Hello there,


I was wondering, what happens if...

Someone switches under SSO from employment (Section 33) to voluntary coverage (Section 39), BEFORE reaching the eligible retirement age of 55, and then reaches 55 while still under Section 39?

- Will the SSO automatically remove them from the system or require them to take the lump-sum payment (or retirement benefits if they’ve contributed for more than 180 months)?

- Will the sickness & medical emergency benefit (under section 39) continues just normal beyond the age of 55 yrs old? I've heard stories from people who reach retirement age (under section 33) that are forced to retire and take the lumpsum/retirement and are unable to continue sickness benefits. Do they have an option really and ... Moreover, how does this apply to someone being under section 39?

Cheerios,

FB

Not sure what exactly you are referring to. I switched from Section 33 to Section 39 a few years ago, and everything seems to be fine. I have never attempted to activate (i.e. use) the medical benefits, but I assume it is still all there. I pay my dues every month, and the SSO website reflects the fact, lists my hospital of reference, etc.

The health benefit continues for life as long as you keep up the payments.

 

Anybody can continue the health benefit on a self pay option after they stop working, regardless of age, and this is untelated the lump sum vs pension option at retirement age.

 

Because Thais who go off SS are automatically covered under the "30 baht" scheme for free, it is very rare for them to opt to continue coverage under Section 39. As a result,  local SS offices have limited experience with it and not infrequently give wrong information.  

 

There are lidts of hospitals which accept SS but being on the list does not mean a hospital is currently accepting new patients under SS. Some -- especially in Bangkok -- have waiting lists many years long. 

 

12 hours ago, Sheryl said:

The health benefit continues for life as long as you keep up the payments.

 

Anybody can continue the health benefit on a self pay option after they stop working, regardless of age, and this is untelated the lump sum vs pension option at retirement age.

 

Because Thais who go off SS are automatically covered under the "30 baht" scheme for free, it is very rare for them to opt to continue coverage under Section 39. As a result,  local SS offices have limited experience with it and not infrequently give wrong information.  

 

There are lidts of hospitals which accept SS but being on the list does not mean a hospital is currently accepting new patients under SS. Some -- especially in Bangkok -- have waiting lists many years long. 

 

Hi Dr. Sheryl,

My apologies and bad for perhaps not formulating my question clearly... Actually, my main concern here is what happens if you have switched from section 22 (employment) to section 39 (voluntary contributions) BEFORE Retirement Age (55 yrs)? Would you be forced automatically to take the retirement lumpsum (or monthly pension) when reaching this age under section 39? Or would someone have the choice (read need to sign) for requesting the lumpsum or monthly pension at retirement age? Also what would happen if you did so? I heard some people saying once they took the lumpsum, they were cut-out from the medical benefits as well...

Thanks again, 

FB

16 hours ago, Fiskebolle said:

Hello there,


I was wondering, what happens if...

Someone switches under SSO from employment (Section 33) to voluntary coverage (Section 39), BEFORE reaching the eligible retirement age of 55, and then reaches 55 while still under Section 39?

- Will the SSO automatically remove them from the system or require them to take the lump-sum payment (or retirement benefits if they’ve contributed for more than 180 months)?

- Will the sickness & medical emergency benefit (under section 39) continues just normal beyond the age of 55 yrs old? I've heard stories from people who reach retirement age (under section 33) that are forced to retire and take the lumpsum/retirement and are unable to continue sickness benefits. Do they have an option really and ... Moreover, how does this apply to someone being under section 39?

Cheerios,

FB

Which country are you referring to here?

 

Thailand?

3 hours ago, Fiskebolle said:

Hi Dr. Sheryl,

My apologies and bad for perhaps not formulating my question clearly... Actually, my main concern here is what happens if you have switched from section 22 (employment) to section 39 (voluntary contributions) BEFORE Retirement Age (55 yrs)? Would you be forced automatically to take the retirement lumpsum (or monthly pension) when reaching this age under section 39? Or would someone have the choice (read need to sign) for requesting the lumpsum or monthly pension at retirement age? Also what would happen if you did so? I heard some people saying once they took the lumpsum, they were cut-out from the medical benefits as well...

Thanks again, 

FB

As I explained the health benefit (option to continue it for life through self pay) is unrelated to the retirement/pension/ lump dum benefit. Though some local SS offices wrongly state otherwise (in which case call thd main SS hotline). They hive other wrong info at times as well, I think to avoid dealing with Section 39 as many have no experience with it. 

 

I do not know how the pension/lump sum option works when someone stops wirk before age 55.