Under the ESI Act 1948, sickness benefit is not payable for the initial days of certified illness. What is the waiting period before sickness benefit payments begin?
- A 14 days
- B 7 days
- C 3 days ✓
- D 1 day
Correct answer: C. 3 days
Explanation
Sickness benefit under the ESI Act carries a waiting period of 3 days, meaning payment starts from the fourth day of illness. To qualify, the insured person must have contributed for at least 78 days in the relevant contribution period. Seven days is a common wrong answer because it resembles the vasectomy enhanced sickness benefit duration, but the statutory waiting period is 3 days.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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