Social Security extends self-employed coverage application deadline

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Social Security Office has extended the application period for the self-employed Social Security program, for persons who have lost their jobs, but wish to maintain their Social Security coverage. All they need to do is to apply by 30th June.

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to extend the application deadline for Social Security program for self-employed persons, as described in the Article 39 of the Social Security Act, for people who have lost their jobs in the last year.

Under Thailand’s social security program, full-time employees are automatically enrolled in the Social Security program, where a part of their monthly paycheck, plus a portion paid by the employer, is paid as a mandatory Social Security contribution. This arrangement is mandated by Article 33 of the Social Security Act.

The Social Security Office is now allowing persons who have lost their full-time jobs from 1st September 2019 to 31st December 2020, effectively losing their Social Security coverage, to apply for the Social Security coverage provided for self-employed persons.

To do so, eligible persons must submit their application by 30th June.

Under this new program, insured persons must submit their monthly contribution to the Social Security office. Applicants under this arrangement are required to submit the contributions from March 2020 through to May 2021 by 15th June.

The Minister of Labor Suchat Chomklin said today that this arrangement will allow workers laid off from their full-time jobs to keep their Social Security benefits.

The Ministry of Labor expects around 207,000 people will apply for the self-employed social security program. The ministry has ordered the Social Security Office to ensure the new arrangement is signed into law in time.