Is My Friend Eligible for ESI Maternity Benefits After a Year-Long Leave?

My friend joined an organization in June 2008, and from then on, she was paying ESI until April 2013. From May 2013, she has been on leave for one year, and she delivered in September 2013. Is she eligible for maternity benefits from ESI?

Thank you,
Kalpana

Yes, if the principal employer has made compliance and submitted the Returns of Contributions in respect of the employee mentioned by you. In order to claim Maternity Benefit under the provisions of the ESI Act and Rules/Regulations framed thereunder, an Insured Woman before proceeding on Maternity Benefit is also required to report to the ESI Dispensary concerned to which she is attached and to obtain necessary certification as laid down under said Act/Rules/Regulations.

Further, the duration of Medical Benefit is also restricted to twelve weeks (+ one month in case of sickness arising out of pregnancy) as laid down in the said Rules and is not one year as mentioned in the remarks.

Regards,
Harsh Kumar Mehta