As of August 3, 2025, Nepal’s Contribution-based Social Security Fund (SSF) has enrolled over 2.4 million contributors, highlighting growing participation in the country’s social protection system. According to the Fund’s latest data, a total of 2,418,088 individuals have registered, with Nepali migrant workers making up the bulk—around 1.8 million contributors.
In contrast, the formal sector accounts for 679,007 contributors, while participation from the informal sector and self-employed individuals remains extremely low, with only 727 and 444 respectively. Despite being in operation for six years, SSF still covers only around 5% of Nepal’s population, underlining significant challenges in broadening its reach beyond the formal workforce.
The Fund has so far collected Rs 88.13 billion in contributions and disbursed Rs 16.03 billion in claims. As per SSF Deputy Director Rohit Regmi, the limited participation from the informal and self-employed sectors is a key concern moving forward.
Under the SSF, employees contribute 11% of their basic salary, while employers contribute 20%, totaling 31% monthly. The Fund follows a solidarity-based model, designed to provide income security in times of unemployment, health emergencies, and family hardships, aligning with the UN’s goal of universal social protection by 2030.
SSF offers four key schemes:
- Medical, Health, and Maternity Protection
- Accident and Disability Protection
Under these, contributors can claim:
- Rs 25,000/year for OPD care
- Rs 100,000 for IPD treatments
- Rs 15,000 for newborn care, along with 98 days of paid maternity leave
- Up to Rs 1 million for accidents and critical illnesses
- Lifetime salary support in case of permanent disability
So far, 112,128 contributors have claimed Rs 2.19 billion under health and maternity benefits, while 6,024 contributors have received Rs 2.10 billion under accident and disability provisions.
In terms of healthcare access, 107 hospitals across Nepal are currently enrolled in the SSF program. Bagmati Province leads with 42 hospitals, followed by Koshi (24), Madhesh (20), Gandaki (10), Lumbini (9), and Sudurpaschim (2). However, Karnali Province still has no hospitals participating in the scheme, signaling an urgent need for geographic expansion.
