Employee benefits
What are the benefits of ESIC, and who is eligible?
Employees earning gross wages of up to ₹21,000 a month at establishments covered by ESI are eligible (₹25,000 for persons with disabilities). ESI gives medical care for the employee and family, and cash benefits: 70% of wages during certified sickness, full wages during maternity leave, and benefits for disablement and for dependants if a worker dies from an injury at work.
In short
- Eligible: employees earning up to ₹21,000 a month in covered establishments.
- Medical care for the employee and family.
- Sickness: 70% of wages; maternity: full wages for 26 weeks.
- Disablement and dependants’ benefits after injuries at work.
Who is eligible for ESIC?
Employees earning gross wages of up to ₹21,000 a month at establishments covered by the scheme, generally those with 10 or more employees. For persons with disabilities, the ceiling is ₹25,000. Once registered, the employee’s dependants can also receive medical care.
ESIC benefits at a glance
| Benefit | What it gives |
|---|---|
| Medical | Treatment for the employee and family at ESI hospitals, dispensaries and tie-ups |
| Sickness | 70% of wages during certified sickness, for up to 91 days a year |
| Maternity | Full wages for up to 26 weeks of maternity leave |
| Disablement | 90% of wages while temporarily disabled by a work injury; a lasting payment for permanent disablement, by loss of earning capacity |
| Dependants | If a worker dies from a work injury, dependants share a monthly payment based on 90% of wages |
| Funeral expenses | Up to ₹15,000 |
Do I get these benefits from day one?
Medical care starts early, but cash benefits depend on contribution conditions. Sickness and maternity benefits, for example, need contributions paid for a minimum number of days in earlier contribution periods. Your branch office or HR can confirm what you qualify for.
What if I earn more than ₹21,000?
Then you are outside ESI, and your employer’s group health insurance is usually your main cover. If your wages cross the ceiling during a contribution period, cover generally continues until that period ends.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for ESIC?
Employees earning gross wages of up to ₹21,000 a month at establishments covered by ESI, or ₹25,000 for persons with disabilities.
What are the benefits of ESIC?
Medical care for the employee and family, sickness benefit at 70% of wages, full wages during maternity leave, disablement and dependants' benefits, and funeral expenses.
How much is ESIC sickness benefit?
70% of wages during certified sickness, for up to 91 days a year, subject to contribution conditions.
What happens when you talk to us
A 20-minute video call with a Growth Advisor. No obligation, and no quote pushed. It opens with a five-minute video from our founder on how the benefits stack works and why Ethika exists; the rest is your questions. You’ll leave with an honest read on your current cover and claims experience, and a straight answer on whether we can genuinely help, even if you never become a client.
20 minutes with a Growth Advisor. No obligation.
A note on this page. Everything here is general information, not legal or financial advice, and nothing is an offer. ESIC services, portals and benefit rates are as published by ESIC at the review date; check esic.gov.in before relying on them. For advice about your situation, talk to us.