EIS PERKESO Malaysia: How do I claim the EIS benefits? (Part 3)

eis, eis benefits, eis application
Reading Time: 7 minutes

Editor’s Note: This post was originally written on 3 September 2020, but has been updated and republished to for the year 2023. Rates and figures mentioned below are applicable for 2023 and beyond, until there is further revision.

You’ve finally reached the final segment of our 3-part series on EIS PERKESO Malaysia. If you’re an employee who wants to know how to claim EIS benefits such as the Job Search Allowance (JSA), this article is for you. If you’re an employer, you may want to skip this article, and read these ones instead: EIS PERKESO Malaysia: What is the Employment Insurance System? (Part 1) and EIS PERKESO Malaysia: How to calculate the EIS contribution? (Part 2)

A quick recap: Who is covered under the Employment Insurance System (EIS)?

If you are a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident aged between 18 to 60 years old, and an employee in the private sector, you would qualify for EIS. 

You are not covered if you belong to any of these categories: domestic workers, self-employed, civil servants, and workers in local authorities and statutory bodies.

In addition, workers aged 57 and above who have never paid contributions before that age are also exempted. 

A simple way to remember is this: EIS falls under the same category as SOCSO in terms of eligibility of contribution. This means whoever is eligible to contribute to SOCSO is also eligible to contribute to EIS.

I just got laid off. How can EIS help me? 

We’re terribly sorry to hear that. This is where EIS acts as a silver lining. If you have been making EIS contributions monthly, you should have been automatically enrolled into the EIS system. 

Now that you have lost your job, you can claim two types of benefits for up to 6 months – namely, 1) monetary benefits and 2) job search assistance. Read on to find out more about each type.

EIS benefits – what are the monetary benefits?

There are 5 main categories of monetary benefits. They are:

Benefit
Description
Payment Frequency
Payment Terms
Job Search Allowance (JSA)A financial allowance for those who have lost their one and only job.Paid monthly for 3 to 6 months (depending on eligibility)See how much you can claim and for how long here. In order to receive a continued monthly allowance after the 1st month, you are required to prove that you are actively seeking jobs every month (but unsuccessfully).
Reduced Income Allowance (RIA)A financial allowance for those who hold more than one job, and have lost at least one, but not all, of their jobs.Paid in a lump sumPayment rates and duration are the same as that of JSA. The only difference is that payment is received in a lump sum.
Early Re-employment Allowance (ERA) A financial incentive for those who manage to find a job and return to work when they are still receiving their JSA allowance.Paid in a lump sumThe payment amount is 25% of the remaining balance of your JSA.You will need to be a current JSA recipient, and show proof of successful re-employment.
Training Allowance (TA) A financial incentive paid for training recipients, to encourage them to attend all of their training sessions.Paid monthly for 3 to 6 months (depending on eligibility)The payment amount is at a rate of RM10 (minimum) to RM20 (maximum) per training day, based on your Monthly Assumed Wages. You will need to show proof that you have attended all training sessions.
Training Fee (TF) Free vocational training of up to 6 months for successful applicants.Payment is made directly to the training service providers. A maximum amount of RM4000 in training fees are borne entirely by PERKESO EIS/SOCSO, you do not need to pay anything. 

EIS benefits – what are the job search assistance benefits?

Now that we’ve covered the monetary benefits, let’s review what the job search assistance benefits consist of. There are mainly two:

Benefit
Description
Re-Employment Placement ProgramReceive one-on-one support from a SOCSO Employment Services Officer
Career Counseling Receive career advice and emotional support in job search efforts (i.e. identification of skills gap, etc) 

EIS has recently launched a special Graduate Empowerment Program (GEP). Graduates in their last semester of study may visit EIS Employment Services to receive assistance with job placement; this comes in the form of skills assessment, career counselling, interview workshops, and vocational training etc.

Can I apply for multiple EIS benefits at the same time?

Of course you can. It depends on what you are eligible for. Most people would be able to claim 2-4 categories of benefits. 

E.g. While receiving monthly payments from the  Job Search Allowance (JSA), you can also apply for Training Fee (TF) and Training Allowance (TA) to help you upskill and land a job. If you successfully land a job,  you may be eligible for the Early Re-Employment Allowance (ERA). 

I’m interested in taking up a training course. Where do I find one?

