Under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme, insured women are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave with 100% wage coverage. This ensures that employees receive financial security and support during one of the most critical phases of life maternity.
Documents Required to Claim Maternity Benefit:
- Form 21 & 23 – To be obtained from a registered ESIC doctor.
- Birth Certificate – For the newborn (either original or a Xerox copy).
- Hospital Discharge Card – A document providing proof of confinement.
- Bank Details – A cancelled cheque for payment processing.
- Form 10 – Issued by the company’s HR or Manager.
- ID Proof – Aadhar card or PAN card for identification.
- Form 19 – Available at the nearest ESIC office.
- Self-Declaration Form – To be filled out at the ESIC office.
Eligibility Conditions:
- Insured women must have completed 9 months of insurable employment before the date of delivery.
- A minimum of 70 days of contribution in the immediately preceding two contribution periods is required.
- In cases of miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy, the benefit is available for 6 weeks.
Benefit Rate:
- 100% of the average daily wages for the entire duration of the leave period (26 weeks).
This benefit is designed to provide financial relief to working women, ensuring that they can take time off to care for their newborns without worrying about income loss. It’s crucial for eligible employees to ensure all documentation is correctly filed to receive these benefits.