In addition to supporting freelance and gig-economy workers, Socso offers coverage for housewives through the Housewives Social Security Scheme (SKSSR), established under the Housewives’ Social Security Act 2022.

This initiative aims to safeguard housewives from illnesses, accidents, and unforeseen circumstances that could result in permanent disability or incapacity that might impact their ability to manage household responsibilities.

Below are some of the benefits of the scheme:

Medical benefits

Insured housewives affected by domestic injuries can seek medical treatment, subject to the Fees Act 1951, and receive outpatient care at hospitals, dispensaries, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. They are also eligible for second-class admission to the wards of any public hospital.

Permanent disablement benefit

If an insured housewife suffers a permanent disablement owing to a domestic injury that impacts her ability to manage household tasks, she is eligible for a lump sum payment. The payment, up to RM30,000, will be determined based on the contribution period and the nature of the injury.

The disablement must be certified by a medical assessor or the appellate medical board.

Constant attendance allowance

A monthly payment of RM250 will be provided to an insured housewife eligible for the permanent disablement benefit or morbid allowance (see below), who is so severely incapacitated that she constantly requires personal assistance. This allowance will cease when the housewife reaches age 55 or passes away.

Physical rehabilitation or dialysis facilities

Financing of up to RM50,000 is available for an insured housewife suffering from invalidity or permanent disablement, subject to verification by a medical assessor or the appellate medical board.

This financing covers physical rehabilitation facilities such as prosthetics, wheelchairs, crutches, and other aids. Dialysis treatment is capped at RM200 monthly or in accordance with the Fees Act 1951.

Morbid allowance

A monthly payment of RM300 is provided to an insured homemaker if a medical assessor or the appellate medical board certifies that she suffers from a permanent condition preventing her from performing the majority of household chores.

This benefit will cease when the housewife either reaches age 55 or passes away.

Funeral benefit

While receiving morbid allowance, if the housewife covered under the policy passes away before age 55 owing to a domestic injury or for any reason during the coverage period, a single payment of RM2,000 will be provided to eligible dependents or the party responsible for funeral expenses.

Survivors’ pension

While receiving morbid allowance, if the insured housewife passes away before reaching 55 owing to a domestic injury or for any other reason during the coverage period, eligible dependents will receive a survivors’ pension of RM300, distributed according to their respective shares.

This pension is granted to widowers and children; if there is none, the pension will be paid to her parents. Children’s pension shares will be provided until they reach 21, marry, or complete their first degree, whichever comes first.

Mentally or physically disabled children who are unable to support themselves will continue receiving payments until they turn 55.

Survivors’ pension is exclusively for Malaysian-citizen widowers or parents until they turn 55. Payments to widowers cease upon remarriage.

How to contribute

A contribution of RM120 should be paid in advance for 12 consecutive months. Contributions can be made on behalf of the housewife by her spouse, family, or any third party.

If the husband chooses to make contributions on her behalf, the “once in, always in” principle will apply, ensuring continuous coverage for the wife. If the husband is unable to continue making contributions because of income loss or other circumstances, Socso should be notified within 60 days before the end of the current contribution period.

Eligibility criteria for SKSSR include being a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident, and being under the age of 55. For initial registration, the housewife’s age must not exceed 54 years.

Claims for benefits under the scheme can be submitted at any Socso counter by filling out the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme Benefit Claim Form – SR 6.

This article was written by Fateen Rosli for MyPF. To simplify and grow your personal finances, follow MyPF on Facebook and Instagram.

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