KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) settled most benefit claims within two to three days of receiving complete documents and met its service targets in nearly all cases last year, says Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
Ramanan said PERKESO met its Client Charter targets at an average of 96.86% across the Lindung Pekerja, Lindung Kendiri and Lindung Kasih schemes.
It also recorded 99.68% for Lindung Kerjaya, which is also known as the Employment Insurance System.
He was replying to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa of Barisan Nasional-Tampin in Parliament on Wednesday (June 24).
Mohd Isam asked about the official timeframe for processing PERKESO claims and whether digitalisation had been fully used to speed up the process.
Under the Client Charter set in 2025, Ramanan said claims under the three schemes are to be settled within two days for funeral management and temporary disablement benefits.
Claims must be settled within three days for permanent disablement, invalidity pension, survivors' and dependants' benefits.
For Lindung Kerjaya, the charter sets a two-day window for all benefits.
"Beginning 2025, the processing period for each benefit application is calculated from the date complete documents are received," Ramanan said in Parliament.
"For the overall claims and payment process, our Client Charter performance averaged 96.86% across the three schemes, while Lindung Kerjaya recorded 99.68%," he said.
On digitalisation, Ramanan said claims could now be lodged through the Lindung Faedah portal at any time.
Internal processing has also been upgraded through the 1Best system, which was fully rolled out this year.
"PERKESO continuously improves its claims and payment systems so the process is easier and faster for contributors," he said.
He said the Prihatin mobile application had also been introduced to give contributors information on PERKESO services.
The PERKESO Prihatin Squad provided field support to claimants, heirs and insured persons.
"Through the squad, we provide direct guidance and hands-on assistance so that claims can be completed smoothly," Ramanan said.
According to Ramanan, PERKESO received 161,393 claims under Lindung Pekerja in 2025, involving benefit payments totalling RM6.057bil.
It also received 274,472 claims under Lindung Kerjaya, with payment recommendations worth RM484.45mil.
The self-employment scheme Lindung Kendiri recorded 5,777 claims involving RM31.8mil, while the housewives' scheme Lindung Kasih recorded 1,779 claims involving RM6.3mil.
Responding to a supplementary question by Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad of Perikatan Nasional-Jerlun on fraudulent claims involving contributors or their families, Ramanan said there is a vetting process to ensure claims are not approved arbitrarily.
Ramanan said PERKESO implemented multiple layers of verification and a strict vetting system to prevent fake claims.
“There is a vetting system, a special unit within PERKESO that conducts checks before approval is granted,” he added.
Ramanan also said PERKESO deploys technology to detect potential fraud.
“We apply a double-checking system combining AI analysis and manual review to ensure accuracy,” he added.
