Navigating ESI Maternity Leave Benefits: Can I Claim My Salary After Delivery?

I came to know of the ESI maternity leave benefits after my delivery on Jan 15, 2014. My delivery was from a non-ESI hospital. I have taken 3 months of maternity leave, which ends on Feb 23, 2014. Can I claim my 12 weeks' salary? What are the steps?

If you were covered under the ESI Act, you should have obtained the necessary certification before starting your maternity leave from your authorized ESI Dispensary. At this point, you can consult the Insurance Medical Officer at your ESI Dispensary and the Branch Manager of the relevant ESIC Branch Office to which you are attached. Discuss the matter with them.

I hope that based on your eligibility as per records and the certificate from the private hospital where you received treatment during maternity leave, the aforementioned offices will provide guidance in accordance with the rules and regulations at this stage.

Regards

Am I now eligible to claim? Does this mean I will receive my 12 weeks' salary? I haven't consulted any ESI Dispensaries before my delivery. Please let me know if I am eligible to claim my salary.

Keeping in view the position submitted by you in your comments, I have already suggested you visit the Branch Office of ESIC as well as the ESI dispensary and discuss the position with concerned officers. I hope you will get a proper reply to all the doubts you have raised.

While visiting the above offices, please do not forget to carry your ESI Identity Card and Medical Certificates issued by a private hospital.

Regards