Cambodia’s Social Protection Coverage Nears 50% in Third Quarter of 2026

Cambodia’s Social Protection Coverage Nears 50% in Third Quarter of 2026

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 4, 2026 — Cambodia’s social protection system has expanded to benefit approximately 8.5 million people, or nearly half of the country’s total population, by the third quarter of 2026, according to a government report.

The figure represents a significant increase from around 6.5 million people at the beginning of the seventh mandate of the National Assembly, reflecting the government’s efforts to expand both social assistance programmes and social security schemes.

Under the National Social Assistance Programmes, approximately 5 million people were covered as of the third quarter. The government allocated around 1.13 trillion riel (US$282 million) in the 2026 national budget for various social assistance programmes, including the Health Equity Fund.

Meanwhile, Cambodia’s social security schemes covered more than 3.5 million people, with the government allocating approximately 1.9 trillion riel (US$487 million) in 2026, in addition to contributions from members of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

The social security system includes three major schemes covering healthcare, occupational risks and pensions.

Cambodia has also introduced special social assistance and emergency interventions to help households cope with major crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, severe flooding and the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.

The expansion comes as Cambodia continues to strengthen its broader social protection architecture. The International Labour Organization says Cambodia has made significant progress in developing its social security system, while the government is continuing efforts to expand coverage, particularly for informal and rural workers.

Digitalisation has also become an important part of the expansion. In 2026, Cambodia continued developing its Digital Social Protection Platform and Social Protection Registry to improve the efficiency, transparency and delivery of social benefits.

The government says it remains prepared to introduce additional measures when necessary to help protect household livelihoods against future economic shocks, emergencies and other crises.