ESIC User Manual

What is ESIC?

The Employees’ State Insurance Act of 1948 marks a watershed moment in India’s social security landscape. Enacted by Parliament in the early years of independence, it represents India’s first major social security legislation for workers.

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is India’s premier social security organization that provides health insurance and social security benefits to workers. Think of it as a comprehensive safety net designed to protect workers and their families during times of need, illness, or workplace accidents.

Why Was ESIC Created?

In 1948, when India had just gained independence, workers faced numerous challenges:

  • No health insurance or medical benefits
  • No protection against workplace accidents
  • No financial support during illness or pregnancy
  • No security for families if a worker died or became disabled

The government recognized these problems and created ESIC as a solution. This was remarkable because India was still developing its industrial base, and many countries wait until they are more developed before creating such comprehensive social security systems.

Scope and Coverage Under ESIC

Check the applicability and geographical coverage under Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC):

Basic Applicability

  • Applies to all non-seasonal factories employing 10 or more persons
  • Coverage extended to various establishments including:
    • Shops
    • Hotels and Restaurants
    • Cinema houses (including preview theaters)
    • Road-motor transport undertakings
    • Newspaper establishments
    • Private Medical Institutions
    • Educational Institutions
    • Municipal Corporation/Municipal Bodies’ contract and casual employees

Geographical Coverage

As of 2023, the ESI Scheme’s reach includes:

  • 668 Districts across 36 States and Union Territories
  • 565 fully notified districts
  • 103 partially notified districts (scheme notified in District Headquarters Area & Prominent Industrial Centers)
  • Pending notification in 135 districts

Coverage Statistics (as of March 31, 2023)

  • Insured Persons: 3.42 Crores
  • Employees: 3.05 Crores
  • Total Beneficiaries: 13.30 Crores
  • Insured Women: 67.60 Lakhs
  • Employers: 20.83 Lakhs

Who does ESIC cover?

ESIC covers employees in the organized sector working in factories and establishments with 10 or more employees. In some states, the threshold is 20 employees.

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is the primary social security organization in India, covering a wide range of contingencies as outlined by the International Labour Organization (ILO). These include:

  • Sickness
  • Medical care for workers
  • Maternity
  • Unemployment
  • Work injury
  • Death of worker
  • Invalidity
  • Widowhood

Wage Ceiling for coverage 

Employees earning up to Rs.15,000 per month are eligible for ESIC coverage.

ESIC Fundamental Principle

ESIC operates on the Gandhian principle of “contributions as per their ability and benefits as per the requirement.” This principle allows insured persons from lower wage brackets to access a comprehensive set of benefits by contributing according to their earnings.

How Does ESIC Work?

The Basic Concept

Think of ESIC as a large pool of money created by contributions from:

  1. Workers (Employees)
  2. Employers
  3. Government

This pool of money is then used to provide various benefits to workers and their families when they need it.

Who is Covered Under ESIC?

Let’s understand the coverage under ESIC:

Organizations Covered

  • Factories
    • Any factory with 10 or more workers
    • Example: A textile factory with 15 workers must register for ESIC
  • Service Sector
    • Shops and establishments with 10 or more employees
    • Examples include:
      • Restaurants
      • Hotels
      • Movie theaters
      • Private schools
      • Hospitals
      • Transport companies

Employees Covered

  • All employees earning up to Rs. 21,000 per month
  • Special provision: For persons with disabilities, the wage limit is Rs. 25,000 per month
  • Both permanent and contract workers are covered

Understanding Contributions Under ESIC

Let’s understand the contribution under Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC):

How Much Do You Pay?

  • Employee’s Share
    • 0.75% of your monthly wage
    • Example: If your monthly salary is Rs. 15,000
      • Your contribution = Rs. 112.50 (0.75% of 15,000)
  • Employer’s Share
    • 3.25% of the employee’s monthly wage
    • Using the same example:
      • Employer’s contribution = Rs. 487.50 (3.25% of 15,000)
  • Special Cases
    • Employees earning Rs. 176 or less per day don’t need to contribute
    • But their employers still must pay their share

Contribution and Benefit Periods Under ESIC

The scheme operates in six-month cycles:

  • First Cycle:
    • Contribution period: April 1 to September 30
    • Benefit period: January 1 to June 30 (following year)
  • Second Cycle:
    • Contribution period: October 1 to March 31
    • Benefit period: July 1 to December 31

How to Use ESIC Services?

