1. What Is the Social Security Fund (SSF) in Nepal?

The Social Security Fund (SSF), known locally as सामाजिक सुरक्षा कोष, was established under the Social Security Fund Act, 2017. SSF provides health care, maternity, disability, retirement, and unemployment benefits to formal-sector employees. It aims to safeguard workers and their families against social and economic risks.

2. Key Features of SSF

• Mandatory coverage for enterprises with 10 or more employees.

• Unified scheme covering health, insurance, pension, and unemployment.

• Fully funded by employer and employee contributions.

• Managed by the Social Security Fund Board under the Ministry of Labor.

• Digital portal for registration, contributions, and claims.

3. Eligibility Criteria for SSF Registration

Employees and employers must meet these conditions:

• Employer has at least 10 full-time employees.

• Employee’s monthly salary does not exceed NPR 15,000 for full benefits.

• Employment contract is for six months or longer.

• Employee is between 18 and 60 years of age.

4. Required Documents

Gather these digital documents before registration:

1. Company registration certificate or enterprise license.

2. Employee details: citizenship certificate or passport copy.

3. Employment agreement or appointment letter.

4. Employer’s PAN and VAT registration certificates.

5. Bank account details for auto-debit of contributions.

5. Step-by-Step SSF Registration Process

1. Account Creation

   • Visit the SSF e-portal and register as an employer.

2. Employer Verification

   • Upload enterprise license, PAN, and VAT certificates.

3. Employee Enrollment

   • Enter employee personal details and upload ID documents.

4. Contribution Setup

   • Set up auto-debit with bank or payment gateway for monthly contributions.

5. Confirmation and Certificate

   • Download employer and employee SSF registration certificates.

6. Contribution Rates and Benefits

7. Claims and Benefit Disbursement

• Submit claims through the SSF portal with medical or employment termination documents.

• Health claims processed within 15 business days after document verification.

• Pension and disability benefits require a formal application and Board approval.

• Unemployment allowance disbursed monthly for up to six months.

8. Overview of the Social Security System in Nepal

Nepal’s social security framework combines SSF with existing schemes like the Social Welfare Fund. It aims to extend formal coverage to informal workers over time. Regulatory bodies are focusing on digital transformation and increasing awareness among rural and startup enterprises.

9. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Delaying registration until first claim leads to penalties.

• Inconsistent employee data entry causing claim rejections.

• Failing to update salary changes triggers under- or over-payment.

• Neglecting to reconcile auto-debit failures monthly.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is SSF mandatory for all companies?

Only enterprises with 10 or more employees must register and contribute.

Q2: Can informal workers join the SSF voluntarily?

The current scheme does not allow voluntary enrollment; future amendments may include informal sector coverage.

Q3: How do employers correct a wrong SSF contribution?

File a correction request on the SSF portal with supporting documents before the next contribution cycle.

11. Conclusion

Registering with Nepal’s Social Security Fund is essential for legal compliance and employee welfare. Start by gathering company and employee documents, set up your SSF portal account, and automate monthly contributions. Regularly review updates from the Ministry of Labor to stay aligned with evolving regulations.

Looking for specialized legal support? Consult a certified HR advisor or visit your local District Labor Office for hands-on assistance.