Navigating Maternity Benefits: How to Handle ESI Act Formalities for Employers and Employees

Respected All,

Procedure for Maternity Benefits under the Latest Amendment of the ESI Act

Kindly guide me regarding the procedure for maternity benefits under the latest amendment of the ESI Act.

Employer/HR Department Formalities

Which formalities need to be completed by the employer/HR Department for female employees to avail of maternity benefits?

Formalities for Female Employees

What formalities must be completed by female employees to receive maternity benefits (e.g., maternity leave, wages, etc.)?

Submission of Forms to the ESI Office

Are there any forms that need to be submitted by the employer and female employee to the ESI Office to claim maternity benefits? If yes, please guide and share the relevant forms.

I am eagerly awaiting all of your valuable replies.

Regards, Vighnesh Hinjwadi, Pune

Dear Vighnesh,

Before proceeding for Maternity Leave under ESIC, you need to ensure that the person applying for Maternity Leave benefits from ESIC has contributed for a minimum of 2 years to the ESIC fund. Without this contribution, she cannot apply for ESIC benefits, and any claims need to be settled by the organization. The employee must visit the nearest ESIC clinic, register herself, and fill out the necessary forms for registration to be able to claim the benefits.

Thank you.

Vighnesh,

Please ensure whether she has at least 70 days of contributions in 1 or 2 contribution periods. Once she meets this requirement, she will need to fill out Form 9 to claim Maternity Benefit and submit it to the ESIC Branch Office. She will then receive 100% of her daily average wages from ESIC. Please find attached Form 9 for your reference.