Social Security and How It Works
What is Social Security
The Social Security Act (Cap. 318.) of the Laws of Malta, provides for two basic schemes, namely the Contributory Scheme and the Non-Contributory Scheme. The basic requirement for entitlement under the Contributory Scheme is that specific contribution conditions are met. In the Non-Contributory Scheme, the basic requirement is that the conditions of the means-test are met.
Registration under the Social Security Act
Historically, your social security number is a number registered under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.) through which you pay social security contributions. The social security contributions paid will entitle you for the social security benefits provided under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.), subject to the entitlement conditions which exist for each type of benefit. Read more.
How do benefits work and how can I qualify?
The contributory scheme in Malta is a system where an employee or self-employed person pays a weekly contribution as laid down by the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.). The social security contributions paid during the period in which a person is gainfully active is used to finance contingencies that may arise such as sickness, unemployment or retirement as required.
The Non-Contributory Scheme, which originally was meant to cater for persons below the ‘poverty line’ has over a period of years evolved into a comprehensive scheme with a number of provisions that are intertwined in such a way that one type of benefit supplements another. This has made possible the allocation of more than one benefit at the same time thus providing simultaneous coverage in those cases where more than one contingency is present.
How to find more help
To find out if you, or a family member, might be eligible for a benefit or higher benefit, kindly see the information on this page. You can use your e-ID account to apply online for benefits, check the status of an application or manage the benefits you already receive. All from anywhere!
Create your e-ID account to access online applications
Any Maltese citizen or eResidence document holder who is over 14 years of age, may sign up for a free and secure e-ID account to have access to personalised tools through Social Security online services, whether you receive benefits or not. Create an e-ID account.
Non-Maltese citizens who do not possess an e-ID account
Non-Maltese citizens who do not possess an e-ID account and therefore cannot submit an online application, may visit one of servizz.gov regional hubs to request a service. It is important to present all documentation related to your case.
Contact the department
Department of Social Security
38, Ordnance Street
Valletta VLT 1021
Freephone 153
International Calls
+356 21255153 (This is not a freephone number)