Project
Transforming Social Insurance for Own-Account Workers in Jordan
The project supports the expansion of inclusive and effective social insurance coverage for own-account workers in Jordan. It will help the Social Security Corporation (SSC) design, test and institutionalise more flexible arrangements that enable workers to access protection against income loss, work-related risks, and vulnerability in old age.
Duration
1 August 2026 - 31 July 2028
Development partner(s)
Kingdom of Norway
Reference
JOR/26/03/NOR
Location
Jordan
Overview
Jordan’s contributory social security system was developed mainly around traditional employment relationships. Increasingly diverse work arrangements, independent forms of work and irregular income patterns require more flexible and responsive social insurance arrangements. Joint analysis by the Social Security Corporation (SSC), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank identified barriers facing own-account workers to enrol and contribute regularly, limiting their access to adequate protection against income loss, work-related risks and financial insecurity in old age.
The project will support SSC in designing, testing and institutionalising a more flexible social insurance model for own-account workers. It will address legal, regulatory, administrative and scheme-design barriers to make enrolment easier and regular contributions more manageable. It will also assess targeted, time-bound and financially sustainable contribution support, helping workers maintain coverage and access protection when needed.
Building on SSC’s digitalisation efforts, the project will strengthen registration, contribution management, monitoring and service delivery. Tailored outreach and communication will help workers understand their rights, benefits and relevant procedures.
The project will support the pilot testing and institutionalisation of the models. Evidence from implementation will guide improvements before successful approaches are integrated into SSC systems and considered for national scale-up.
The project is expected to strengthen workers’ economic security and protection against shocks, support transitions towards formal and decent work, and contribute to a more inclusive and financially sustainable social protection system. It aligns with Jordan’s National Social Protection Strategy 2025–2033, Economic Modernisation Vision and Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2027.
Project information
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Jordan