You may check out this list of courses offered. From there, you may apply for a course. Are you a training provider that wants to offer courses? You may also click on the same link above to register your company.

How do I start claiming EIS benefits?

Apply for the benefits via the EIS Portal or go to the nearest SOCSO branch or office (throughout the country including Sabah and Sarawak).

If you encounter issues logging in or have no way of visiting a physical office, contact the customer service hotline at 1300-22-800.

Is there a deadline for claiming EIS benefits? 

There is one indeed. All benefits are to be claimed within 60 days from the date of loss of employment.

In addition, you’ll need to meet the Contributions Qualifying Conditions (CQC) (i.e. must have paid contributions to EIS PERKESO for a minimum number of months within a specified period). 

What documents should I get ready before applying for EIS benefits? 

Before meeting with the SOCSO officer, prepare and bring along the original copy of these documents. For online applications, scan the following documents that you own.

  1. NRIC
  2. Termination letter (including VSS, MSS, or similar schemes)
  3. Payslips (6 months worth, before you lost your job) 
  4. Bank account details 

Supporting documents: 

  1. A relevant police report (e.g. sexual harassment, threats to family, blackmail, etc)
  2. A document that proves you received instructions to perform dangerous duties that are not within your job scope (e.g. a formal email, a recording of a conversation, text messages, etc)
  3. Other supporting documents that prove your retrenchment/inability to continue your work at the previous workplace

I’ve already submitted my application as an insured person or dependent. How do I check my status online?

Are you an insured person? Check your status by logging into your account on the EIS portal. 

Are you a dependent? Check your status by keying in your NRIC and EOT Case ID on this page

Will I be notified when my application is approved?

You should be notified via email (if you have provided an email address) or by post. You can also check the status of your application online as mentioned above, through the EIS portal.

Thanks, but it’s a lot of information to digest. Could you provide a quick and simple breakdown of what I should do right away as I have lost my job?

Sure! So here’s what you need to do. 

  1. Make sure that you are still within 60 days of your loss of employment (i.e. the day you lost your job/got terminated).
  2. Register at the EIS Portal and complete your application with the necessary documents (NRIC, Termination Letter, Payslips, Bank Account Details).
  3. Wait for the result of your application either that will be sent via email, post, or simply log in to the portal to check.
  4. Once your application is approved, complete and submit the Re-Employment Placement Form. 
  5. If successful, you’ll later receive a first-month allowance amounting to 80% of your Monthly Assumed Wage (from JSA), credited into your bank account. This should be within 7 working days after your application is approved.

*NEW* (Bonus Section from Budget 2021): SIP PRIHATIN 2.0

What is SIP PRIHATIN? Mentioned in Belanjawan 2021 (Budget 2021), SIP PRIHATIN 2.0 is a 2-month period of Job Search Allowance and Work Preparation Allowance for individuals who returned to work, are not covered under the SOCSO Employment Insurance System, as well as for individuals who are unemployed and active job seekers.

In a nutshell, SIP PRIHATIN 2.0 is the relaxation of EIS conditions so that more employees affected by the ongoing COVID-19 situation can receive financial help. SIP PRIHATIN consists of:

  1. An extended Job Search Allowance (previously up to 6 months, now extended to 7th, 8th, and 9th month at 30% of the final previous salary) for eligible employees who are undergoing loss of employment (or LOE).
  2. A financial assistance program for employees who do not meet the Contributions Qualifying Conditions (CQC) by paying the required minimum number of SOCSO and EIS monthly contributions, or whose contract was not extended after having been renewed for at least three times previously, are now eligible to apply for SIP Prihatin assistance of 30% of their monthly salary for a period of three months. 
  3. An additional financial assistance component that helps to provide coverage of basic expenses while employees search for new employment

What are the elgibility requirements?

Retrenched individuals who are not covered under the Employment Insurance System (EIS)

Unemployed individuals

Registered and actively searching for jobs via MYFutureJobs portal

Attend at least 6 interviews in 2 months (in person/online).

Specifically, 3 interviews within 30 days, repeat twice for 2 months

Keep in mind that there is an emphasis of individuals having to “attend interviews” or “registered and actively searching for jobs via MYFutureJobs portal”. This is called “Job Search Activity”. 