Step 1: Registration

  • Get your ESIC card from employer
  • Update family details
  • Choose your dispensary

Step 2: Regular Use

  • For OPD (Regular Doctor Visits)
    • Visit assigned dispensary
    • Show ESIC card
    • Get treatment and medicines
  • For Hospitalization
    • Get referral from dispensary
    • Visit ESIC hospital
    • Show required documents

Step 3: Claiming Benefits

  • For Sickness Benefits
    • Get medical certification
    • Submit claim form
    • Provide attendance details
  • For Maternity Benefits
    • Submit application before delivery
    • Provide medical documentation
    • Update after childbirth

ESIC Official Links

How to do ESIC Registration Online?

Employers who wish to register their establishments under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) can do so online without needing to process any physical paperwork. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Initiate ESIC Signup Process

  • Visit the official website of ESIC which is www.esic.in.
  • Now, locate and click on “Employer Login” option.

ESIC Employer Registration Process: How An Employer Can Register on ESIC Portal?

  • It will lead you to the Employer Login page. On this page, locate the “Sign Up” option and click on it.

ESIC Employer Registration Process: How An Employer Can Register on ESIC Portal?

  • On this Sign Up page, enter company details, that includes:
    • Company Name
    • Principal Employer Name
    • State
    • Region
    • Email Address
  • Select the checkbox to agree to the terms and conditions.
  • After that, click on the ‘Submit’ button.

ESIC Employer Registration Process: How An Employer Can Register on ESIC Portal?

Remember: No physical processing of paper is undertaken by ESIC to register the Employer. If there is any complaint to the contrary, the same may be made to help-shramsuvidha@gov.in

Step 2: Receive Login Credentials

  • After successful sign-up, an email containing your login credentials (username and password) will be sent to the registered email address.
  • Check your inbox for the login details.

Step 3: Login to ESIC Portal

  • Go back to the ESIC portal and navigate to the “Employer Login” section.
  • On the ESIC Employer Login page and enter the login credentials (Username and password) received via email.
  • Complete the CAPTCHA verification.
  • Click on the Login button.

ESIC Employer Registration Process: How An Employer Can Register on ESIC Portal?

  • After that, click on the “New Employer Registration” option.

  • Now, click on the “Type of Unit” option and select the appropriate option between Factory and Establishment.
  • Then, click on the “Submit” button.

ESIC Employer Registration Process: How An Employer Can Register on ESIC Portal?

Step 4: Provide Unit Details

  • Fill out Employer Registration Form 1, which requires:
    • Unit Name
    • Full Address (including State, District, and Pincode)
    • Email Address
    • Police Station
    • Ownership status of the premises (Owned/Hired)
  • Review the entered details:
    • If correct, click Next.
    • If adjustments are needed, use the Preview button.

Step 5: Provide Further Business Details

  • Enter additional information such as:
    • Nature of Business
    • Business Category
    • PAN Details
    • Type of Employer
    • Type of License
    • Date of Commencement
    • License details, if applicable.
  • Click Next to move forward.

Step 6: Employer and Designation Details

  • Now, click on Sr. No. 16: To enter the details on the number of employees working
  • Here, enter details of the total no. of employees and details of no. of employees earning less than Rs. 21000.
  • Then, click on the “Save” button.
  • Now, click on the link area of Sr. No. 19, named “Employee Declaration Form”.
  • Here, enter the Date when the first 10/20 employees were employed.
  • Now, select: -Yes, if the IP is already registered & enter the IP number & Date of Joining. No, if the IP is not registered.
  • Then, click on the “Continue” button.

ESIC Employer Registration Process: How An Employer Can Register on ESIC Portal?

  • Now, enter: -Name of IP & Name of IP’s Father -Address -Date of Birth, Gender & Marital Status.
  • Enter: -Permanent address -Date of joining, Nominee details & Family details.

  • Check the declaration & Submit it.
  • Now, it will lead to making online payment.

Step 7: Payment

  • Proceed to the payment gateway to complete the registration fee.
  • For specific industries (e.g., manpower suppliers, security agencies, government contractors), calculate the advance contribution using the formula:
    (Number of employees earning ≤ ₹21,000) × Minimum Wages × 6 × 6.5%
  • Complete the payment online.

