Claim Deadline
60 days from last day
Portal
eiscentre.perkeso.gov.my
60-day deadline: You must submit your EIS/SIP claim within 60 days of your last working day. Miss this window and you lose eligibility entirely. Don't wait — apply as soon as you receive your termination letter.
What is EIS/SIP?
The Employment Insurance System (EIS), known in Malay as Sistem Insurans Pekerjaan (SIP), is a social safety net administered by PERKESO (SOCSO). It provides temporary financial assistance and re-employment support to workers who lose their jobs involuntarily.
Both employees and employers contribute 0.2% each of the employee's monthly salary to the EIS fund. In return, eligible workers get income replacement for up to 6 months, plus job search assistance, training, and career counselling.
Who Qualifies?
You are eligible if all of the following apply:
- You are a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident
- You were employed and contributing to EIS (mandatory for employees earning up to RM4,000/month; voluntary for higher earners already enrolled)
- You have at least 12 months of EIS contributions within the 24 months before losing your job
- You lost your job involuntarily — retrenchment, redundancy, company closure, constructive dismissal, or contract expiry (not renewed)
- You are not yet employed at the time of claiming
Resigned voluntarily? You are generally not eligible for EIS/SIP if you resigned. However, constructive dismissal (forced to resign due to employer breach) may qualify — consult the Industrial Relations Department.
Documents Needed
- MyKad (front and back copy)
- PERKESO/SOCSO member number (on your payslip or PERKESO portal)
- Letter of termination / retrenchment from employer
- Latest 3 months payslips
- Bank account details for JSA payout (savings account in your name)
- Employment contract (if available)
- Marriage certificate + birth certificates (if claiming dependant allowance)
- Training certificates (if applying for training fee reimbursement)
Step-by-Step Process
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Register on the PERKESO EIS portal
Go to eiscentre.perkeso.gov.my and create an account using your MyKad number. You must do this within 60 days of your last working day. If you already have a PERKESO ASSIST account, you can use those credentials.
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Submit your SIP claim online
Fill in the claim form with your employment details, last working day, reason for job loss, and salary information. Upload your termination letter, payslips, and MyKad copy. The system will verify your EIS contribution history automatically.
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Attend the Employment Services Officer (ESO) appointment
PERKESO will schedule a meeting with an ESO at your nearest PERKESO office (or via video call). The ESO will verify your claim, assess your skills and employability, and explain the programme requirements. Bring original documents for verification.
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Complete your Individual Employment Plan (IEP)
Together with your ESO, you'll create a personalised job search plan. This includes target industries, job types, salary expectations, and any training or upskilling you need. The IEP is your roadmap back to employment.
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Actively search for jobs and attend training
You must demonstrate active job-seeking: applying for jobs, attending interviews, and completing any training recommended by your ESO. PERKESO partners with MYFutureJobs (myfuturejobs.gov.my) for job matching. You may be required to attend at least 3 job interviews per month.
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Receive your monthly Job Search Allowance (JSA)
Once approved, JSA is deposited into your bank account monthly. The first payment usually arrives 2-3 weeks after approval. Payments continue for up to 6 months as long as you comply with your IEP and attend scheduled ESO check-ins.
Job Search Allowance (JSA) Payout Schedule
| Month | % of Insured Salary | Example (RM3,000 salary) |
|---|
| Month 1 | 80% | RM2,400 |
| Month 2 | 50% | RM1,500 |
| Month 3 | 40% | RM1,200 |
| Month 4 | 40% | RM1,200 |
| Month 5 | 30% | RM900 |
| Month 6 | 30% | RM900 |
Insured salary is capped at RM4,000/month for contribution purposes. JSA payments stop immediately if you find new employment.
EIS Contribution Rate
| Contributor | Rate | Example (RM3,000 salary) |
|---|
| Employee | 0.2% | RM6.00/month |
| Employer | 0.2% | RM6.00/month |
| Total | 0.4% | RM12.00/month |
Other EIS Benefits (Beyond JSA)
| Benefit | What It Covers |
|---|
| Reduced Income Allowance | If your new job pays less than your old salary, EIS can top up the difference for up to 6 months |
| Training Fee | Up to RM4,000 for approved training/upskilling courses |
| Training Allowance | Daily allowance while attending approved training programmes |
| Early Re-employment Allowance | Bonus payment if you find a job before your JSA period ends |
| Job Search Support | Free career counselling, resume reviews, and job matching via MYFutureJobs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim both EIS and EPF withdrawal?
Yes, they are completely separate entitlements. EIS is unemployment insurance paid by PERKESO. EPF is your retirement savings. Claiming EIS does not affect your EPF balance or eligibility for EPF withdrawal. You can claim both simultaneously. See the
EPF guide for withdrawal options.
What if my employer didn't register me for EIS?
EIS registration is mandatory for employers. If your employer failed to register or contribute, they are liable. File a complaint with PERKESO — they will investigate and can compel the employer to pay backdated contributions. You may still be eligible for benefits in the meantime.
Do I need to accept any job offered to me?
You're expected to actively seek employment, but you're not forced to accept unsuitable jobs. However, repeatedly refusing reasonable job offers without justification may result in your JSA being suspended. "Reasonable" considers your qualifications, experience, and previous salary level.
What happens if I start freelancing during JSA?
If you earn income through freelancing or self-employment, you must report it to PERKESO. Depending on the amount, your JSA may be reduced or stopped. Full-time self-employment generally disqualifies you from continued JSA. Part-time gig work should be disclosed during ESO check-ins.
My contract expired and wasn't renewed. Am I eligible?
Yes, contract expiry (non-renewal) is considered involuntary job loss. You are eligible for EIS/SIP as long as you meet the contribution requirements (12 months in the last 24 months). Apply within 60 days of your contract end date.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. EIS/SIP rules, payout rates, and eligibility criteria can change. Always verify with PERKESO directly at perkeso.gov.my or 1-300-22-8000. Last reviewed: March 2026.