The Job Search Activity period should span 3 months after the application for SIP PRIHATIN 2.0 is made, where:

  • Approved applicants will be eligible to receive Elaun Mencari Pekerjaan (EMP) SIP PRIHATIN of RM300 per month for 2 months
  • A one-off Elaun Persediaan Bekerja (EPB) payment of RM400 will be applied if applicant is successfully placed in a job within 3 months of making the application for SIP PRIHATIN 2.0

How can I check my eligibility and apply for SIP PRIHATIN?

  1. You must first register as a job seeker and complete your MYFutureJobs Profiles
    • You must also register in the PRIHATIN PERKESO app (PlayStore / AppleStore) for payments. Applications can be submitted from 15 July 2021 via the mobile app.
  2. You will need to update your activity log for each MYFutureJobs interview attended
    • You must also ensure their return to work date is updated if you do return to work, by uploading supporting documents (offer letter) for the purposes of payment.

For more information on SIP PRIHATIN and on how to register for it, you may refer to the official EIS Centre website.


We’ve come to the end of the 3-part series on EIS PERKESO Malaysia.

I hope this article, as well as the previous ones, EIS PERKESO Malaysia: What is the Employment Insurance System? (Part 1) and EIS PERKESO Malaysia: How to calculate the EIS contribution? (Part 2), have helped to shed some light on what EIS is all about.

Even though EIS is not meant to replace your income entirely, it sure helps in providing some financial relief.

In times like these, a little goes a long way. Don’t give up in finding that next job, stay curious, and I wish you all the best! ♥


27 Comments

  1. Narendran a/l Sukumaran

    Dear sir/ mdm good day ,

    I am previously attached with private airline company from Germany and terminated on Jan 2020. I did came to Perkeso office in Seremban to verify but I were informed that I am not eligible due working with foreign company even though based in Malaysia.
    I am really in need of financial assistance.
    Kindly advise if EIS can assist or cannot.
    I made few attempts but still were not guided properly.

    Please help.
    S.Narendran
    (0126029207)
    **********

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Narendran

      I am so sorry to hear that.

      To answer your question – every employee in the private sector who is a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident aged between 18 to 60 years old should qualify for EIS. This does not extend to domestic workers, the self-employed, civil servants, and workers in local authorities and statutory bodies, according to the Employment Insurance System Act 2017. In addition, workers aged 57 and above who have never paid contributions before that age are also exempted. This is all stated in the PERKESO website here.

      However, the PERKESO website does not state that employees employed by foreign companies based in Malaysia are excluded from EIS. Hence, would recommend checking with the PERKESO office on the official documentation that states foreign companies based in Malaysia are excluded; if there isn’t official documentation that states as such, then you are rightfully eligible for EIS according to their website here, and you should therefore be allowed to claim EIS accordingly.

  2. I would like to know if voluntary resigned due to toxic workplace, does it fall into CANNOT be accepted as Loss of Employment (LOE)?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Ana,

      As EIS is a financial scheme to help Malaysians cope with retrenchment and job loss, it does not include resignation cases unless it is due to sexual harassment or threats made in the workplace and/or after being ordered to perform dangerous duties that are not within the job scope. Hope this helps clarify!

  3. Almost 2 year’s I’m not working because my sickness and I try to find work many place but did not get so I’m working perday salary job.Im really suffer and sometimes 1 or 2 days no food to eat.im stay alone at my mother House.im married ready but my wife not with me.she apply divorce, nowadays my situation it’s very bad so can I apply claim at socso for monthly income until I get job.

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Martin,

      We are so sorry to hear that and we sincerely hope that all gets better for you. To successfully apply for the EIS benefits, employees covered by the EIS Act must apply within 60 days after their Loss of Employment (LOE). Unfortunately, a loss of employment spanning 2 years does not meet the requirement. Hope this helps clarify your query; take care and stay safe, Martin. Wishing you all the best.

  4. A confused EIS JSA recipient

    Hi, I received Job Search Allowance (JSA) under EIS back in 2019. I was being audited by LHDN officer saying JSA is considered taxable income. It makes no sense to me as this is a form of financial assistance under the EIS insurance program. Appreciate your advice. Many thanks.

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi there, in the event that an LHDN officer has stated that JSA is taxable, that would have to be the case. We would recommend double-checking with LHDN on this matter just to be safe!