Final Steps

  • After successful registration and payment, you will receive:
    • A system-generated Registration Letter (C-11) via email.
    • The C-11 letter serves as proof of registration and does not require a physical signature.
  • The login credentials will be automatically sent to your email for future access.

By following these steps, employers can complete the ESIC registration process quickly and efficiently.

ESIC Employer Login Process Online

For employers to login into the ESIC portal to get access to several services available on the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) website, follow the steps provided below:

  • Visit the official ESIC website: esic.gov.in.
  • On the main page, you will see the “Services” section, click on it.

ESIC Login

  • Then, two options will display, one is Employee and the other is Employer. Here, click on the Employer option.
  • Another drop-down menu will display, from the menu, click on the “Employer Portal” option.

ESIC Employer Login

  • It will lead you to the Employer Portal page.
  • On this page, enter your employer login credential which includes Username, password, and Captcha Code.
  • Then, click on the Login button.

ESIC Employer Login

  • This way, your dashboard will then appear on your screen. From here you can perform whatever ESIC-related functions you want.

Dashboard Overview

  • There are various features on Employer Login dashboard, including:
  1. Employee registration.
  2. Monthly contribution filings.
  3. Reports and notifications.

ESIC Employee Login Through IP Portal Online: Insured Person / Beneficiary Login

An individual (insured person/ beneficiary) can access ESIC Employee Login via the IP Portal to manage their employee details, check contributions, and avail benefits online. To login to ESIC Employee portal, follow the steps provided below:

  • Visit the official website of ESIC: esic.gov.in.
  • On the main page, locate the “Services” option, and click on it.
  • A dropdown menu with two options, one is Employee and the other is Employer will then appear. 
  • Here, click on the “Employee” option.
  • Another drop-down menu will then appear, from that menu, click on the “IP Portal” option.

ESIC Employee Login

  • It will lead you to the ESIC Insured Person/Beneficiary login page.
  • Here, click on the radio button in front of the Insured Person option.
  • Then, enter your User ID, Password, and Captcha Code. 
  • After that, hit the Login button.

ESIC Employee Login

  • Now, the ESIC dashboard of that employee appears on the screen. Here, you can check:
  1. Contribution history,
  2. Claim application forms,
  3. Medical benefits and entitlements, etc

How to Make ESIC Payment Online?

Step 1: Visit the Official ESIC Website

  • Open your browser and go to the ESIC website: www.esic.gov.in. This website is managed by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.

Step 2: Navigate to the Challan Payment Section

  • On the homepage, scroll down and look for the “Quick Links” Section.
  • Under this section, locate and click on “Pay e-Challan” option.

How to Make ESIC Challan Payment Online?

Step 3: Enter Your Employer Code

  • You will be directed to a page where you must enter your Employer Code. Ensure that the code is entered correctly.

Step 4: Complete the CAPTCHA

  • To verify you’re not a robot, enter the CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen and click on the ‘Search’ button.

How to Make ESIC Challan Payment Online?

Step 5: View Active Challans

After clicking ‘Search,’ a list of active challans associated with your employer code will appear. The details shown will include:

  • Challan Number
  • Payment Due Month
  • Amount Payable

Step 6: Select the Challan to Pay

  • Click on the highlighted Challan Number. This will open a new page displaying the full details of the selected challan, including the Challan Number, Period, and Amount. Double-check these details before proceeding.

Step 7: Proceed to Payment

  • Click on the ‘Continue’ button to be redirected to the payment gateway.

Step 8: Choose Your Bank

On the payment gateway page, you will have two options:

  • State Bank of India (SBI)
  • Other Payment Methods: If you are using SBI, continue with their internet banking. For other banks, choose ‘Other Payment Modes,’ then select ‘Internet Banking’ from the list. Afterward, pick your bank from the available options.

Step 9: Make the Payment

  • Once your bank is selected, you will be redirected to your bank’s login page. Enter your credentials (User ID and Password) to log in. After reviewing the payment details, click on the ‘Pay’ button to confirm.

Step 10: Payment Confirmation

Once the payment is processed successfully, you will be redirected back to the ESIC portal. A confirmation page will appear, displaying the following details:

  • Transaction ID
  • Employer Code
  • Challan Number
  • Payment Date
  • Amount Paid

Step 11: Download and Print the Receipt

  • On the confirmation page, click the ‘Print Receipt’ button to download a PDF copy of the challan receipt. Be sure to save the receipt for your records as proof of payment.

