Lost your job due to COVID-19? This government scheme can help you

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on most people. The economies around the world have been hit. Some have lost their jobs, others had salary cuts. During this tough phase, one government scheme could have or can help you. The ESI Corporation had launched a scheme named 'Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana' (ABVKY) which, in case the Insured Person (IP) is rendered unemployed, provides relief to the extent of 25% of the average per day earning during the previous four contribution periods (total earning during the four contribution period/730). 

The amount is paid up to maximum 90 days of unemployment once in lifetime of the IP on submission of claim in form of an Affidavit. The relief will be paid directly to the bank accounts of workers. 

The scheme was introduced on July 1, 2018. For the first two years, it was employed on a pilot basis. The ESI Corporation then decided to extend the Atal Beemit Kalyan Yojana for another year – from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.  

Not just this, those who lost their jobs due to coronavirus, get a relief of 50 per cent against 25 per cent given to others. It was decided to enhance the rate of unemployment relief under the scheme to 50% of wages from earlier rate of 25% along with the relaxation of eligibility conditions for insured workers who have lost their employment due to COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown.  

The claim can now be submitted directly to the designated ESIC Branch Office. The enhanced benefit and relaxed conditions are applicable during the period 24th March 2020 to 31st December 2020.  

Labour Minister, while lauding the efforts of ESIC said that at present, ESIC is providing benefits/services to about 3.49 Crore of family units of workers and providing matchless cash benefits and reasonable medical care to its 13.56 crore beneficiaries.