SOCSO EIS: job loss allowance, eligibility and how to claim
By DuitMap · Published · Updated · 8 min read
If you were retrenched, your company closed or you took a VSS, PERKESO's Employment Insurance System (EIS, in Malay SIP), now called LINDUNG Kerjaya, can pay a Job Search Allowance (JSA) for 3 to 6 months while you look for a new job.
This guide covers who qualifies, how much you get, the new benefits from 1 October 2026, the documents you need and how to claim. Every figure comes from PERKESO's official pages and booklet.
Key facts
Apply within
60 days of losing your job
Job Search Allowance
3 to 6 months
Month 1 rate
80% of assumed monthly wage
Minimum contributions
12 months of contributions within the last 24 months (first claim)
EIS started on 1 January 2018 under the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800) to replace part of the income of workers who lose their jobs. Besides money, PERKESO Employment Services Officers help you find a new job, and you can join skills training.
It is funded by monthly contributions: 0.2% from the employer and 0.2% from the employee. PERKESO's contribution table stops rising at a RM6,000 wage, a maximum of RM11.90 each (RM23.80 a month in total). If your payslip shows an "EIS" or "SIP" deduction, you are contributing.
Who is not coveredAccording to PERKESO's booklet, civil servants, statutory body and local authority staff, the self-employed and foreign workers are not covered by EIS. Gig and self-employed workers are covered by a different scheme (LINDUNG Kendiri), not EIS.
Who qualifies for EIS benefits?
PERKESO's 2025 booklet lists these conditions:
An employee as defined in Act 800 (under a contract of service or apprenticeship, written or verbal).
Aged 18 to 60 when the job loss happens.
The job loss is confirmed by PERKESO.
You apply within 60 days of losing your job.
You meet the contribution condition: at least 12 months of contributions within the last 24 months before the job loss, for a first claim (Fourth Schedule, Act 800).
You are able to work, ready to work and actively looking for work.
Counts as job loss
Does not count
Termination (dismissal, downsizing)
Voluntary resignation
Company closure or bankruptcy
Fixed-term contract ending
VSS or MSS
Mutual termination without terms and conditions
Closure due to natural disaster, riot, fire and the like
Work completed under the contract
Employer breaches the contract (constructive dismissal)
Compulsory retirement
Resigning due to threats, sexual harassment or being told to do dangerous work outside your scope
Dismissal for misconduct
How much is the job loss allowance (JSA)?
The Job Search Allowance (JSA, in Malay EMP) is paid for 3 to 6 months depending on your contribution record. It is a percentage of your assumed monthly wage as worked out by PERKESO, and it falls each month. That is why the second payment is smaller than the first.
The table uses PERKESO's official rates. The third column is an example estimate for an assumed monthly wage of RM2,000 qualifying for 6 months; your actual amount depends on your assumed wage and the approved period.
Month
Rate (% of assumed wage)
Example: assumed wage RM2,000
Month 1
80%
RM1,600
Month 2
50%
RM1,000
Month 3
40%
RM800
Month 4
40%
RM800
Month 5
30%
RM600
Month 6
30%
RM600
Total for 6 months
RM5,400
If you work for more than one employer and lose one of the jobs, you may get the Reduced Income Allowance (RIA, in Malay EPB) at the same rate and duration as the JSA, paid as a lump sum.
New benefits from 1 October 2026
Amendments to Act 800 took effect on 1 October 2026. According to PERKESO's FAQ, the new rates apply only to insured persons who lose their job from that date.
Benefit
Before
Job loss from 1 Oct 2026
Early Re-employment Allowance (ERA/EBSA)
25% of the unpaid JSA balance
50% of the unpaid JSA balance
Training Allowance
RM10 to RM20 a day by wage
RM30 a day (flat rate)
Training Fee
RM4,000
Up to RM7,000
Mobility Assistance Allowance (EBM)
None
RM1,000 one-off (new job 100 km or more away)
RM1,000 Mobility Assistance Allowance: the conditionsThe new job must be at least 100 km from where you live (measured with Google Maps), you report for work within 12 months of your last JSA or ERA approval, and you apply within 60 days of reporting for work. Attach the offer letter and the new employer's confirmation. Not for RIA recipients. PERKESO pays into your bank account within 14 days of approval.
