A factory machine operator dies in an industrial accident leaving behind his wife, two minor children, and his dependent mother. All were registered as dependents under the ESI Act 1948. What is the rate and distribution pattern of the dependent benefit?

• A 70 percent of average daily wages, divided equally among all registered dependents
• B 100 percent of average daily wages, paid to the widow alone
• C 80 percent of average daily wages, paid as a lump sum to the eldest dependent only
• D 90 percent of average daily wages, shared among dependents according to a defined share pattern, payable until the widow remarries or children reach earning age ✓

Explanation

Dependent benefit under the ESI Act is paid at 90 percent of average daily wages in the form of periodic payments shared among registered dependents: roughly three fifths to the widow, three tenths to the children below the age of earning, and the remainder to other dependents such as parents. It ceases when the widow remarries or the child attains the prescribed age. This distinguishes it from disablement benefits, which go directly to the insured person.

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

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