E-Shram Card Benefits After Death – A Complete Guide for Nominees

The E-Shram portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, is a revolutionary step toward providing social security to over 38 crore unorganized workers in India. While the card offers various benefits during a worker’s lifetime, such as access to government schemes and a unique identification, many are unaware of the critical financial protections it provides to a worker’s family in the event of their demise.

If you are a nominee or a family member of a deceased E-Shram cardholder, understanding these benefits is vital for securing the financial support the government has promised. Always keep update or Correct Details in Your E Shram Card Profile

1. Primary Benefit: The Accidental Death Insurance

The most significant benefit associated with the E-Shram card is the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). Every registered worker is automatically enrolled in this accidental insurance cover for the first year, with the premium often waived or borne by the government.

Coverage Amount

• Accidental Death: If a registered worker dies due to an accident, the nominated family member (nominee) is entitled to a sum of Rs. 2,00,000 (2 Lakhs).
• Accidental Disability: While the focus here is on death benefits, it is worth noting that the scheme also provides Rs. 2 Lakh for total disability and Rs. 1 Lakh for partial disability.

Important Note: This benefit is specifically for accidental death. Natural death is generally not covered under the PMSBY component of the E-Shram card unless the worker was also enrolled in other specific life insurance schemes like PMJJBY.

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2. Pension Benefits for the Spouse

If the deceased worker was also a subscriber to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) a pension scheme often linked with E-Shram registration the benefits extend to a monthly pension.

• Family Pension: After the death of the primary beneficiary, the spouse is entitled to receive 50% of the pension amount as a monthly family pension, provided the worker had reached the age of 60 and was receiving the pension.
• Death Before Age 60: If the worker dies before reaching 60, the spouse has the option to continue the scheme by paying the remaining contributions or exit the scheme and receive the accumulated share with interest.

Eligibility Criteria for Claiming Benefits

To successfully claim the death benefits, certain conditions must be met:

1. Registration Status: The worker must have been registered on the E-Shram portal and possessed a valid UAN (Universal Account Number) at the time of the accident.
2. Age Limit: The worker should have been between the ages of 18 and 70 (as per PMSBY guidelines).
3. Nature of Incident: The death must be due to an accident (road accident, drowning, fall, snake bite, etc.). Deaths due to suicide are excluded, while murder is generally covered.

Documents Required for the Claim

To initiate the claim process, the nominee must gather the following documents:

• Original E-Shram Card (UAN Card) of the deceased.
• Death Certificate (Issued by the municipal authority or registrar).
• Aadhar Card of the deceased and the nominee.
• FIR/Panchnama: In case of road accidents or crime-related deaths, a police report is mandatory.
• Post-Mortem Report: To confirm the cause of death was accidental.
• Bank Account Details: Cancelled cheque or passbook copy of the nominee (the account must be Aadhar-linked).

How to File a Claim Complete Guide

The claim process is typically handled through the bank account linked to the E-Shram card or the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).

1. Notify the Bank: Visit the bank branch where the worker’s Aadhar-linked account was maintained.
2. Submit the Form: Fill out the PMSBY claim form (available at the bank or online).
3. Verification: The bank will verify the E-Shram registration and the auto-debit status of the insurance premium.
4. Transfer of Funds: Once the insurance company approves the claim, the amount of Rs. 2 Lakh is directly credited to the nominee’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Conclusion

The E-Shram card is more than just an ID; it is a safety net for the poorest sections of society. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, the Rs. 2 Lakh accidental insurance and potential pension benefits provide much-needed stability to a grieving family. Ensure that your nominee details are updated on the portal to avoid any legal hurdles during the claim process.