AMMAN — The House of Representatives on Monday placed the draft law amending the 2026 Social Security Law on its agenda for Wednesday.

 

On February 24, the Cabinet approved the rationale for the draft law, paving the way for its submission to Parliament, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

 

The draft law seeks to strengthen the social protection regulations, expand coverage to additional population groups, balance the rights of insured individuals, and enhance the long-term sustainability of the insurance system.

 

It also aims to reinforce the independence of the Social Security Corporation (SSC) and improve governance in its decision-making. Under the proposed amendments, the SSC will be restructured to follow a model similar to the Central Bank. A governor will be appointed by Cabinet decision, endorsed by a Royal Decree, with clearly defined duties and powers enshrined in the law.

 

This amendment will end the practice of a government minister chairing the corporation’s board of directors, marking a significant step towards institutional autonomy.

 

Regarding retirement, the draft law establishes mandatory retirement as the default, with early retirement as the exception.

 

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan has stressed that the amendments will not affect anyone eligible for early, mandatory, or optional retirement over the next four years.

 

He added that the law will be implemented gradually from 2030. Mandatory retirement will be phased in over the following decade, reaching full effect by 2040 for both men and women, with a 14-year transition period from enactment.

 

Early and optional retirement will also be introduced gradually after 2030, with full implementation by 2047 for men and 2041 for women, corresponding to transition periods of 21 years for men and 15 years for women.

 

Hassan said that the amendments maintain the five-year gap, or 60-contribution difference, between women and men for both early and mandatory retirement.