Updated for 2026 | Wage Limit: ₹21,000

Free ESI Calculator India 2026

Calculate your Employee State Insurance (ESIC) contribution instantly. See employee and employer contributions with eligibility check.

Enter Your Salary Details

Your total monthly gross salary

Your ESI Calculation Results

✓ Eligible for ESI (Salary ≤ ₹21,000)
Gross Salary ₹18,000
Employee Contribution (0.75%) ₹135
Employer Contribution (3.25%) ₹585
Total Monthly ESI Contribution
₹720

Yearly Projection (12 months)

Your Contribution
₹1,620
Employer's Contribution
₹7,020
Total ESI (Year)
₹8,640
Your Take Home Impact
-₹135/month

What is ESI (Employee State Insurance)?

The Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme is a self-financing social security and health insurance scheme for Indian workers. It is managed by the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

ESI provides comprehensive medical care and cash benefits to employees and their dependents in case of sickness, maternity, disablement, or death due to employment injury.

ESI Contribution Rates 2026

Employee Contribution:

Employee ESI = 0.75% × Gross Salary

Employer Contribution:

Employer ESI = 3.25% × Gross Salary

Total ESI:

Total ESI = 4% × Gross Salary

Example: ESI Calculation for ₹18,000 Gross Salary

Calculation Breakdown

Gross Salary: ₹18,000

Employee Contribution (0.75%): ₹18,000 × 0.75% = ₹135

Employer Contribution (3.25%): ₹18,000 × 3.25% = ₹585

Total Monthly ESI: ₹135 + ₹585 = ₹720

ESI Eligibility Criteria 2026

Criteria Requirement
Salary Limit Gross salary up to ₹21,000/month
Establishment Size 10+ employees (20+ in some states)
Coverage Employee + dependents (spouse, children, parents)
Contribution Period Two 6-month periods: Apr-Sep, Oct-Mar

ESI Benefits

🏥 Medical Benefits

Full medical care for insured person and family members at ESI hospitals and dispensaries

💊 Sickness Benefits

70% of wages for up to 91 days in a year during certified sickness

👶 Maternity Benefits

100% of wages for 26 weeks for childbirth, miscarriage, or medical termination

🦽 Disablement Benefits

90% of wages for temporary disablement; pension for permanent disablement

👨‍👩‍👧 Dependent's Benefits

90% of wages as monthly payment to dependents if insured dies

💼 Unemployment Allowance

50% of wages for up to 1 year if employment is lost involuntarily

ESI vs PF: Key Differences

Aspect ESI PF
Purpose Health insurance & social security Retirement savings
Employee Rate 0.75% 12%
Employer Rate 3.25% 12%
Salary Limit ₹21,000 gross No limit (mandatory up to ₹15,000 basic)
Calculated On Gross salary Basic + DA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current ESI contribution rate?
The current ESI contribution rate is 4% of gross salary - employees contribute 0.75% and employers contribute 3.25%. This rate has been effective since July 2019.
What is the ESI salary limit for 2026?
ESI is applicable for employees earning up to ₹21,000 gross salary per month. If your salary exceeds this limit, you are not covered under ESI. However, once covered, you remain covered for the entire contribution period even if salary increases.
Is ESI mandatory for all employees?
ESI is mandatory for employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month working in establishments with 10 or more employees (20 or more in some states). The employer cannot opt out of providing ESI coverage to eligible employees.
What happens if salary crosses ₹21,000?
If your salary crosses ₹21,000 during a contribution period, you continue to be covered under ESI for the remaining period. ESI coverage is evaluated at the start of each contribution period (April and October).
How do I claim ESI benefits?
ESI benefits can be claimed through the ESIC portal or by visiting the nearest ESI dispensary/hospital. You'll need your ESI card and relevant documents. Medical benefits are available directly at ESI facilities.

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