Social Security Clarifies Death Benefits For Single Insured Persons

On July 6, 2025, Kanjanee Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, announced that when an insured person dies, eligible beneficiaries receiving compensation from the social security fund are not restricted to legal heirs alone. Insured persons may designate other individuals to receive benefits by submitting written notification according to the Social Security Office's guidelines. Death benefits comprise three components: funeral expenses, death compensation, and old-age pension benefits.

1. Funeral Expenses: Insured persons under Sections 33 and 39 receive 50,000 baht in funeral expenses if they have contributed for at least one month within six months before death. Eligible recipients include the person designated by the insured to handle the funeral and the actual funeral arranger with evidence, or any person with documentation proving they arranged the funeral. Section 40 insured persons with Options 1 and 2 (contributing 70 or 100 baht monthly) receive 25,000 baht, while Option 3 contributors (300 baht monthly) receive 50,000 baht if they contributed for at least six months within 12 months before death.

2. Death Compensation: For Section 33 and 39 insured persons, those contributing 36-119 months receive 50% of monthly wage times four months; those contributing 120 months or more receive 50% of monthly wage times 12 months. Section 40 Options 1 and 2 insured persons receive 8,000 baht if they contributed at least 60 months before death. Death compensation is paid to the person designated by the insured. If no designation exists, payment follows this order: registered spouse, parents, legally recognized children. Single insured persons without parents or heirs may designate others by submitting written documentation. If no eligible person exists, the fund will not distribute benefits. The Social Security Office recommends that single insured persons clearly document their designated beneficiary, including full identification numbers and witness information to ensure validity.

3. Old-Age Pension Benefits: When Section 33 and 39 insured persons die, heirs receive accumulated funds and returns distributed as follows: legitimate children receive two portions (three portions if three or more children), registered spouse receives one portion, living parents receive one portion, and any person designated in writing receives one portion shared with heirs. If no heirs or designated beneficiaries exist, distribution follows the order of siblings.