The four SSF schemes in Nepal are the heart of the Social Security Fund. Your 31% monthly contribution does not sit in a single pot — it is divided across four schemes, each designed to protect you against a specific life risk: illness, accidents, the death of a family earner, and old age. Understanding the SSF schemes in Nepal one by one is the fastest way to know exactly what you are entitled to and when you can claim it.
As of July 2026. Rules may change — verify on ssf.gov.np.
For the big picture first, see our pillar guide on what SSF Nepal is and the full 31% contribution breakdown.
Scheme 1: Medical, health and maternity
Funded by 1% of the total contribution, this scheme covers everyday and hospital healthcare. Inpatient treatment is covered up to NPR 1 lakh per year and OPD up to NPR 25,000, with a 20% co-payment (you pay 20%, the fund pays 80%). It also supports maternity. On top of this sits a critical-illness cover of up to NPR 10 lakh over your lifetime for serious diseases. This is the scheme you will most likely use first and most often.
Scheme 2: Accident and disability
Funded by 1.4%, this scheme separates accidents into two types. Employment-related accidents — those that happen because of or during your work — are covered without a monetary cap. Other accidents are covered up to NPR 7 lakh. Where an accident leads to disability, the fund pays according to the severity of the impairment. This scheme turns a sudden, catastrophic event into a manageable one, which is exactly what social security is for.
Scheme 3: Dependent family protection
Funded by just 0.27%, this is the smallest scheme by contribution but one of the most important. If a contributor dies, the spouse receives 60% of the pension for life, children receive a 40% education allowance (for up to two children, until age 18 or 21 if still studying), eligible parents may qualify, and a funeral grant of NPR 25,000 is paid. For a family that loses its earner, this scheme is the difference between crisis and continuity.
Scheme 4: Old-age protection
The largest scheme by far, funded by 28.33% of salary. It is built from provident fund (10% employee + 10% employer) and gratuity (8.33%). This is your retirement engine: it funds either a monthly pension or a lump-sum retirement benefit. Pension eligibility requires reaching age 60 with at least 180 months of contribution, and the monthly pension is calculated as total deposits and returns divided by 160.
The four SSF schemes in Nepal compared
| Scheme | Share | Key limit | Core eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical, health & maternity | 1% | NPR 1 lakh inpatient / NPR 25,000 OPD; NPR 10 lakh critical illness | Contribution period (3/6 months); 20% co-pay |
| Accident & disability | 1.4% | Employment: unlimited; other: NPR 7 lakh | Active contributor |
| Dependent family | 0.27% | Spouse 60%; children 40%; funeral NPR 25,000 | On contributor’s death |
| Old-age | 28.33% | Pension = deposits ÷ 160 | Age 60 + 180 months |
How to check which scheme applies to your situation
- Identify the event: illness, accident, a death in the family, or retirement.
- Match it to the scheme above — medical, accident, dependent family, or old-age.
- Check the eligibility clock: some benefits need a minimum contribution period (for example 3 or 6 months for medical).
- Confirm the current limit and co-payment on ssf.gov.np before you spend.
- Gather documents and file your claim through sosys.ssf.gov.np or your employer.
Each of these SSF schemes in Nepal deserves a closer look, and the benefits and claim process guide walks through filing. For registration and contribution management, Digital Solution’s SSF KYC and contribution service can take the paperwork off your hands.
Why the four SSF schemes in Nepal work together
The genius of the SSF schemes in Nepal is that a single 31% contribution buys protection across your whole life — health today, accidents tomorrow, your family’s security, and your own retirement. No single private product covers all four at this price. Knowing which scheme responds to which event means you never miss a benefit you have already paid for. Keep your contributions current, and all four schemes stay switched on for you and your dependents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schemes does SSF Nepal have?
SSF Nepal has four schemes: medical, health and maternity; accident and disability; dependent family protection; and old-age protection. Your single 31% contribution is split across all four, funded 1%, 1.4%, 0.27% and 28.33% respectively. Each scheme responds to a different life event, so together they form a complete safety net covering illness, accidents, the death of a family earner, and retirement. This bundled design is what makes SSF broader than a simple provident or pension fund.
Which SSF scheme covers hospital bills?
The medical, health and maternity scheme covers hospital and clinic costs. Inpatient treatment is covered up to NPR 1 lakh per year and OPD up to NPR 25,000, both with a 20% co-payment, meaning the fund pays 80% and you pay 20%. For serious conditions, a separate critical-illness benefit covers up to NPR 10 lakh over your lifetime. A minimum contribution period usually applies before you can claim, so verify the current requirement on ssf.gov.np before seeking treatment.
What does the dependent family scheme pay?
If a contributor dies, the dependent family scheme pays the spouse 60% of the pension for life and gives children a 40% education allowance for up to two children, until they turn 18 (or 21 if still studying). Eligible parents may also qualify, and a funeral grant of NPR 25,000 is paid. Although this scheme is funded by only 0.27% of salary, it provides crucial financial continuity for families who lose their main earner unexpectedly.
Which scheme is the biggest?
Old-age protection is by far the largest scheme, funded by 28.33% of your salary — most of the total 31%. It is built from provident fund contributions (10% from you plus 10% from your employer) and gratuity (8.33%). This scheme funds your pension or retirement lump sum. Pension eligibility requires reaching age 60 with at least 180 months of contribution, and the monthly pension equals your total deposits and returns divided by 160.
Get expert SSF help
Need help with SSF registration, claims, or payroll compliance? Digital Solution (Pokhara) handles SSF registration, monthly contribution management, and claim support for businesses and individuals. Contact us via digitalsolutionnepal.com or visit our office.
Rabin Paudel
Rabin Paudel is the Founder of Digital Solution, a Content Creator, and an AI Trainer. He shares practical and easy-to-understand content on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Literacy, Online Services, FinTech, and Technology. His mission is to make technology simple, accessible, and useful for everyone.
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