The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has issued a circular confirming the implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020 (CoSS), following the Gazette Notification No. 5143 issued by the Ministry of Labour & Employment on 21 November 2025. With this notification, the Social Security Code officially comes into force from the same date, replacing the earlier provisions under the ESI Act, 1948.
Key Changes Introduced Under the New Code
The implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020 brings important modifications to the definitions of “dependant” and “family”, which directly impact eligibility for ESIC benefits:
1. Expanded Definition of “Dependant”
Under Section 2(24)(c) of the new Code:
- Widowers
- Grandparents
have now been included within the definition of dependant.
This means they are now eligible to receive Dependent Benefit under ESIC, provided they meet the general qualifying conditions.
2. Expanded Definition of “Family”
Under Section 2(33)(e) of the Code:
- Father-in-law
- Mother-in-law
of a woman employee are now recognized as part of her family, making them eligible for Medical Benefit under the Scheme.
Directions to ESIC Field Offices
ESIC has instructed all its regional and field offices to:
- Adopt and apply the revised definitions immediately.
- Ensure that the expanded eligibility criteria are considered when processing claims for medical and dependent benefits.
The circular was issued with the approval of the Director General, ESIC, signaling an important step towards strengthening social security coverage and inclusiveness for insured persons and their families.