29-07-2026
Amman, Tuesday, July 29, 2026
The Phenix Center for Economic and Informatics Studies has warned of the noticeable decline in the number of active contributors to the Social Security Corporation (SSC) during the first half of 2026, describing it as a worrying indicator that requires an official explanation and a prompt institutional response due to what it may reveal about imbalances in the labor market and the social protection system.
In a position paper released on Tuesday, the Center stated that the number of active contributors increased from approximately 1.6 million at the end of 2024 to 1.664 million by the end of 2025, representing an increase of around 64,000 contributors. However, the figure dropped to approximately 1.633 million as of July 9, 2026, reflecting a decline of nearly 31,000 contributors.
The paper noted that the number of contributors decreased by around 26,000 during the first half of July alone, calling on the SSC to clarify which sectors and categories experienced the decline and whether it was linked to seasonal or administrative factors, or whether it reflected an actual and sustained exit of workers from the social security system.
The Center suggested that part of the decline may be attributed to the suspension of social security contributions for teachers employed in some private schools during the summer break, as well as the end of contracts for teachers hired under the additional education program in public schools. The paper stressed that suspending contributions while the employment relationship effectively continues may constitute a form of social security evasion, depriving workers of protection and negatively affecting their future pension rights.
The paper also highlighted a decline in the number of voluntary contributors, from approximately 111,000 at the end of 2025 to around 100,000 during the first half of 2026. It argued that this decrease may be linked to concerns raised by discussions of potential amendments to the Social Security Law, particularly those related to early retirement and the calculation of benefits. The Center called for an official study to examine the reasons behind the suspension of voluntary contributions.
According to the paper, the seriousness of this decline extends beyond its financial implications. It also reflects the exclusion of workers from the social protection system, the continued prevalence of seasonal and temporary employment, and a decline in public confidence in the social insurance system.
The paper urged the Social Security Corporation to issue a detailed public explanation, publish quarterly disaggregated data, intensify labor inspections across business establishments—particularly private schools-and strengthen measures to combat social security evasion.
It also called for a review of the employment conditions of teachers working under the additional education program, the development of more flexible contribution mechanisms for workers with irregular incomes, self-employed workers, and those engaged in the informal economy, and for any proposed legislative amendments to be subject to transparent social dialogue that safeguards acquired rights.
In conclusion, the Phenix Center emphasized that the sustainability of the social security system should not be measured solely by the size of its assets and investments, but also by the breadth of its contributor base, the continuity of contributions, the adequacy of benefits, and the level of public trust in the system.