remaining Job Search Allowance (EMP), compared with the previous rate of 25%. The maximum Training Fees have also been increased from RM4,000 to RM7,000, while the Training Allowance has been raised to RM30 a day. “These amendments also introduce a new benefit: the Mobility Assistance Allowance (EBM). This is a one-off payment of RM1,000 for contributors who have lost their jobs, are receiving EIS (Employment Insurance System) benefits, and subsequently secure new employment at a location more than 100 kilometres away from their residence. “Consequently, eligible contributors can apply for this benefit online via the LINDUNG Kerjaya portal (https://lindungkerjaya.perkeso.gov.my/) or at any nearby SOCSO counter,” the organisation said today. SOCSO said the enhanced benefits, which provide an average of RM3,300 per individual, are expected to benefit more than seven million contributors. The improvements are also intended to support the labour market by helping affected workers make faster transitions into new employment. According to SOCSO, the latest reforms strengthen the social safety net while being backed by a broader career transition mechanism. “The provision of a holistic ecosystem driven by job-matching services via the national MYFutureJobs portal, career counseling, retraining, upskilling, and mobility support will effectively safeguard the socioeconomic well-being of the community,” SOCSO stated. The organisation said the amendments to Act 800, formerly known as the Employment Insurance System Act 2017, also complement the MADANI Government’s efforts to strengthen social protection. This includes the implementation of LINDUNG 24 Jam on June 1. “Overall, SOCSO is committed to ensuring that social protection evolves alongside the changing landscape of work going beyond merely assisting contributors during job loss to ensuring they possess the skills, opportunities, and support needed to return to the workforce more quickly. “Through these amendments and enhancements, every affected contributor is not only protected but also assisted in getting back on their feet, becoming productive again, and building a more secure life,” the statement read. - October 1, 2026 The post Lose your job? New Act 800 benefits offer bigger financial support for over 7mil Malaysians: Socso appeared first on Scoop .