Short answer
The Social Security Fund (SSF) is a contribution-based scheme run by the government. Private sector employers register online and enrol their staff, and contributions are shared between employer and employee as a percentage of basic salary. Self-employed people and Nepalis working abroad can also join. Members are covered for medical treatment, accidents and disability, maternity, dependants and old age, and can borrow against their savings. Registration takes up to three days and claims are settled within 30 days.
The details
Who can join
| Group | How |
|---|---|
| Private sector employees | Your employer registers and enrols you |
| Self-employed and informal sector workers | Register yourself through the Fund |
| Nepalis in foreign employment | The migrant worker scheme, online |
What it covers
- Medical treatment and health at the Fund's affiliated hospitals.
- Accidents and disability.
- Maternity.
- Dependants, if a contributor dies.
- Old age, as a lump sum or pension depending on your years of contribution.
- Loans against your savings, including special, housing and education loans.
Useful contacts
- Call centre: 1116 (NTC and Ncell)
- Employer and contributor logins, claim forms and the list of affiliated hospitals are on ssf.gov.np.
- The Fund's mobile app shows your contributions and lets you apply for loans.
Common problems
My employer hasn't enrolled me.
Private sector employers are required to enrol their staff. Ask HR for your SSF number. You can complain to the Fund through its call centre on 1116 or the feedback form on ssf.gov.np.
I work abroad. Can I join?
Yes. There's a separate scheme for workers in foreign employment. Register and pay through the Fund's online system or app.
How do I claim medical costs?
Get treatment at a hospital listed by the Fund, then submit the claim with the forms on ssf.gov.np. The charter says medical claims are settled within 30 days.
I'm leaving my job. What happens to my contributions?
They stay in your account and keep counting toward your old-age benefits. Update your employment details when you join a new employer.
Do I still pay the 1% social security tax?
No. Income Tax rules exempt contributors to the Social Security Fund or an approved retirement fund from the 1% social security tax on the first income slab.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
Share your experienceSources
- Social Security Fund: citizen charterssf.gov.np
- Social Security Fundssf.gov.np
- Inland Revenue Department: FAQ (social security tax exemption)ird.gov.np
Written from the sources above and last checked on 8 Oct 2026. Some details aren't confirmed against an official page yet, so check fees and documents with the office before you go.
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