Benefits Provided by ESIC

There are several benefits provided by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC):

1. Medical Benefits

What’s Covered?

  • Complete medical care for you and your family
  • No limit on medical expenses
  • Services include:
    • Regular doctor consultations
    • Specialist care
    • Hospitalization
    • Surgeries
    • Medicines
    • Lab tests
    • X-rays and scans

How to Access Medical Benefits?

  • Get your ESIC card
  • Visit your assigned ESIC dispensary/hospital
  • Show your card to receive treatment
  • No upfront payment required

2. Sickness Benefits

When Can You Claim?

  • When you’re sick and unable to work
  • When you need time to recover from an illness

What Do You Get?

  • 70% of your daily wage
  • For up to 91 days in a year
  • Example: If your daily wage is Rs. 500
    • You’ll receive Rs. 350 per day during sick leave

Requirements to Claim

  • Must have contributed for at least 78 days in the last 6 months
  • Must get medical certification from an ESIC doctor

3. Maternity Benefits

Coverage Details

  • 26 weeks of paid leave for childbirth
  • Full wages during this period
  • Additional month possible on medical advice

Example Calculation

If a woman worker earns Rs. 15,000 per month:

  • She receives full Rs. 15,000 per month during maternity leave
  • Total benefit for 26 weeks = Rs. 90,000

4. Disability Benefits

Temporary Disability

  • Occurs due to workplace accident
  • Benefit: 90% of wages until recovery
  • No minimum contribution requirement
  • Example: If you earn Rs. 15,000 monthly
    • You get Rs. 13,500 monthly during disability period

Permanent Disability

  • For lifelong disabilities from workplace accidents
  • Monthly pension at 90% of wages
  • Amount depends on disability percentage
  • Example: 50% permanent disability
    • If wage is Rs. 15,000
    • Monthly pension = Rs. 6,750 (90% of 50% of wage)

5. Death Benefits

If a worker dies due to a workplace accident:

  • Family receives 90% of wages as monthly pension
  • Funeral expenses of Rs. 15,000
  • Example: If worker’s wage was Rs. 15,000
    • Family receives Rs. 13,500 monthly pension

Special Schemes and Additional Benefits Under ESIC

1. Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana

For workers who lose their jobs due to factory closure/retrenchment:

  • 50% of wages as unemployment allowance
  • Up to 2 years of support
  • Free medical care continues
  • Skill training provided

2. Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

  • One-time unemployment benefit
  • 50% of wages for up to 90 days
  • Online application process
  • Requirements:
    • One year of previous ESIC contributions
    • 78 days of contribution in last 12 months

List of Benefits/ Contributory Condition/Duration/Rate Under ESIC

Benefit

Contributory Condition

Duration

Rate

SICKNESS BENEFIT

   

Sickness Benefit

Payment of contribution for 78 days in corresponding contribution period.

Up to 91 days in two consecutive benefit periods.

70% of the average daily wages.

Enhanced Sickness Benefit

Same as Above

14 days for Tubectomy & 7 days for vasectomy, extendable on medical advice.

100% of the average daily wages.

Extended Sickness Benefit

For 34 specified long term diseases, continuous insurable employment for two years with minimum 156 days’ contribution in four consecutive contribution periods.

124 days during a period of two years. This may be extended up to two years on medical advice.

80% of the average daily wages.

DISABLEMENT BENEFIT

   

Temporary Disablement Benefit

From day one of entering insurable employment for disablement due to employment injury.

As long as temporary disablement lasts.

90% of the average daily wages approx.

Permanent Disablement Benefit

From day one of entering insurable employment for disablement due to employment injury.

For whole life

For permanent total disablement – 90% of average daily wages. For permanent partial disablement – proportionate to the loss of earning capacity as determined by the medical board.

DEPENDANTS’ BENEFIT

From day one of entering insurable employment in case of death due to employment injury.

For life to the widow or until her re-marriage. To dependent children till the age of 25 years. To dependant parents etc. subject to conditions.

90% of average daily wages shareable in fixed proportion among all dependants.

MATERNITY BENEFIT

Payment of contribution of 70 days in two preceding contribution periods.

Up to 12 weeks in case of confinement. Up to 6 weeks in case of miscarriage. Extendable by 1 month on medical advice in case of sickness arising out of Pregnancy, Confinement, Miscarriage

100% of the average daily wages.

