Navigating ESIC Death Benefits: How to Claim Funeral Expenses and Pension for a Spouse?

One of our employees died in ESIC hospital in Nashik while receiving treatment, and he was covered under the ESIC scheme for the last 15 years. What is the procedure for obtaining funeral expense benefits, and within what time period do we need to make a claim for this? Is his wife entitled to receive any other pension benefits?

Funeral Expenses and Pension Benefits under the ESI Act

Funeral expenses can be claimed by the eldest surviving member of the family of the deceased Insured Person, as mentioned in Section 46(f) of the ESI Act, 1948. The current maximum reimbursement rate is Rs. 10,000/- (Rule 59 of the ESI Central Rules, 1950).

The person who wants to claim expenses must have documents such as the Identity Card of the deceased insured person and the original death certificate. The appropriate office for the payment of such expenses is the relevant Branch Office to which the deceased insured person was attached. Therefore, the family member (or claimant) of the deceased insured person can contact the said office if desired.

Pension Benefits

Further, Pension (referred to as Dependant Benefit in the Act) is payable only in accident cases that occurred in the course and out of employment.

Additionally, you can download relevant information and guidance material from the website of ESIC. The online link is as follows:

http://Information - Benefits | Empl...nment of India

Thank you.

One of our employees died under the ESI Act. I want to know what benefits his family will receive after his death.

My friend died of natural causes at home, and he also had ESIC coverage. So, is his wife eligible for dependent benefits or not?

Thank you.

Dear member,

Under the provisions of the ESI Act, 1948, and the rules/regulations framed therein, only deaths due to accidents or injuries that occurred in the course of employment and out of work are covered. I believe deaths due to natural causes are not considered accidents, and no dependent benefit is payable.