What is IP Number in ESIC?

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is a social security scheme designed to provide socio-economic protection to workers in India. It covers medical, disability, maternity, and other benefits to employees under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948. Every insured employee is assigned a unique identification number called the Insured Person (IP) Number. This number plays a vital role in tracking the benefits and services provided to employees under the ESIC scheme.

In this article, we will deal and discuss concept of the IP number in ESIC, its significance, how to obtain it, how to use it, and other relevant details.

What is an IP Number in ESIC?

An IP Number in ESIC is a unique 10-digit identification number assigned to every employee who is covered under the ESI scheme. This number is used to track the insured person’s contributions, benefits, and medical records throughout their employment period.

Key Features of the IP Number:

• Unique Identity: Each insured employee gets a unique number.
• Permanent Number: The IP number remains the same throughout an employee’s career, irrespective of job changes, because it is a unique number assigned to the employee.
• Access to Benefits: It helps in availing medical, maternity, disability, and other benefits.
• Employer Linked: Employers use the IP number to make monthly ESI contributions.

Importance of IP Number in ESIC

The IP number is vital for both the individuals’ employees and employers in the ESIC system. Here are the following reasons:

1. Tracking Contributions: The ESIC system keeps a record of an employee’s monthly contributions based on their IP number and other essential data related to it.
2. Medical Benefits: Employees and their dependents can receive medical treatment at ESIC hospitals and dispensaries by using their IP number.
3. Maternity Benefits: Women employees can claim maternity benefits using their IP number.
4. Unemployment Benefits: If in case an employee loses their job due to retrenchment, they can avail of unemployment benefits under ESIC.
5. Disability and Dependents’ Benefits: In case of work-related injuries or death and other like nature act, compensation is provided based on the IP number records.
6. Job Portability: The IP number remains the same even when an employee switches jobs, ensuring continuity of benefits.

How to Obtain an IP Number in ESIC?

Step-by-Step Process for IP Number Registration:

1. Employer Registration on ESIC Portal
   • Employers must first register their organization on the ESIC Employer Portal.
   • They obtain a unique 17-digit Employer Code Number to register employees.
2. Employee Registration by Employer
   • Employers log in to the ESIC portal and register employees by providing details like:
     • Employee’s name
     • Date of birth
     • Father’s/Husband’s name
     • Address
     • Aadhaar number
     • Bank account details
     • Salary details
   • The system generates a unique 10-digit IP Number for the employee.
3. Printing of Temporary ID Card
   • After registration, a Temporary Identity Card (TIC) is generated, which is valid for 90 days.
4. Biometric Enrolment & Pehchan Card
   • Employees need to visit an ESIC office with their family members for biometric verification.
   • After verification, a Pehchan Card (Permanent ESI Card) is issued.

How to Check Your IP Number?

Employees can check their ESIC IP Number through the following ways:

1. Through Employer: Employers maintain records of their employees’ ESIC registration details.
2. ESIC Portal: Employees can visit the ESIC website (www.esic.in) and log in using their credentials to check their IP number.
3. ESIC Helpline: The ESIC customer care helpline can help retrieve IP numbers.
4. Salary Slip: Many companies mention the IP number on the employee’s salary slip.

How to Use an IP Number?

1. Medical Benefits:
   • Visit any ESIC dispensary or hospital.
   • Provide the IP number to avail free medical treatment.
2. Claiming Maternity Benefits:
   • Submit the IP number while applying for maternity benefits online or at an ESIC branch.
3. Claiming Disability Benefits:
   • If in case an employee suffers a work-related injury or any other act of nature, they must provide the IP number while filing a claim.
4. Availing Unemployment Benefits:
   • Unemployed persons eligible for benefits must use their IP number to apply for financial assistance.

5. Job Change:
   • If an employee changes jobs, they must inform the new employer of their existing IP number to continue ESIC benefits.

How to Update or Correct IP Number Details?

If an employee needs to update or correct details linked to their IP number, they can follow these steps:

1. Through Employer: Request the employer to make the necessary changes in the ESIC portal.
2. ESIC Portal: Employees can update personal details via the online IP Portal.
3. Visiting ESIC Office: In case of name or Aadhaar corrections, visit the nearest ESIC office with relevant documents.

What Happens If an IP Number is Lost?

If an employee forgets or loses their IP number, they can:

1. Contact Their Employer: Employers keep records of IP numbers.
2. Check Salary Slips: The IP number is often printed on pay slips.
3. Visit the ESIC Portal: Log in to the ESIC portal to retrieve the number.
4. Call ESIC Helpline: Contact ESIC customer support for assistance.

Common Issues with IP Numbers and Solutions

1. Duplicate IP Numbers – If an employee mistakenly registers multiple times, they must request ESIC to merge the accounts.

2. Inactive IP Number – If in case an IP number is inactive due to non-contribution or act like nature, employees should ask their employer to resume contributions.

3. Incorrect Employee Details – Any incorrect details should be rectified through the employer or ESIC branch office.

Conclusion

The IP Number in ESIC is a very complicated identifier that ensures employees receive benefits under the ESI scheme. It serves as a permanent record that will remains with employees throughout their career and it does not change, enabling them to avail of medical, disability, maternity, and other benefits. Employees and employers should always ensure of proper registration, maintenance, usage of the IP number for availing the uninterrupted benefits through the scheme.

Related Services

• ESI Registration Online
• ESI Return Filing Online

FAQs

1. Can I use my IP number after switching jobs?

Yes, the IP number remains the same even if you change jobs. You must inform your new employer about your existing IP number.

2. What should I do if my IP number is inactive?

If your IP number is inactive, request your employer to resume ESIC contributions. You can also visit the nearest ESIC office for guidance.

3. Can my family members use my IP number for medical benefits?

Yes, your dependents (spouse, children, and parents) are covered under ESIC medical benefits using your IP number.

4. How can I correct mistakes in my IP number details?

You can request corrections through your employer, update details via the ESIC portal, or visit an ESIC branch office with supporting documents.

5. What happens if I have multiple IP numbers?

If you have multiple IP numbers, contact the ESIC office to merge them into a single account to avoid issues with benefits and contributions.