Documents you need
A copy of your MyKad.
Proof of job loss, for example the termination letter from your employer.
Payslips for the last 6 months before the job loss.
A copy of your bank account details in your own name.
For ERA, training or RIA: the new job offer, attendance report or guarantee letter, depending on the benefit.
How to claim SOCSO EIS (step by step)
These steps summarise PERKESO's booklet and the Act 800 amendment FAQ.
1. Open the LINDUNG Kerjaya portal (lindungkerjaya.perkeso.gov.my) and complete the application within 60 days of losing your job.
2. Upload your MyKad, proof of job loss, your last 6 months of payslips and your bank account details.
3. Register on MYFutureJobs and join the job placement programme once PERKESO notifies you.
4. Report your job search activities to PERKESO every month so the allowance continues.
5. Check your application status on the same portal. The decision is also sent by email.
The portal's older address, eis.perkeso.gov.my, still leads to the same portal, but PERKESO's 1 October 2026 press release names lindungkerjaya.perkeso.gov.my as the address to apply.
The MyGOV portal lists a 14-day service time and no fee. If your claim is rejected, you can appeal to the Social Security Appellate Board (JRKS) using Form JR1.
Don't wait until day 60Apply as soon as you get your termination letter. Applications sent more than 60 days after the job loss do not meet the conditions.
While you look for a new job
The EIS allowance does not replace your full salary. Some legitimate ways to ease the pressure:
Employer hasn't paid your last salary or notice pay? You can file a claim with the Labour Department (see the card below).
Household income dropped? Update or apply for STR. Read the STR 2027 guide.
Don't work, including part-time or freelance work, while you receive the JSA: Act 800 section 34(4) does not allow it. If you accept a job offer, tell PERKESO within 7 days of accepting it (section 34(5)). Breaking either rule is an offence: a fine of up to RM10,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both (section 34(6)). If you start a new job early and tell PERKESO, you may qualify for the Early Re-employment Allowance (ERA).
You must apply within 60 days of losing your job, on the LINDUNG Kerjaya portal (lindungkerjaya.perkeso.gov.my) or at a PERKESO counter.
How much is the SOCSO job loss allowance?
The Job Search Allowance is paid for 3 to 6 months: 80% of your assumed monthly wage in month 1, 50% in month 2, 40% in months 3 and 4, and 30% in months 5 and 6.
Why is my second EIS payment lower?
The JSA rate falls each month, from 80% in month 1 to 50% in month 2. It is PERKESO's set rate, not a deduction.
Can I get EIS if I resign?
No, unless you resigned because of threats, sexual harassment, being told to do dangerous work outside your scope, or a breach of contract by your employer. A contract ending and retirement do not count either.
What is new in EIS from 1 October 2026?
For job losses from 1 October 2026: ERA rises to 50% of the JSA balance, Training Allowance is RM30 a day, the Training Fee is up to RM7,000, and a new RM1,000 Mobility Assistance Allowance applies to a new job at least 100 km away.
Is there a fee to apply for EIS?
No. Applying on the PERKESO portal is free. Questions: 1-300-22-8000 or [email protected].
Can I work part-time while getting the EIS allowance?
No. Act 800 section 34(4) does not allow you to work while you receive the Job Search Allowance. If you accept a job offer, tell PERKESO within 7 days (section 34(5)). The penalty is a fine of up to RM10,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both.
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This is a summary of PERKESO's official page, booklet and FAQ. The new ERA, Training Allowance, Training Fee and Mobility Assistance Allowance rates apply only to job losses from 1 October 2026. PERKESO decides approval and the actual amount; the worked example below is an estimate only. Disclaimer
