Are you looking to understand the ESIC Scheme for 2025? This social security and health insurance plan, managed by the Employees State Insurance Corporation, helps workers in India get financial support during health emergencies and other risks. Let’s look into the main benefits, eligibility, and features of this important government scheme for employees.
Overview of the ESIC Scheme 2025
The Employee State Insurance Scheme (ESIC) is a government scheme that protects employees and their families in the organized sector. It provides financial help in situations like illness, injury, pregnancy, or unemployment related to work. The scheme is run under the Employees’ State Insurance Act of 1948, which requires employers to enroll eligible employees to provide them social security benefits.
Main Details of ESIC Scheme
| Name | ESIC Scheme |
| Managed By | Employees State Insurance Corporation |
| Objective | Reduce financial problems during health emergencies |
| Who Can Benefit? | Employees in covered establishments |
| Official Website | https://esic.gov.in/ |
Main Objectives of the ESIC Scheme
The main goal of the ESIC Scheme is to support employees when they face health issues or accidents that affect their ability to work or earn money. It provides medical care, financial help during sickness, maternity benefits, and support in case of disability or death caused by job-related reasons.
Main Features of ESIC Scheme 2025
- Applies to employees earning up to Rs. 21,000 monthly.
- Employers contribute 3.25% and employees contribute 0.75% of wages as per current rates.
- Free medical care for insured employees and their dependents.
- Employers must pay any due contributions within 21 days each month.
- State governments help cover medical costs as part of the scheme.
- Provision to receive benefits even if a person retires early or joins other plans.
- Unemployed individuals can get benefits for up to three years with proper documentation.
- Female employees get 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, extendable by one month if recommended by a doctor.
- Accidents that happen while traveling for work are also covered.
Benefits Offered by ESIC Scheme
- Medical Benefits: Affordable healthcare from the start of employment.
- Disability Benefits: 90% of monthly wages for temporary disability; pro-rata for permanent disability.
- Maternity Benefits: 100% daily wage for up to 26 weeks; additional leave possible.
- Dependent Benefits: Financial support for family members in case of accident or illness.
- Unemployment Benefits: Up to 50% of average monthly wage for 24 months if injured or laid off involuntarily.
- Sickness Benefits: 70% of daily wages for 91 days during sickness, payable twice.
Contribution Rates for ESIC Scheme
| Employee Contribution | 0.75% of total wage |
| Employer Contribution | 3.25% of total wages paid |
Duration for Contributions and Benefits
| Contribution Periods | 1st April to 30th September, 1st October to 31st March |
| Cash Benefit Periods | 1st January to 30th June, 1st July to 31st December |
Who Must Register for ESIC?
Any company or establishment with 10 or more workers (20 or more in Chandigarh and Maharashtra) must register for ESIC. Employees earning up to Rs. 21,000 per month (Rs. 25,000 for disabled individuals) are eligible. Employers contribute 4.7% and employees contribute 1.75% of wages, though rates may change occasionally. Employees earning less than Rs. 50 per day do not pay contributions, but employers still must contribute.
What is Covered Under ESIS?
- Factories, businesses, shops, hotels, cinemas, newspapers, and transport companies with minimum staff.
- More than 3.49 crore individuals and families covered as of March 2024.
- Private hospitals and schools with 10 or more employees in certain states.
- Restaurants and retail stores covered under specific provisions.
What is Not Covered under ESIS?
- Employees earning above Rs. 21,000 per month are excluded.
- Coverage limits differ by state; some states cover fewer employees.
- Disabled individuals earning above Rs. 25,000 monthly are not covered.
Eligibility for ESIC Scheme
- Work in a non-seasonal business with at least 10 employees.
- Monthly wages up to Rs. 21,000.
Documents Needed for ESIC Registration
- Registration certificate for company or partnership.
- Shops and Establishment or Factories Act registration.
- Employee list with details.
- Company Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- PAN card copies for business and employees.
- Salary and compensation records.
- Shareholder and director information.
- Cancelled cheque for company bank account.
- Completed Employer’s Registration Form (Form No.1).
- Employee attendance register.
Cash Benefits Under ESIC
| Benefit | Details |
| Disablement Benefit | 90% of wage during temporary disability; lifelong payments for permanent disability on a pro-rata basis. |
| Dependent Benefit | 90% of salary for eligible dependents. |
| Maternity Benefit | Full wage for 12 weeks maternity leave. |
| Funeral Expenses | Up to Rs. 10,000 for funeral costs. |
| Unemployment Benefit | 50% of wage for one year during involuntary unemployment. |
How to Register for ESIC Scheme
- Go to the official ESIC website.
- Click on the Sign-Up option and fill the form with your name, mobile, employer details, email, state, and region.
- Submit the form to get your login credentials via email.
- Log in on the portal and select New User Registration.
- Fill in unit name, factory address, police station, business category and nature.
- Enter business start date and ownership details.
- Add total employees and number earning less than Rs. 21,000 monthly.
- Save details and submit the Employee Declaration Form with employee info like name, DOB, family details, and date of joining.
- Select ESIC branch and inspection division.
- Make the initial contribution payment online.
- After successful payment, your registration is complete.
How to Login to ESIC Portal
- Visit the official ESIC website.
- Select Employee/Insured Login.
- Enter your login ID, password, and captcha.
- Click Login to access your account.
Contact Information for ESIC
- ESI Head Office
Employees’ State Insurance Corporation,
Panchdeep Bhawan,
Comrade Indrajeet Gupta Marg,
New Delhi – 110 002 - Phone Numbers
011-23234092, 23235496, 23234093, 23234098, 23236998, 23236051, 23235187 - Medical Helpline: 1800-11-3839
- Toll-Free Help Desk: 1800-11-2526
- Email for IT Issues: itcare@esic.nic.in
Email for Grievances: pg-hqrs@esic.nic.in