The Central Government’s Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) is for employees who suddenly lose their job. It is run by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). Under this scheme, an insured worker who loses a job gets relief equal to 50% of his or her average daily earnings for up to 90 days. This help is available once in a lifetime. The scheme has been extended to 30 June 2027, so eligible workers can still claim this relief.
How much relief is given
The relief is 50% of the average daily earnings — the average is worked out by dividing the total earnings of the previous four contribution periods by 730. The relief is paid for a maximum of 90 days. The money comes by DBT directly into the bank account. The relief becomes due 30 days after the date of unemployment. Note that the relief was originally 25% — it was raised to 50% during COVID.
Who is eligible
The applicant must be an ESIC-insured employee — that is, insured under Section 2(9) of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948. The worker must have been in insurable employment for at least 12 months immediately before becoming unemployed (this condition was earlier 2 years and has been relaxed to 12 months) and must have contributed for at least 78 days in one completed contribution period within those 12 months. The job must have been lost involuntarily — such as closure of the establishment, retrenchment, or permanent invalidity caused by a non-employment injury.
When the benefit is NOT available
The benefit is not available in some cases — such as job loss due to misconduct, a lockout, superannuation, or false statements. Also, this scheme is only for workers covered by ESIC — the ESIC coverage wage ceiling is ₹21,000 a month. If you are not ESIC-insured, you are not eligible for this scheme — in that case, the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana (RGSKY) is a separate scheme, running since 2005.
How to claim
The claim can be filed online on esic.gov.in (forms AB-1 to AB-4) or as a physical claim at the nearest ESIC branch office. While claiming, submit proof of job loss, the contribution record, Aadhaar and bank account details. File the claim soon after losing the job — the relief becomes due 30 days later, so delaying the claim delays the payment. Do not pay anyone for applying — this facility is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much relief does ABVKY give?
A: 50% of average daily earnings, for up to 90 days, once in a lifetime; the money comes by DBT into the bank account.
Q2: Who is eligible?
A: An ESIC-insured employee who was in insurable employment for 12 months before job loss and contributed for 78 days.
Q3: Till when is the scheme in force?
A: It has been extended to 30 June 2027 — the position after that will depend on ESIC’s announcement.
Q4: Where do I claim?
A: Online on esic.gov.in or at the nearest ESIC branch office.
Useful links
- ESIC official portal: https://www.esic.gov.in/
- ABVKY scheme on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/abvky
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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