Introduction

The ESI Scheme is an important social security scheme initiative in India to offer medical and financial help to salaried workers. If you’re earning Rs.21,000/- or less per month, you may be eligible for a wide range of ESI benefits, from free medical treatment to maternity leave compensation. This guide answers 70 of the most frequently asked ESI questions for 2025.

Table of Contents

1. General ESI Questions

2. Eligibility & Coverage

3. Contributions & Payments

4. ESI Benefits

5. ESI Card & Number

6. Sickness & Disability Benefits

7. Maternity Benefits

8. Death & Funeral Benefits

9. ESI Hospitals & Dispensaries

10. ESI Registration & Claims

11. ESI Portal & Online Services

12. Contribution Periods & Benefits Eligibility

General FAQs on ESI

1. What is ESI?

ESI is a social security scheme that provides medical and financial support to workers.

2. Who manages ESI?

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

3. What is the full form of ESI?

Employees’ State Insurance.

4. Why is ESI important?

Employees and their dependents are entitled to benefits such as medical care, sickness, maternity, and disability coverage.

5. Is ESI a mandatory deduction?

Yes, all eligible employees and organizations are required to register under the scheme.

Eligibility & Coverage

6. Who is eligible for ESI?

All employees who are earning Rs.21,000/month or less (Rs.25,000/- for disabled persons).

7. What is the salary limit for ESI?

Rs.21,000 per month.

8. Is ESI applicable to part-time employees?

Yes, if they meet wage criteria.

9. Is ESI applicable to interns?

Only if they are not part of academic programs and receive regular wages.

10. Is ESI applicable to contractual employees?

Yes, if they fall under the wage limit.

Contributions & Payments

11. What is the latest employee contribution rate in ESI?

0.75% of gross wages.

12. What is the employer contribution in ESI?

3.25% of gross wages.

13. When is ESI contribution due?

By the 15th of the following month.

14. How to pay ESI contributions online?

Through the official ESIC portal using a login ID and bank details.

15. What happens if ESI is not paid?

Penalty and interest are applicable, and legal action may be taken.

ESI Benefits

16. What are the benefits of ESI?

The ESI scheme provides a range of benefits including medical care, sickness allowance, maternity benefits, disablement support, dependents’ benefits, and funeral expenses.

17. Are ESI benefits available to family members?

Yes, dependents are also covered under ESI.

18. Is maternity leave covered under ESI?

Yes, for eligible insured women.

19. Can I get free treatment under ESI?

Yes, treatment at ESI hospitals and dispensaries is free for insured persons.

20. Is ESI applicable after resignation?

Benefits may continue for a limited time if conditions are met.

ESI Card & Number

21. What is the ESIC Insurance Number?

It is a unique 10-digit number used for identification under the ESI scheme.

22. How to get ESI card?

Through the employer or nearest ESIC office.

23. What is the Pehchan card in ESI?

It is a unique identification card provided by ESIC that enables insured individuals to avail medical and health-related benefits

24. Can I use ESI card in another state?

Yes, ESI benefits are portable across India.

25. What to do if my ESI card is lost?

Report it to the HR or local ESIC office for reissue.

Sickness & Disability Benefits

26. What is sickness benefit in ESI?

Cash compensation for up to 91 days per year during certified illness.

27. How much is paid under sickness benefit?

70% of daily wages.

28. What is extended sickness benefit?

Benefits up to 2 years for specified long-term diseases.

29. What is temporary disablement benefit?

90% of wages is paid till recovery.

30. What is permanent disablement benefit?

Monthly payments based on loss of earning capacity.

Maternity Benefits

31. Is maternity benefit cashless in ESI?

Yes, hospital expenses are cashless at ESI facilities.

32. How long is maternity leave under ESI?

26 weeks, extendable under conditions.

33. Can a working woman claim both maternity leave and ESI benefits?

Yes, if registered and eligible.

34. Is miscarriage covered under ESI?

Yes, benefits are provided for miscarriage and related complications.

35. What documents are needed for maternity benefit?

Maternity certificate, ESI card, and medical records.

Death & Funeral Benefits

36. What is the dependent benefit in ESI?

Monthly pension to dependents of a deceased insured person.

37. Who is eligible for dependent benefit?

Widow, children, and in some cases, parents.

38. What is the funeral expense benefit in ESI?

A sum of Rs.15,000 is given to the nominee to help cover funeral expenses.

39. How to claim funeral benefit?

Submit claim Form-22 with death certificate.

40. How soon can funeral expenses be claimed?

Within 3 months of death.

ESI Hospitals & Dispensaries

41. Where can I get ESI treatment?

At ESIC dispensaries, hospitals, and empanelled private hospitals.

42. Can I visit any hospital for ESI treatment?

Only empanelled hospitals or referrals are allowed.

43. Are medicines covered under ESI?

Yes, through ESI dispensaries.

44. Is surgery covered under ESI?

Yes, approved surgeries are free of cost.

45. Are private hospitals covered under ESI?

Only if they are empanelled.

ESI Registration & Claims

46. How do I register for ESI?

Through your employer upon joining.

47. Can I self-register for ESI?

No, employers must register employees.

48. How to check ESI eligibility?

You can confirm it with your employer or by logging in to the ESIC portal.

49. What is the ESI claim form number?

It depends on the benefit (e.g., Form 1, 10, 22, etc.)

50. How long does it take for ESI claim approval?

ESI claim approval typically takes 15 to 30 days, depending on the type of claim and documentation submitted. Delays may occur if the application is incomplete or requires further verification.

ESI Portal & Online Services

51. What is the official website for ESI?

https://www.esic.in

52. Can I download my ESI card online?

Yes, it can be accessed through the ESIC portal using your login credentials

53. How to check my ESI contribution?

Access the ESIC online portal by entering your unique insurance number.

54. Can I update my ESI details online?

Yes, you can get it through your employer or by visiting the nearest ESIC office.

55. Can I apply for ESI reimbursement online?

Yes, eligible claims can be filed digitally.

Contribution Periods & Benefits Eligibility

56. What is the ESI contribution period?

April to September and October to March.

57. What is the benefit period in ESI?

It starts 3 months after the contribution period ends.

58. Do I get benefits if I contribute for one month?

Only for certain benefits. Others require continuous contributions.

59. Can I claim ESI if I change jobs?

Yes, if the new job is also ESI-covered.

60. Will ESI coverage continue if I’m unemployed?

Limited benefits may continue under specific provisions.

Miscellaneous Employee FAQs

61. Is PF and ESI the same?

PF serves as a retirement fund, while ESI offers medical and social security coverage.

62. Can I opt out of ESI?

No, it’s mandatory if you meet eligibility.

63. What if my salary increases above Rs.21,000?

Your coverage continues until the end of the contribution period.

64. Is tax deducted on ESI?

No, ESI is not taxable.

65. Can I get ESI benefit for dental treatment?

Only basic dental care, not cosmetic procedures.

66. Does ESI cover optical/eye treatments?

Only basic eye care is covered.

67. Can I take treatment outside ESI dispensary?

Only with referral or emergency cases.

68. Is ESI valid after retirement?

Not unless you’re part of the Retired Medical Benefit Scheme.

69. Can I transfer my ESI to another state?

Yes, ESI is pan-India.

70. Can I download my contribution history?

Yes, from the ESIC portal.

Conclusion

Understanding your rights under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme is essential in 2025. With this comprehensive guide, employees can confidently navigate ESI benefits, eligibility, and claims. Whether you’re new to ESI or seeking clarification, this FAQ blog is your go-to resource.

70 Most Asked ESI Questions in India (2025) – Eligibility, Benefits, Registration & More

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