If you work in Cambodia's formal sector, you’ve likely seen a small deduction on your paycheck or heard about NSSF. But what exactly is the National Social Security Fund in Cambodia, and what does it mean for your life and future?
If you’re a business owner, what does NSSF in Cambodia mean for your business and employees?
Think of NSSF as your mandatory, government backed safety net. It’s designed to provide financial security and access to essential services when you need them most, covering you for illness, accidents, and retirement.
What is NSSF?
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is a public administrative institution in Cambodia. Its core mission is to manage and implement social security schemes to protect workers and their dependents. In simple terms, it's the national social insurance program. Everyone pays into it, and in return, everyone is protected by it.
Who is Covered by NSSF?
The NSSF primarily targets workers in Cambodia’s formal sector. This includes:
- Employees in Private Enterprises: This is the largest group, covering workers in factories, offices, shops, and other businesses.
- Civil Servants and Armed Forces: These groups also fall under NSSF schemes.
- Voluntary Members: Workers in the informal sector or those who are self employed can also register for some of the schemes voluntarily.
Mandatory Registration: All enterprises and establishments under the Labor Law are required to register themselves and their employees with the NSSF. If you are an employee in a registered company, you are automatically covered.
What Does NSSF Offer?
The NSSF currently operates three main schemes, offering protection in various life circumstances:
| Scheme | What It Covers | Who Pays the Contribution? |
| 1. Occupational Risk (Work Injury) Scheme | Accidents that happen at work or while commuting to and from work, plus occupational diseases. | Employer |
| 2. Health Care Scheme (HCS) | General illness, non work related accidents, maternity leave benefits, medical treatment, and daily allowances for sick leave. | Employer Usually Covers |
| 3. Pension Scheme | Provides a financial safety net for old age, disability / incapacity, and survivor benefits for dependents after death. | Employer and Employee (Equally Shared) |
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Free Medical Care: For both work injuries (Occupational Risk) and general illness (Health Care Scheme) at NSSF partnered facilities.
- Daily Allowance: You receive a percentage of your average wage if you have to be absent from work due to a work injury, illness, or maternity leave.
- Retirement Income: The Pension Scheme ensures a regular income after you retire at age 60 (or later), based on your contribution history.
- Funeral Allowance: A fixed lump sum benefit is provided to the family in the event of a member's death.
- Disability: In the case of total disability and the employee is unable to work, NSSF will provide disability income payments..
How Are Contributions Calculated?
Contributions are calculated as a percentage of your monthly wage, though there is a maximum monthly wage cap (currently 1,200,000 KHR, or about USD $300, for contribution calculation).
Here is a simplified view of the contribution rates for the major schemes (note that rates for the Pension Scheme are being phased in):
| Scheme | Employer Rate | Employee Rate |
| Occupational Risk | 0.8% | 0% |
| Health Care | 2.6% | 0% |
| Pension (Phase 1: Years 1-5) | 2% | 2% |
| TOTAL (Example Total: Phase 1) | 5.4% | 2% |
Note: The total contribution is capped based on the maximum contributory wage, meaning your deduction will not increase once your salary is above that ceiling.
What to Do as a Worker
Your employer is responsible for registering the company and ensuring contributions are paid on time. However, as a worker, you should:
- Get Your NSSF Card: Make sure your employer registers you and provides you with your official NSSF Membership Card. This card is your key to accessing healthcare services.
- Report Accidents: If you have a work or commuting accident, report it to your employer immediately so they can notify the NSSF within 24 hours.
- Check Your Pay Slip: Verify that the correct NSSF contributions are being deducted for the schemes you are covered by.
What to Do as an Employer
For businesses, complying with NSSF in Cambodia is a mandatory legal requirement. Failure to register and pay contributions can result in fines and penalties. Employers have the following key responsibilities:
- Enterprise Registration: Register the business with NSSF within the stipulated deadline (usually 30 days) after receiving the final registration certificate from the Ministry of Commerce.
- Employee Registration: Register all employees within 3 days of them starting work. This ensures they are immediately covered by the Occupational Risk Scheme.
- Contribution Payment: Calculate and submit the monthly contributions (both the employer's portion and the employee's deducted portion) to NSSF on time—typically by the 15th of the following month.
- NSSF Membership Cards: Ensure the employees have their official NSSF Membership Cards.
- Report Accidents: Immediately notify NSSF (within 24 hours) of any work-related injury, accident, or occupational disease affecting an employee. This allows NSSF to process medical care and compensation quickly.
- Maintain Records: Keep accurate records of wages, contribution payments, and employee registration details for NSSF audit purposes.
