EPF Programmes & Benefits 2026 — i-Saraan, i-Lindung, i-Invest & More
Dikemaskini: 10 Ogos 2026EPF Programmes & Benefits Available in 2026
EPF isn’t just a savings fund — there are several programmes and initiatives designed to help members in various life situations. Here’s a complete overview of what’s available in 2026.
Programme Summary
| Programme | What It Does | Who’s Eligible | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| i-Saraan | Voluntary contribution + 20% government incentive | Self-employed, homemakers, gig workers | i-Akaun / EPF counter |
| i-Lindung | Buy insurance/takaful using Account 2 | All EPF members (aged 18-55) | i-Akaun |
| i-Invest | Invest Account 1 in unit trust funds | EPF members with sufficient Account 1 balance | i-Akaun |
| KWSP Anak | Savings account for children | Children aged 14 and above | EPF counter / online |
| Flexible Account | 10% of savings withdrawable anytime | All EPF members | Automatic (no application needed) |
i-Saraan — Government Incentive for Self-Employed
The most popular programme for those without employer EPF contributions.
How it works:
- You make voluntary contributions to EPF (minimum RM1 per month)
- Government gives a 20% incentive on your contributions
- Maximum incentive: RM500 per year
- This means: contribute RM2,500/year → get a RM500 bonus from the government
Who should use this:
- Grab/Food Panda riders
- Freelancers and content creators
- Small business owners / online sellers
- Homemakers
- Part-time workers without EPF contributions
Incentive calculation:
| Your Contribution (Per Year) | Government Incentive (20%) | Total in EPF |
|---|---|---|
| RM1,200 | RM240 | RM1,440 |
| RM2,000 | RM400 | RM2,400 |
| RM2,500 | RM500 (max) | RM3,000 |
| RM5,000 | RM500 (max) | RM5,500 |
How to register:
- Log in to i-Akaun
- Select i-Saraan
- Register as a voluntary contributor
- Choose your contribution amount and frequency
- Pay via FPX / JomPAY / counter
i-Lindung — Insurance/Takaful Using EPF
Can’t afford insurance premiums from your salary? Use EPF savings for protection.
What’s covered:
- Life insurance / family takaful
- Critical illness protection
- Accident protection
How it works:
- Premiums paid from your Sejahtera Account (Account 2)
- Choose a plan from EPF-approved insurance/takaful providers
- Coverage remains active as long as premiums are paid
How to apply:
- Log in to i-Akaun
- Select i-Lindung
- Compare available plans
- Choose your plan and coverage amount
- Confirm payment from Account 2
i-Invest — Unit Trust Investment
Feel that the 6.15% EPF dividend isn’t enough? Invest in unit trusts for potentially higher returns.
How it works:
- Invest a portion of your Retirement Account (Account 1) in unit trust funds
- Choose from EPF-approved funds
- Returns depend on market performance (can go up or down)
Who it’s suitable for:
- Those with a large Account 1 balance
- Those willing to take risk for potentially higher returns
- Those still far from retirement age (10+ years away)
Important notes:
- Unit trust investments are not guaranteed — value can decrease
- EPF dividend is still calculated on the balance that remains in EPF
- You can withdraw your investment back to EPF at any time
KWSP Anak — Early Savings for Children’s Future
A programme to give children a head start in retirement savings.
Features:
- For children aged 14 and above
- Parents or guardians can make contributions
- Savings earn EPF dividends just like adult members
- Teaches saving habits from an early age
Flexible Account — Your Emergency Fund
Not technically a special programme, but a “benefit” in itself.
- 10% of monthly contributions go into the Flexible Account
- Can be withdrawn anytime without any reason
- Minimum withdrawal RM50
- Suitable for emergencies, daily expenses, or investment opportunities
EPF Dividend 2025: 6.15%
Beyond these programmes, your EPF savings earn an annual dividend. For financial year 2025, the dividend rate was 6.15% — among the highest in recent years.
Which Programme Is Right for You?
| Your Situation | Recommended Programme |
|---|---|
| Self-employed / gig worker | i-Saraan — free government money |
| No life insurance | i-Lindung — coverage without out-of-pocket payments |
| Large EPF balance, still young | i-Invest — potential for higher returns |
| Have teenage children | KWSP Anak — start their savings early |
| Need cash urgently | Flexible Account — withdraw immediately |
Soalan Lazim (FAQ)
What EPF programmes are available now?
Key EPF programmes in 2026 include i-Saraan (20% government incentive for self-employed), i-Lindung (insurance/takaful from Account 2), i-Invest (unit trust investment from Account 1), KWSP Anak, and the Flexible Account.
How to get the i-Saraan government incentive?
Make voluntary contributions to EPF through i-Saraan. The government gives a 20% incentive on your contributions, up to RM500 per year. This means if you contribute RM2,500 per year, you get an extra RM500 free.
Who is eligible for i-Saraan?
Self-employed workers, homemakers, gig workers, freelancers — anyone without mandatory EPF contributions from an employer. Must be aged 18-55 and a Malaysian citizen.
Can I buy insurance using EPF money?
Yes, through the i-Lindung programme. You can use your Sejahtera Account (Account 2) savings to purchase approved insurance or takaful plans.
What is EPF i-Invest?
i-Invest allows you to invest a portion of your Retirement Account (Account 1) savings in EPF-approved unit trust funds. It offers potential returns higher than standard EPF dividends.