Losing a job is stressful enough without figuring out the claims process on your own. If you or your employees have been retrenched or laid off, here’s exactly how EIS (Employment Insurance System) benefits work in 2026, what you need, the deadline you can’t miss, and who doesn’t qualify.
Documents You Need to Apply
- A copy of your NRIC
- Proof of loss of employment (e.g. termination letter)
- A copy of your bank account information
- Payslips for the last 6 months
How to Apply
Applications can be made at any PERKESO office, or through the PERKESO ASSIST Portal. Inform them you need to apply for EIS benefits due to loss of employment, and bring the documents above.
Two Conditions You Must Meet
- Apply within 60 days from the date of loss of employment. Missing this window can mean losing eligibility entirely.
- Meet the Contributions Qualifying Conditions (CQC), you must have paid EIS contributions for a minimum number of months within a specified period before your claim.
Who Is NOT Eligible for EIS Benefits
Not every job loss qualifies. You’re generally not eligible if the loss of employment falls under:
- Dismissal due to employee misconduct
- Voluntary resignation
- Retirement
- Expiry of a fixed-term contract (including unconditional termination by mutual agreement, or completion of a project stated in the contract)
This catches a lot of people off guard. You can contribute to EIS every month for years, but if the way you left the job doesn’t fall within the Act’s definition of “loss of employment,” SOCSO won’t approve the claim. A planned resignation, for example, isn’t covered even if you’ve contributed consistently.
What HR Teams Should Do
If you’re the one handling HR, don’t leave affected employees to figure this out alone. Two things make a real difference:
- Advise affected employees to prepare the required documents and apply within the 60-day window
- Submit the loss-of-employment record to PERKESO on the employer’s side. This step is required for the employee to be able to claim, and missing it can delay or block their benefits entirely
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to apply for EIS benefits after losing my job?
60 days from the date of loss of employment.
Can I claim EIS if I resigned voluntarily?
No. Voluntary resignation is not covered under EIS’s definition of loss of employment.
What documents do I need to apply for EIS?
Your NRIC, proof of loss of employment (such as a termination letter), bank account details, and payslips for the last 6 months.
Does a fixed-term contract ending qualify for EIS?
Generally no. Expiry of a fixed-term contract is excluded, including projects completed as stated in the contract.
What must employers do when an employee is retrenched?
Submit a loss-of-employment record to PERKESO. Without it, the employee’s claim can be delayed or denied.
Related Reading
- What Is EIS in Malaysia? Benefits & Eligibility
- SOCSO Contributions Malaysia: What You Need to Know
- HR & Payroll Compliance Checklist for Malaysian SMEs
Making Sure Your HR Process Doesn’t Miss This
Between the 60-day deadline, the loss-of-employment record employers must file, and knowing which exits actually qualify, this is easy to get wrong when it’s handled ad hoc during an already difficult transition. If you’d rather have retrenchment and offboarding processes handled correctly and on time, talk to Righthouse’s EIS compliance team.
