ESI Calculations
The rates of contribution, as a percentage of gross wages payable to the employees, is explained in the table below
Percentage of Gross Pay Example Gross Salary Contributions
Employee Deduction 0.75% Rs 15,000 15,000 * 0.75% = 112.50
Employer Contribution 3.25% 15,000 * 3.25% = 487.50
Total Contributions for this employee 112.50 + 487.50 = Rs 600.00
In case, the gross salary of the employee exceeds Rs. 21,000 during the contribution period (explained next), the ESI contributions would be calculated on the new salary and not Rs 21,000.
For example, if the salary of an employee increases to Rs. 22,000 per month, then the ESI would be calculated on Rs. 22,000 instead of Rs. 21,000 during the contribution period.
Contribution Period and Benefit Period
Payroll administrators often face confusion when employees salaries change – especially when the monthly salary exceeds the ESI limits of Rs 21,000.
To handle this situation, ESI has a concept of contribution periods during which the ESI contributions have to continue, even when the salary exceeds the maximum limits.
There are two contribution periods each of six months duration and two corresponding benefit periods also of six months duration.
Contribution Period Cash Benefit Period
1st April to 30th September 1st January of the following year to 30th June
1st October to 31st March of the following year 1st July to 31st December
After the commencement of a contribution period, even if the gross salary of an employee exceeds Rs. 21,000 monthly, the employee continues to be covered under ESI scheme till the end of that contribution period.
The contribution is deducted on the new salary. Let us look at an example to understand this better.
If an employee’s gross salary increases in June from Rs. 18,000 (within ESI limit) to Rs. 22,000 (above ESI limit), the deductions for ESI will continue to happen till the end of the ESI contribution period i.e. September.
And the deduction amount for both the employee and employer will be calculated on the increased gross salary of Rs. 22,000.
At the end of the contribution period, if the employee salary is more than the ESI limit, no further deductions and contributions are required. The employee will still be covered under ESI till 30th June of the following year.
Similar rules apply when an employee's salary increases in the 2nd contribution period.