Getting an ESIC Insurance Number – A Complete Guide

Getting your ESIC Insurance Number is a big step toward securing health and financial protection as a working individual. It’s your gateway to benefits like medical care, sickness leave, and more under India’s social security system. Whether you are starting a new job or checking your registration, understanding this number can save time and stress. This article will provide a complete guide on the ESIC number and how to track it.

What is ESIC?

ESIC stands for Employees' State Insurance Corporation, a social security body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. It provides health insurance and financial benefits to employees working in the organized sector. ESIC helps protect workers and their families during illness, accidents, maternity, or death due to employment-related injuries. It covers employees earning Rs. 21,000 or less per month in factories, offices, and other establishments. Employers and employees both contribute to this scheme. Through ESIC, workers can access affordable medical care and income support, which ensures their well-being and financial security during tough times.

What is the ESIC Insurance Number?

The ESIC Insurance Number is a 10-digit ID given to employees to access benefits under the ESI health and insurance scheme. It helps track a worker’s medical and insurance benefits under ESIC. This number stays the same even if the person changes jobs. It ensures easy access to free healthcare, maternity, and disability benefits. The ESIC number is important for employers and employees as it keeps records and helps get ESI benefits smoothly.

Who Gets an ESIC Insurance Number?

An ESIC Insurance Number is given to employees who are covered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme. To be eligible, the employee must earn a monthly salary of Rs. 21,000 or less (Rs. 25,000 for persons with disabilities). This benefit applies mainly to workers in factories, shops, and businesses that have 10 or more employees. Both full-time and part-time workers can qualify if they meet the income criteria.

It is the employer's responsibility to register eligible employees under the ESI scheme. Once hired, the employer must collect the employee’s basic details and upload them on the official ESIC portal. After registration, the employee is given a unique ESIC Number, which remains the same throughout their career, even if they switch jobs.

This number helps employees easily access free medical care, sickness benefits, maternity leave, and more. Registering under ESIC ensures social security and health protection for workers and their families.

How to Get an ESIC Insurance Number?

To obtain an ESIC Number, your employer must register you under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme. This process is entirely online and managed through the official ESIC portal. Here are the steps to get your ESIC Number:

• Employer Registration: The employer initiates the process by visiting the official ESIC portal. They sign up to create an account under the 'Employer Login' section.
• Filling Form-1: After logging in, the employer fills out the 'Employer Registration Form-1' with details about the establishment and its employees.
• Submission and Payment: Upon submitting the form, the employer proceeds to pay an advance contribution for six months through the online portal. This payment is made via the SBI Payment Gateway.
• Generation of Registration Letter (C-11): After successful payment, the system generates a Registration Letter (C-11), which is sent to the employer's registered email. This letter contains a unique 17-digit Employer Code Number, serving as proof of registration.
• Employee Registration and Insurance Number: Subsequently, the employer registers each eligible employee under the ESIC scheme. Upon registration, each employee is assigned a unique 10-digit Insurance Number (also known as the Insured Person Number or IP Number). This number remains the same throughout the employee's career, even if they change jobs.

This number is crucial for accessing various ESI benefits, which includes medical care, sickness benefits, and maternity support. It remains the same throughout your employment, even if you change jobs.

Documents Required for ESIC Number

The following details include the documents required for the ESIC number:

• Identification documents such as the PAN card of the business entity and the employees
• Address proof of the establishment, like a rent agreement or recent utility bills
• Business registration proof, like a certificate of incorporation
• Bank details like the cancelled cheque
• Employee details with their salary and attendance register
• Company structure information, like the list of directors and shareholders

How to Check and Track Your ESIC Insurance Number?

If you are unsure about your ESIC Number, there are several straightforward methods to retrieve it. This 10-digit unique number helps you get ESI benefits like free medical care, maternity help, and disability support easily.

Check Your Salary Slip: Your ESIC number is often printed on your monthly pay slip. Look for a 10-digit number labeled as "ESIC No." or "IP Number."

Review Your ESIC Card: If you have’ received an ESIC membership card, your insurance number will be printed on it.

Use the Official ESIC Portal: You can retrieve your ESIC number online by following these steps:

• Visit the ESIC website.
• Navigate to the “Insured Person” section.
• Select the “Track your ESIC Insurance Number” option.
• Enter your Aadhaar or PAN number and click “Search.”
• Your ESIC number will be displayed on the screen.

Ensure you have your Aadhaar or PAN details handy for this process.

Contact Your Employer: Your employer maintains records of all employees' ESIC numbers. Reach out to your HR or payroll department for assistance.

Visit the Nearest ESIC Branch Office: If the above methods don't yield results, you can visit your local ESIC regional office. Bring valid identification and any relevant employment details to assist in the retrieval process.

Importance of the ESIC Insurance Number

The following details include the importance of the ESIC number:

• Access to Medical Benefits: The ESIC Number allows employees and their dependents to avail themselves of comprehensive medical care at ESIC hospitals and dispensaries across India. This includes outpatient consultations, hospitalization, and specialist services.
• Sickness and Maternity Benefits: In case of illness or maternity, insured employees can receive cash benefits to compensate for the loss of wages. The ESIC Insurance Number is essential for processing these claims efficiently.
• Disability and Dependents' Benefits: If an employee suffers from temporary or permanent disability due to employment injury, or in the unfortunate event of death, the ESIC provides financial support to the employee or their dependents. The insurance number is used to identify and process these benefits.
• Portability Across Employers: The ESIC Number remains the same throughout an employee's career, regardless of changes in employment. This ensures continuity in benefits and simplifies the process of accessing services under the ESI scheme.
• Online Access to Services: With the ESIC Number, employees can log in to the ESIC portal to view their contribution history, check eligibility for benefits, and track the status of their claims. This enhances transparency and convenience.
• Legal Compliance and Record-Keeping: For employers, maintaining accurate records of employees' ESIC Numbers is essential for compliance with statutory requirements. It also facilitates smooth coordination with ESIC authorities.
• Eligibility Verification: The insurance number serves as proof of an employee's registration under the ESI scheme, ensuring that only eligible individuals receive the associated benefits.

The ESIC Insurance Number is your personal key to unlock various social security benefits like free medical care, maternity support, and financial help during illness or injury. It helps both employees and employers easily manage records and access services. Even if you change jobs, your ESIC number stays the same. In this article, you have learned about the ESIC number along with its documents and importance. Contact Online Legal India to get assistance and support from professional experts in ESIC return filing.