Am I Eligible for ESIC Maternity Leave Pay If I Joined Less Than Two Years Ago?

Please clarify my doubts with regard to maternity benefits covered by ESIC:

I have joined the new organization on 25th June 2018, and after one month, I became pregnant. My probation period is for 6 months and it will be over by Dec 25th, 2018. I am planning to take maternity leave by March 2019. Please advise me whether I am eligible for Maternity Leave with Salary from ESIC, as I heard that ESIC will provide salaried leave only after two years of joining in ESIC.

Eligibility for Maternity Leave Under ESIC

You will not be eligible for maternity leave because you have not contributed to ESI for 70 days in two consecutive contribution periods before delivery. It is possible to contribute for 70 days as it only requires two months and a few days, but it is crucial that this contribution occurs in two contribution periods. You joined in June 2018, which is within the contribution period of April 2018 to September 2018. There should also be a contribution in the period from October 2018 to March 2019. This will qualify you for maternity leave.

Please remember that probation has nothing to do with ESI benefits. What is mandatory is the service, contribution, and availing of the benefit within the benefit period. It is not about two years of joining ESI but rather two contribution periods, which will be a maximum of one year. In your case, it will be up to March 2019.

Regards, Madhu T K