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The Old-Age Benefit from the Social Security Fund is a vital financial safeguard after retirement for all insured persons. Once you reach the age of 55 and are ready to claim this benefit, it’s essential to prepare the required documents and understand the application process. This article serves as a complete guide for insured individuals who wish to apply for the Old-Age Benefit — whether as a lump-sum payment or a monthly pension.
1. Who Is Eligible for the Old-Age Benefit (Lump Sum vs. Pension)?
Old-Age Lump Sum
Must be at least 55 years old.
No longer insured under the Social Security system.
May also apply in cases of disability or death.
Old-Age Pension
Must be at least 55 years old.
No longer insured under the Social Security system.
Important Note: The right to receive old-age benefits arises when the insured person reaches the age of 55 and their insured status ends (either by leaving their job, changing status from Section 33/39 to Section 40, or no longer having insured status).
2. Documents Required for Applying for the Old-Age Benefit
To apply for the benefit, you’ll need to submit the Benefit Claim Form (Form SSO 2-01) along with the following key documents:
Main Documents
- Benefit Claim Form (SSO 2-01): Downloadable from the Social Security Office (SSO) website or available at any SSO branch.
- Original National ID Card.
- Copy of Savings Account Book: Used for benefit transfer. The account must be a savings account in the insured person’s name (most major commercial banks are accepted).
Additional Documents (in Specific Cases)
If the insured person resigned before reaching age 55 and has contributed for less than 180 months:
Must submit proof of termination of insured status, such as a resignation letter.
In the event of the insured person’s death:
The heir(s) must submit additional documents, including:
A copy of the death certificate
A copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable)
A copy of proof of heirship
3. Application Procedures and Channels
Application Steps (The process is the same for all channels):
- The insured person verifies their eligibility and prepares all required documents.
- Submit the application form and all documents to the Social Security Office.
- Officials review the documents and verify contribution records.
- The Social Security Office approves the application and notifies the result.
Application Channels
- In-person submission (recommended for first-time applicants): You can submit at any Social Security Office in Bangkok (Zones 1–12) or at any provincial branch nationwide. It is not necessary to submit at the office in the area where you previously worked.
- Postal submission: Send all documents via registered mail, ensuring all copies are certified true copies and that your contact information is clearly indicated.
- Electronic submission (Digital Service): The Social Security Office also allows submission of old-age benefit claims through the e-Service system. Applicants must register and verify their identity in the system first. This method is convenient, but if the documents are incomplete, you may be asked to provide original documents.
4. When and How Will You Receive the Payment?
1) Approval and Payment Timeline
Approval period: Typically, the Social Security Office (SSO) will review and approve the application within 7–10 business days after receiving all complete and correct documents.
Notification: The SSO will provide written notification of the approval or the reasons if the application cannot be approved.
2) How to Receive the Payment
Lump-sum old-age benefit: The amount will be transferred to the bank account specified by the insured in the application form within 7–10 business days after approval.
Monthly old-age pension: The pension will be transferred to the insured’s bank account on a monthly basis.
Payments are usually made around the 25th of the following month from the month the entitlement begins.
Example: If you are entitled to receive your pension in October, the first installment will be transferred to your bank account around November 25.
Preparing your documents in advance and submitting your claim when ready will help you access your old-age benefits quickly and smoothly, providing a reliable financial cushion for life after retirement.
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