The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is a scheme initiated by the Indian government to support workers and their families. It gives medical help, money during sickness, maternity support, and many other benefits. To get these benefits, workers are given an ESIC card, also called a Pehchan card.
In this article, we’ll explain in simple language what an ESIC card is and what benefits a cardholder gets.
Benefits of an ESIC Card Holder
1. Free Medical Treatment
One of the biggest benefits of the ESIC card is free medical care.
- You can go to ESIC hospitals and dispensaries for treatment.
- You get free checkups, medicines, tests, and even specialist doctors.
- Even if you need big treatments like heart surgery or dialysis, ESIC will cover them.
- Not only you, but your spouse, children, and dependent parents can also get free treatment.
This helps save a lot of money on hospital bills.
2. Money During Sickness
If you fall sick and can’t go to work, ESIC gives you money so you don’t lose your income.
- You can get 70% of your salary as a sickness benefit.
- This is given for up to 91 days in a year.
- You must have worked for at least 78 days in the last 6 months to get this benefit.
This helps you rest and recover without worrying about money.
3. Maternity Benefits for Women
Women workers who have an ESIC card get special support during pregnancy.
- You get full salary for 26 weeks (around 6 months) during maternity leave.
- If there is a miscarriage, you still get 6 weeks of paid leave.
- These benefits are also available in cases of adoption or surrogacy.
This helps working women take care of their health and their baby.
4. Support in Case of Disability
If you get injured at work or develop a health problem because of your job, ESIC gives you financial help.
- If your injury is temporary, you get 90% of your salary until you recover.
- If your injury is permanent, you get a monthly pension for life.
This makes sure you can still support yourself and your family.
5. Support for Family in Case of Death
If an insured person dies due to a work-related accident or disease:
- The family receives a monthly pension, which is 90% of the salary.
- This money is shared between the spouse, children, and dependent parents.
This helps the family to survive financially even after losing the earning member.
6. Money for Funeral Expenses
ESIC gives ₹15,000 (may change from time to time) to the family for funeral costs when the insured person passes away. This is a small but helpful support in tough times.
7. Help for Disabled Persons
If a person becomes disabled due to a certain accident at work:
- ESIC provides physical therapy and prosthetic aids (like artificial legs or hands).
- They may also offer training to do a new job.
This helps the person become independent again.
8. Unemployment Support
If a person loses their job because of company closure, retrenchment, or permanent disability:
- ESIC gives unemployment allowance for up to 2 years.
- Medical care continues during this time.
- You can also get training for new skills to find another job.
This acts like a safety net when you lose your job suddenly.
9. Medical Help After Retirement
After retirement, people who were part of ESIC for a long time can still get medical benefits.
- You can continue treatment at ESIC hospitals by paying a small yearly fee.
- This helps senior citizens avoid high hospital bills.
10. Easy to Use Anywhere in India
With the Pehchan card:
- You can get treatment at any ESIC hospital in India.
- You don’t need to carry many documents – the card is enough.
- ESIC also has an online portal where you can check hospital details and track claims.
This makes using ESIC services easy and simple.
Who Can Get an ESIC Card?
- If you work in a company or factory and earn up to ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 for disabled people), you are usually eligible.
- Your employer has to register you with ESIC and deduct a small part of your salary (around 0.75%) as a contribution.
- The employer also contributes (around 3.25%).
Together, this money funds the ESIC scheme.
Why Is the ESIC Scheme Important?
- Healthcare is expensive, and the ESIC card gives access to free treatment.
- It gives financial support during tough times, like illness, injury, pregnancy, or job loss.
- It also provides long-term help to families after the death of the worker.
- All of this comes at very little cost to the worker.
It’s a big help for workers and their families, especially those who come from lower incomes.
Conclusion
The ESIC card is a powerful and efficient tool that protects workers’ interests from many kinds of difficulties. Whether it’s free medical care, money during sickness, or support after an accident, the card provides security and peace of mind.
If you are eligible and don’t have an ESIC card yet, ask your employer about registering. It’s a simple step that can bring a lot of benefits for you and your family.
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