The Ministry of Labour has made an exciting announcement that promises a myriad of enhanced benefits for Social Security Fund (SSF) members starting next year, including a more generous allowance during maternity leave. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has outlined new guidelines for managing the SSF for the upcoming year. One of the major changes in the pipeline involves a legal amendment under the Social Security Act, which will extend the period for subscribers to receive social security benefits.
Among the significant improvements is the extension of the social security contribution period. At present, subscribers contribute until they reach the age of 60, but this cap will be raised to 65 years old. This change means that SSF members will be better positioned to enjoy more substantial benefits in their later years.
According to Mr. Phiphat, expanded benefits are also set to be offered to private company employees covered by Section 33 of the Social Security Act and to those who fall under Section 39, who have stopped contributing to the SSF but remain eligible for benefits. These enhancements include insurance payouts in the event of accidents, sickness, disability, or death.
One of the most eagerly awaited revamped benefits is the higher welfare allowance during maternity leave. At present, the allowance is set at 50% of an SSF member’s daily wage and is paid out over 90 days post-birth. The new regulations will see this period extended to 98 days, providing even more support to new mothers.
For SSF subscribers suffering from disability, the monthly payment will be increased significantly. Instead of receiving 50% of their lost income, disabled members will now receive 70%, offering them greater financial stability during tough times.
Mr. Phiphat also highlighted benefits for freelancers insured under Section 40 of the Social Security Act. These include life-long support of 3,000 baht per month for those who become disabled, a 300 baht monthly support for each of their children aged seven or below (with a cap on two children), and compensation for loss of income due to illness or injury.
In addition to the enhanced benefits, Mr. Phiphat revealed a strategic plan aimed at preventing the SSF from facing potential insolvency in the next 30 years, an issue that has raised concerns among some experts. To ensure the fund’s sustainability, he emphasized the importance of maintaining or even increasing the number of fund members.
The Ministry of Labour and the Social Security Office will be collaborating on a plan to register a greater number of workers, both Thai and foreign, particularly those who are farmers, gardeners, and household servants. Mr. Phiphat noted that Thailand currently has five million legal and illegal migrant workers, of which only 1.4 million are enrolled in the SSF system. “If we could increase this number to four million, it would provide a significant boost to the fund,” he remarked.
This sounds like a fantastic step forward for workers! Extending the age limit for contributions and increasing benefits for maternity leave is long overdue.
I disagree. Raising the contribution age cap to 65 just means people have to work even longer before they can retire. How is that fair?
Sure, it means working longer, but it also means better benefits in old age. Plus, people are living longer these days.
John, the extension helps ensure the fund’s sustainability. Without these changes, the system could go bankrupt in a few decades.
Agreed, Lisa. The increased maternity leave benefits are a game-changer for working mothers. It’s about time!
Absolutely, it provides much-needed support during a crucial period for both the mother and child.
Let’s not get too excited; it’s only an 8-day extension. They should have made it at least 120 days.
Why are we providing benefits to illegal workers? Shouldn’t the focus be on improving the system for legal citizens first?
Illegal or not, if they’re working and contributing, they should get benefits. It’s only fair.
I disagree, Paul. We should prioritize our own citizens. Legal migrants, ok, but not those here illegally.
Karen, your stance ignores the reality of the workforce. These workers often do the jobs no one else wants.
It’s a pragmatic approach. Including foreign workers might be the only way to keep the fund solvent in the long-term.
The disability benefit increase is the best part of this announcement. People who are really struggling will gain so much from this boost.
Maybe, but where’s the money coming from? Benefits like these aren’t cheap.
Good point, but the Labour Minister mentioned it’s part of a larger strategy to ensure fund solvency. They’re likely reallocating resources more efficiently.
Increased benefits sound great in theory, but look at other countries; they’re constantly cutting them due to budget issues. Will Thailand fare any better?
Thailand is making proactive changes to increase membership and contributions. That’s the right way to keep the fund healthy.
Hope you’re right. But government projections are often overly optimistic.
Child support for freelance workers is a great addition. The gig economy is growing, and these workers need the same safety net as traditional employees.
I love the increased benefits but I’m skeptical about whether this will really prevent insolvency within 30 years.
It’s all about the balance between contributions and payouts. Increasing the number of contributors is key.
True, but predicting economic conditions three decades from now is guesswork at best.
SSF expansion to migrants makes sense economically, but politically, it could be a disaster.
Overall, these changes indicate a positive shift. Let’s hope they can implement them efficiently.
Why should I have to work until 65? I’ve paid my dues, and this just feels like a way to delay paying out proper benefits.
But it also means more benefits when you do retire, doesn’t it?
Maybe, but I just feel like they keep moving the goalposts. First it was 60, now it’s 65. What’s next, 70?
What happens if the number of SSF members doesn’t increase as planned? What’s Plan B?
Freelancers finally getting more recognition is wonderful. But how will they verify income loss due to illness or injury?
More contributions from more people is the only way forward. We need policies that ensure everyone contributes.
Sounds good on paper, but making policies is easier than enforcing them.
True, but it’s a step in the right direction. Better to start somewhere than do nothing.