SIBU: A sum of RM5.05 million in compensations was paid out by the Social Security Organisation (Socso) here last year for 2,188 claims.
Its branch manager Dundang Undong noted the amount was lower compared to RM5.10 million for 2,394 cases in 2013.
He recalled the organisation paid out RM4.83 million in compensation for 2,167 claims in 2012.
On compensations made out to Survivors’ pension’s scheme last year, he disclosed there was an increase of 38.66 per cent compared to 2013.
“In 2013, a sum of RM234,450.20 was paid to 75 claims against 104 claims totalling RM296,829.91 in 2014.
“As for the Invalidity Pension scheme, the compensation paid out in 2014 recorded an increase of 33.33 per cent compared to 2013.
“There were 51 claims in 2013 totalling RM138,913.63 versus 68 claims amounting to RM192,562.99 last year.
“The increase is a result of better awareness among the public on the benefits of Survivors’ and Invalidity Pensions schemes,” Dundang told The Borneo Post.
He added the compensations made out for both pensions were for first payments.
Dundang explained that first payment referred to payment made to the survivors from the date of death of the recipients until the date the claim forms were received by Socso.
From then on, monthly pension is made to the survivors, he pointed out.
Conversely, he noted that compensations for Temporary Disability Schemes last year dropped 15.96 per cent compared to 2013.
There were 1,935 claims totalling RM1.99 million in 2013 versus 1,626 claims amounting RM1.68 million in 2014, he revealed.
Dundang also mentioned that they would organise at least one outreach programme this year to familiarise rural folk with the functions and benefits provided by the organisation.
On their Customer’s Day which is every first Thursday of the month, there was good response from the public, he added.
Please call 084-213066/213067 for more information.