  5. Hi I have enrolled for one course via EIS scheme, once I complete this course can I still apply for another course or is it one per person?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Mathavan, we would recommend double-checking directly with EIS on this matter just to be safe!

  6. May I know is there a date each month when do they bank in the assistance money after our approval of the JSA ?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Looi,

      We don’t have the exact details of when the money is banked in, however – we do know that you can expect the bank in date for your first payment to be within 7 working days once your application is approved. 🙂

  7. To Whose It May Concern
    We would like know what is the email address for socso? As we would like to inform them my staff have been admitted to hospital during working hours, however, he would like to claim his Socso and EIS insurance too. hence, we need your advise, what kind of the procedure for us to assist him to claim for the insurance fees and the email address for socso, thanks

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Vivian! You may drop them an email at pejabat.sipat symbol emel smallperkeso.gov.my. Note that their office hours are between 8am to 5pm from Mondays – Fridays. 😉

  8. Hi, can i know is it must have the retrench letter to eligible to claim for EIS? Is it the company terminate letter also can use for claim? Mean that is it the letter must have “Retrench” not “Terminate” title??

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Thomas,

      In regards to this, we would recommend dropping an email to PERKESO to verify whether this requirement applies to date. 🙂

  9. Hi Talenox. HR had recently informed me to leave the office suddenly (without just reason). They gave me 2 options, either terminated or resign. By any means, I must be out from office within 10mins. And they had prepared the resignation letter on behalf of me. But for me it is not fair as the letter not wriiten from me and I have no time to consider these options. Finally I accept & signed on letter prepared by her.

    I just wonder can I claim EIS in this condition as I am under pressure to sign &leave the office? In this case, it is a unfair dismissal from me

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Tini,

      We are so sorry to hear what you are currently going through. This is actually considered an unfair practice. We would like to direct you to MOHR (https://mohr.gov.my/index.php/en), in which you can seek advise on appropriate further action. Once again, terribly sorry to hear about the situation you are in. We hope all goes well.

  10. My wife resigned from her job on 31 Dec 2021 in Penang and moved down to KL to find a new job. However upon moving down to KL, found out that she’s pregnant and therefore trust that not many company would employ pregnant person as new employee. Therefore currently is jobless while waiting for the birth of our baby by July 2022.
    Question: Does my wife in this situation qualify for EIS benefit application?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Steven,

      We are truly sorry to hear about your wife’s situation – it must have been difficult to relocate and find a job while carrying a child. EIS seems to apply for loss of employment within 6 months – if she had resigned in 31 Dec 2021, it might still be possible. We advise that she head to the nearest PERKESO office or make a call to confirm this. Alternatively, there is a Re-Employment Placement Program that she might find useful – many who were pregnant or who had just given birth utilised the program to help them secure new jobs.

  11. Hi, I just signed on an offer letter for a new job – and resigned from my existing role. However 2 weeks upon signing the offer letter, this new company says they need to retract back the job due to financial difficulties! Can I apply for EIS due to this situation if I have a formal letter from this company stating that they were at fault to withdraw this role? Unfortunately I am now in a bind – resigned without a new job 🙁

  12. If I leave the company because of staff bullying (always let you work more, loud voices toward you), can I claim the eis as well?

    Thank you

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Lee,

      We are so sorry to hear that. You may need to contact https://eiscentre.perkeso.gov.my for clarification on this matter.

  13. i would like to enquire if i already receive my first EIS payment, how about the following month. must i register again

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Rhev,

      You shouldn’t have to re-apply again as they should have your file and detailed already stored in the system. However, we would recommend that you reach out to EIS Perkeso directly with your question to get a better confirmation, or perhaps use this portal to check: https://eis.perkeso.gov.my/eisportal/insured/appl/instruction?lang=en_US

  14. My last working day is 31/03 under VSS. I interview new job and received offer letter on 05/04 but only will join new company on June. I applied EIS on 17/04 and approved on 21/04. Am I still eligible for the EIS? If I provide the offer letter which date is earlier than the approval date, will it be any issue?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi! We recommend that you reach out to PERKESO to get a more accurate understanding of your case. If you have already submitted your information to them, you may check your status via their benefits portal here: https://eis.perkeso.gov.my/eisportal/insured/login

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