Woman receiving maternity benefit can also get sickness benefit

On March 7, 2022, The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation amended Rule 55 of the Employees’ State Insurance (Central) Rules, 1950 (“ESI Central Rules Amendment“). As per the ESI Central Rules Amendment insured women who are receiving maternity benefit can also claim sickness benefit i.e cash benefit in case shorter contribution period (due to her confinement on account of maternity) is available to her, provided that contribution shall be payable for not less than half the number of days available for working in such contribution period. This amendment will be retrospectively effective from January 20, 2017.