ESIC Registration & Benefits — How to Claim ESI Benefits

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment that provides comprehensive social security to Indian workers. The ESI Scheme covers medical care, maternity benefits, disability benefits, dependent benefits, and unemployment allowance for employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with ESIC or the Government of India.

What is ESIC?

The ESI (Employees' State Insurance) Scheme is a self-financing social security scheme that provides:

• Medical benefits — Free medical care for insured persons and their dependents
• Sickness benefit — Cash compensation during certified illness
• Maternity benefit — Paid maternity leave
• Disablement benefit — Compensation for employment injury/occupational disease
• Dependent's benefit — Pension for dependents if insured person dies
• Unemployment allowance — Under Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana (RGSKY)
• Funeral expenses — ₹15,000 for funeral of insured person

Who is Eligible?

For Employees (Insured Persons)

• Employees earning gross wages up to ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 for PwD)
• Working in factories/establishments with 10 or more employees (some states: 20+)
• Covers all types of employees — permanent, temporary, contract, casual
• Coverage is mandatory — not optional for eligible employees

For Employers

• All factories with 10+ workers using power (or 20+ without power)
• Shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, road transport, newspaper establishments with 10+ employees
• Establishments notified by the government

Dependents Covered

• Spouse
• Children (below 25 years)
• Dependent parents

Contribution Rates

Example: If your monthly salary is ₹15,000, employer pays ₹487.50 and you pay ₹112.50 per month.

How to Register on ESIC

For Employers

1. Visit esic.gov.in
2. Click "Employer Login" → "Sign Up"
3. Fill the Employer Registration Form (Form 1)
4. Enter establishment details — name, address, type, employee count
5. Upload documents — PAN, certificate of incorporation, address proof
6. Submit and receive 17-digit ESIC Code Number
7. Register all eligible employees within 10 days of joining

For Employees

1. Employer registers you on the ESIC portal
2. You receive an Insurance Number (10-digit)
3. Download the ESIC Pehchan Card from the portal or app
4. Choose your ESIC dispensary/hospital for primary medical care
5. Register family members (spouse, children, parents) for dependent benefits

Self-Registration (Employee)

1. Visit esic.gov.in → "Insured Person Login"
2. Enter your Insurance Number
3. Complete your profile with personal and family details
4. Upload photograph and family member details
5. Download your ESI Pehchan Card

Documents Required

For Employer Registration

• PAN card of the business
• Certificate of Registration / Incorporation
• Address proof of the establishment
• Bank account details
• List of employees with wages

For Employee Registration

• Aadhaar card
• Bank account details
• Passport-size photographs (employee + family members)
• Family member details (name, relation, date of birth, Aadhaar)
• Appointment letter or salary slip

ESI Benefits — Detailed Breakdown

1. Medical Benefit

• Full medical care for insured person and family at ESIC hospitals and dispensaries
• Includes OPD, hospitalization, specialist treatment, medicines, diagnostics
• Super specialty treatment at empanelled hospitals
• No upper limit on medical expenditure
• Available from day one of employment

2. Sickness Benefit

• 70% of average daily wages during certified sickness
• Maximum 91 days in two consecutive benefit periods
• Extended sickness benefit: 80% of wages for up to 2 years for specified long-term diseases (TB, cancer, mental illness, etc.)

3. Maternity Benefit

• 100% of average daily wages for 26 weeks (approximately 6 months)
• Additional 6 weeks for complications/miscarriage
• Covers medical expenses for delivery
• Available for up to 2 surviving children

4. Disablement Benefit

• Temporary disablement: 90% of average daily wages during treatment
• Permanent disablement: Monthly pension based on percentage of disability
• Covers employment injury and occupational diseases
• Available from day one — no waiting period

5. Dependent's Benefit

• 90% of average daily wages as monthly pension to dependents
• If insured person dies due to employment injury/occupational disease
• Widow/widower gets pension for life (or until remarriage)
• Children get pension until age 25

6. Unemployment Allowance (RGSKY)

• 50% of average daily wages for up to 2 years
• Available if retrenched, involuntarily terminated, or factory closed
• Must have contributed for at least 3 years
• Free vocational training during unemployment period

7. Funeral Expenses

• ₹15,000 lump sum to the family for funeral expenses

How to Claim ESI Benefits

Medical Treatment

1. Visit your registered ESIC dispensary/hospital with your Pehchan Card
2. For super specialty treatment, get a referral from the ESIC hospital
3. Treatment at empanelled private hospitals if referred by ESIC

Cash Benefits (Sickness/Maternity/Disability)

1. Login to esic.gov.in → Insured Person Login
2. Go to "Claim Submission"
3. Select the type of benefit
4. Upload supporting documents (medical certificate, hospital records)
5. Submit the claim
6. Claim is verified by the employer and ESIC Branch Office
7. Amount credited to your bank account via DBT

Important Tips

1. Register Family Members — Ensure all dependents are registered to avail medical benefits for the whole family.
2. Choose Dispensary Wisely — Select an ESIC dispensary/hospital close to your residence for convenience.
3. Maintain Contribution Record — Check your contribution history regularly on the ESIC portal.
4. Claim Promptly — File sickness and maternity claims within the prescribed time to avoid delays.
5. Know Your Rights — Employers cannot deduct more than 0.75% or deny ESI registration to eligible employees.

Related Guides

• Check the Ayushman Bharat hospital guide for additional health coverage
• Read about ABHA Health ID for digital health records
• See the Jan Aushadhi guide for affordable medicines
• Check our PAN card guide for employer registration requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use ESIC benefits at any hospital?

No, you must visit your registered ESIC dispensary/hospital for primary care. Super specialty treatment at empanelled private hospitals requires a referral from the ESIC hospital.

Q2: What happens to my ESIC benefits if I change jobs?

Your ESIC Insurance Number remains the same across employers. When you join a new company, your new employer should register you under the same Insurance Number. Benefits continue if contribution conditions are met.

Q3: Can I get ESIC benefits during the notice period?

Yes, as long as your employer continues paying ESIC contributions during the notice period, you remain eligible for all benefits.

Q4: Is there a waiting period for medical benefits under ESIC?

Medical benefits are available from day one of insurable employment. However, sickness and maternity cash benefits require a minimum contribution period (usually 78 days in the relevant contribution period).

Q5: Can retired employees continue to receive ESIC medical benefits?

Yes, insured persons who have been insured for 5+ years can continue to receive medical benefits after retirement by paying a nominal annual contribution.

Q6: How do I check my ESIC contribution details?

Login to esic.gov.in with your Insurance Number and check the "Contribution Details" section. You can also download your contribution statement.

Last updated: February 2026. Contribution rates and benefit amounts may be revised. Always verify on esic.gov.in.