Under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act 1948, 'Sickness Benefit' is payable at what rate and for what maximum duration?

• A 50% of wages for up to 91 days in 2 consecutive benefit periods
• B 100% of wages for 28 days per year
• C 75% of wages for up to 180 days per year
• D 70% of wages for up to 91 days in 2 consecutive benefit periods ✓

Explanation

Under ESI Act 1948, Sickness Benefit is payable at approximately 70% of the insured person's average daily wages for a maximum of 91 days in two consecutive benefit periods (each benefit period is 6 months). The contribution period and corresponding benefit period are offset by two months. Enhanced Sickness Benefit (at full wages, up to 14 days) is available for sterilisation. Extended Sickness Benefit (at 70% for up to 2 years) is available for specified long-term illnesses (e.g., TB, leprosy, mental illness, cancer). ESI applies to factories with ≥ 10 employees and is administered by the ESIC.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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