Losing a job can create financial stress, especially when finding new employment takes time.
To support workers during such situations, the central government runs a special scheme that provides financial assistance after job loss.
Under the Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), eligible employees can receive 50% of their average salary for 90 days (three months) after becoming unemployed.
The government has extended this scheme from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, allowing eligible insured workers to continue benefiting from this unemployment support.
What Is Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana?
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana was launched on July 1, 2018, under Section 2(9) of the ESI Act, 1948.
The scheme was introduced to provide financial relief to employees who lose their jobs. Initially, unemployed workers received 25% of their salary, but this amount was later increased to 50%.
The benefit is provided as a one-time payment for 90 days and can be claimed only once during a person’s lifetime.
Who Can Get Benefits Under This Scheme?
Not every employee is automatically eligible. Workers must meet certain conditions to claim unemployment benefits.
The main eligibility requirements are:
The employee must have worked for at least one year before losing the job.
The employee must be registered under ESIC.
The employee must have made ESIC contributions for at least 78 days.
If these conditions are fulfilled, the worker can apply for financial support after losing employment.
When Can You Apply After Losing Your Job?
Employees do not need to submit a separate application before losing their job.
Once a person becomes unemployed, they can claim benefits after 30 days from the date of job loss.
For example, if an employee’s last salary was ₹20,000 per month, the person can receive around ₹10,000 per month for three months under this scheme.
How to Claim Money Under ABVKY?
Eligible employees can apply for the benefit through the ESIC portal.
The claim process includes:
Visit the official ESIC website.
Open the ABVKY Eligibility section on the Employee Portal.
Enter your insurance number and registered mobile number.
Verify the OTP received on your mobile.
Submit the claim request.
After verification, the amount will be transferred to your bank account.
Documents Required for Claim
To complete the claim process, employees need to submit:
Affidavit
Aadhaar card
Bank account details
Claim form
These documents can be submitted at the nearest ESIC branch or DCBO office.
They can also be sent through post.
Frequently Asked Questions About ABVKY
What Is the Maximum Salary Limit for ESIC Employees?
Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month can be registered under ESIC. For employees with disabilities, the limit can go up to ₹25,000 per month.
Do Employees Need to Pay Extra for This Scheme?
No. ESIC members do not need to pay any separate premium for Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana.
A portion of salary is already deducted as ESIC contribution.
Generally, 0.75% of the salary is deducted from the employee’s contribution.
Employees earning a daily wage below ₹176 are exempt from this contribution.
Is Separate Registration Required for ABVKY?
No separate registration is required. If an employee is already an ESIC member and meets the eligibility conditions, they can claim benefits under this scheme.
The scheme provides important financial support to workers during unemployment and can help them manage expenses while searching for a new job.
