If you lose your job from 1 October 2026, you could get more financial support from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) while looking for work.

Eligible contributors can receive up to RM25,000 in total support and protection per person, according to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

Your Early Re-employment Allowance Will Increase

Changes to the Employment Insurance System (SIP) will raise the Early Re-employment Allowance from 25% to 50% of your remaining Job Search Allowance (JSA).

If you find a new job before using up your JSA, which provides income support while you’re looking for work, you’ll receive an Early Re-employment Allowance (EBSA). So if you have RM4,000 from your JSA left when you return to work, your EBSA would be RM2,000.

You’ll Get RM1,000 If Your New Job Requires You To Move

PERKESO will also introduce a RM1,000 one-off Mobility Assistance Allowance (EBN).

You’ll qualify if your new job requires you to move more than 100 kilometres from your residence.

Training Support Will Increase Too

The daily training allowance will rise from RM10 to RM30, while the maximum training fee will increase from RM4,000 to RM7,000.

PERKESO said the higher support is intended to help contributors build skills that match current job requirements.

Apply Within 60 Days Of Losing Your Job 

To receive SIP benefits, you need to apply within 60 days of losing your job and meet PERKESO’s Contributions Qualifying Conditions. Your loss of employment must also fall under a situation covered by the Employment Insurance System Act.

PERKESO lists retrenchment, voluntary or mutual separation schemes, workplace closure due to natural disasters, business bankruptcy or closure, and constructive dismissal among the situations covered. Certain resignations can also qualify, including those linked to sexual harassment or being ordered to perform dangerous work outside your job scope.

You can apply for LINDUNG KERJAYA benefits through PERKESO. You’ll also need to register with MYFutureJobs, where you can get help with job matching.

If you want a fuller breakdown of the existing Employment Insurance System, including how the Job Search Allowance works, you can also read our guide on how to claim EIS benefits.

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Christina Chandra

Christina writes about personal finance with an eye for making the complicated feel straightforward. She is drawn to the everyday money decisions people face and genuinely enjoys finding the clearest way to explain them. Between articles, she is probably napping, on a hiking trail, or terrorising her sister’s cats.

About THE AUTHOR

Christina Chandra

Christina Chandra

Christina writes about personal finance with an eye for making the complicated feel straightforward. She is drawn to the everyday money decisions people face and genuinely enjoys finding the clearest way to explain them. Between articles, she is probably napping, on a hiking trail, or terrorising her sister's cats.

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