Understanding the ESIC Contribution Benefit Period: Can Anyone Explain It?

Dear all members,

Saurabh Saxena here. I just want to know what the ESIC contribution benefit period is.

I kindly request all of you to send me the answer to this question.

Regards,
Saurabh Saxena

Dear Saxena,

ESI contribution periods are, as per the act, two: one from April to Sept. and another from October to March of every accounting year. During this period, we have to file returns in the specified formats for the accuracy of recovery and remittances of ESI contributions to the ESI corporation.

In addition to this, the employee, in turn, should avail some benefits from his contribution to ESI through us (the employer). For this, the ESIC will provide the employee and his/her family with an identity card with which he/she can avail medical treatment at the specified ESI dispensary for themselves and their family. Treatment for some critical cases is also available at ESI Hospitals with a forwarding note from the ESIC Dispensary.

The benefit limit is determined by the benefit period for an employee, based on their contribution to ESIC.

The contribution period and benefit period are as follows:

Contribution period:
1st April to 30 September
Corresponding benefit period:
1st January to 30th June of the following year

Contribution period:
1st October to 31st March of the following year
Corresponding benefit period:
1st July to 31st December of the calendar year

You can also visit the website: esic.nic.in for further clarifications.

Dear All,

Please let me know what the difference is between the contribution period and benefit period of ESIC.

Somebody please clarify why I have to wait for the next contribution period if I contribute this year. If my family member or I get a disease and I can't afford treatment on my own during the period when I am not in the benefit period, who takes care of us? What is the logic behind separating the contribution and benefit periods?

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1. Sir, it would be better if you clearly indicate what your doubts are and what type of benefits you are seeking.

2. From your above remarks, it appears that you want to know about the contribution period and benefit period as per the ESIC procedure. In this connection, I request you to please refer to Regulation 4 of the ESI General Regulations, 1950, which is self-explanatory.

3. I would like to further inform you that under the ESI Act, 1948, and the rules/regulations framed thereunder, Medical Benefits, as well as Temporary Disablement/Permanent Disablement (or dependent benefit in case of death) due to employment injuries, start immediately from the date the person becomes an "employee" under the said Act.

4. If you have any doubts, I suggest visiting your appropriate Branch Office of ESIC and seeking guidance about your eligibility for various benefits under the said Act. Please ensure that you have your Pehchan Card issued by ESIC when you visit the said Office.

Regards