MEDICAL BENEFIT

Reasonable medical facilities for self and family from day one of entering insurable employment.

Reasonable medical care till he/she remains in insurable employment

OTHER BENEFITS

   

Confinement Expenses

An Insured Woman or an I.P. in respect of his wife is eligible if confinement occurs at a place where necessary medical facilities under ESI Scheme are not available.

Up to two confinements only

Rs.5,000/- per case

Funeral Expenses

From day one of entering insurable employment

For defraying expenses on the funeral of an insured person

Actual expenses subject to a maximum of Rs.10,000/-

Vocational Training

In case of physical disablement due to employment injury

As long as vocational training lasts.

Actual fee charged or Rs.123/- a day, whichever is higher.

Physical Rehabilitation

In case of physical disablement due to employment injury

As long as person is admitted in an artificial limb centre.

100% of the average daily wages.

Unemployment Allowance (RGSKY)

In case of involuntarily loss of employment due to closure of factory, retrenchment or permanent invalidity due to non-employment injury and the contribution in respect of him have been paid/payable for a minimum of three years prior to the loss of employment

Maximum 12 months during life time

50% of the average daily wages

Skill Up gradation Training

Same as above.

For a duration of
maximum 6 months

 

Special Initiatives Taken Under ESIC

24×7 Medical Helpline

  • Number: 1800 11 3839
  • Purpose: To provide advice and guidance from casualty/emergency of ESIC Hospitals

Public Grievances Redressal System

  • Levels: Headquarters Office, Regional, Sub-Regional, Divisional, Branch Offices, ESI Dispensaries, ESI Hospitals
  • Toll Free Helpline at Headquarters: 1800-11-2526

ESIC Regional Toll Free Helplines

ESIC has established toll-free helplines in various regions to cater to local stakeholders. Here’s a table of the regional helplines:

Region

Toll Free Helpline No.

RO, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

1800-425-2358

RO, Guwahati, Assam

1800-345-3627

RO, Patna, Bihar

1800-345-6190

RO, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

1800-233-5172

Goa RO, Panji

1800-233-0132

RO, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

1800-233-0424

RO, Faridabad, Haryana

1800-180-1475

SRO, Gurgaon, Haryana

1800-180-2526

RO, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh

1800-180-2862

RO, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir

1800-180-7029

RO, Ranchi, Jharkhand

1800-345-6532

RO, Bangalore, Karnataka

1800-425-0636

SRO, Hubli, Karnataka

1800-425-0037

RO, Mumbai, Maharashtra

1800-209-4599

SRO, Pune, Maharashtra

1800-233-4143

RO, Indore, Madhya Pradesh

1800-233-4414

RO, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

1800-345-6712

SRO, Ludhiana, Punjab

1800-180-0026

RO, Puducherry, Puducherry

1800-425-7642

RO, Jaipur, Rajasthan

1800-180-6266

SRO, Udaipur, Rajasthan

1800-180-6224

RO, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

1800-425-7080

SRO, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

1800-425-2527

SRO, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

1800-425-1505

RO, Dehradun, Uttrakhand

1800-180-4161

RO, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

1800-180-5127

SRO, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

1800-180-3181

RO, Kolkata, West Bengal

1800-345-4454

SRO, Barrackpore, West Bengal

1800-345-5985

ESIC Grievance Redressal Hierarchy

Grievances can be reported in writing, over telephone through Toll Free Helpline, by post, Email or in person to any of the following officers:

  • Branch Office Level: Branch Manager
  • Dispensary Level: Insurance Medical Officer Incharge
  • Hospital Level: Medical Superintendent/Deputy Medical Supdt.
  • Regional/Sub-Regional Level:
    • Regional Director
    • Director/Joint Director Incharge
    • Public Grievance Officer
  • State Level:
    • Senior State Medical Commissioner
    • State Medical Commissioner
    • Director, Medical, ESI Scheme
  • Corporate Level (Headquarters):
    • Director General
    • Medical Commissioner
    • Insurance Commissioner
    • Director (Public Grievances)

ESIC Helpline Number Details

  • Address: ESI Corporation, Panchdeep Bhawan, CIG Marg, New Delhi-110002
  • Website: www.esic.nic.in, www.esic.in
  • E-mail: jd-pghq@esic.in
  • Phone: 011-23234092/93/98
  • Fax: 011-23234537
  • Toll Free Helpline No.: 1800 11 2526