e-Shram Card Benefits 2025: ₹1,000 Monthly Aid, ₹3,000 Pension & ₹2 Lakh Insurance—Complete Guide for Unorganised Workers

e-Shram Card Benefits 2025: Imagine you’re a daily wage worker in India—maybe a construction labourer in Delhi, a street vendor in Mumbai, or a domestic worker in a small town in Odisha. Every day, you’re out there hustling to make ends meet, but there’s no safety net—no pension, no insurance, no guaranteed income if things go wrong.

That’s where the e-Shram Card comes in, a game-changing initiative by the Government of India to bring financial security and dignity to workers like you in the unorganised sector. Launched in August 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, this scheme has already registered over 30 crore workers by 2025, and it’s set to make an even bigger impact this year with new benefits and updates.

What is the e-Shram Card?

The e-Shram Card, also known as the Shramik Card, is like an identity card for workers in India’s unorganised sector. Think of it as a key that unlocks access to government schemes, financial aid, and social security benefits. The scheme was launched to create a centralised database of unorganised workers—people like construction workers, street vendors, domestic helpers, gig workers, and more—seeded with their Aadhaar details.

The unorganised sector makes up about 90% of India’s workforce—that’s over 40 crore people who don’t have formal contracts, paid leave, or job security. The e-Shram Card aims to change that by giving these workers a Universal Account Number (UAN), a 12-digit ID that’s valid across India and links them to benefits like pensions, accident insurance, and financial assistance.

In the 2025 Union Budget, the government announced plans to register gig and platform workers (like delivery riders or cab drivers) on the e-Shram portal, recognising their growing role in the digital economy. With nearly one crore workers also gaining access to healthcare through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the e-Shram Card is becoming a one-stop solution for workers’ welfare.

Who Can Get the e-Shram Card? Eligibility Criteria

The e-Shram Card is for workers in the unorganised sector—those who don’t have formal employment or access to benefits like the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) or Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). Here’s what you need to qualify in 2025:

• Age: You must be between 16 and 59 years old at the time of registration. If you’re 60 or older, you may be eligible for pension benefits under related schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM).
• Work Status: You need to be working in the unorganised sector. This includes jobs like construction, street vending, domestic work, agriculture (excluding landowners), fishing, gig work (e.g., delivery or cab drivers), or any informal job with fewer than 10 employees not covered by ESIC or EPFO.
• Income: There’s no strict income limit, but you shouldn’t be an income taxpayer. The scheme targets low-income workers who need financial support.
• Aadhaar and Mobile Number: You need an Aadhaar card and a mobile number linked to it. If your mobile isn’t linked, you can register using biometric authentication at a CSC or State Seva Kendra (SSK).
• Not Covered by EPFO/ESIC: You shouldn’t be an active member of EPFO or ESIC, as those schemes are for organised sector workers.
• Residency: You must be an Indian citizen. The scheme is open to workers across all states and union territories.

The e-Shram Card is inclusive, covering men and women from all castes, religions, and regions. Whether you’re a migrant worker in a big city or a labourer in a rural village, you can apply as long as you meet these criteria. The government has also made it clear that gig and platform workers—like those working for apps like Zomato, Uber, or Swiggy—are now explicitly included, a big step forward in 2025.

The Benefits: What’s in It for Workers?

The e-Shram Card is packed with benefits to give unorganised workers a safety net. Here’s what you can expect in 2025:

Financial Assistance

• Monthly Payment: Eligible workers receive ₹1,000 per month, credited directly to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via DBT. This money helps cover daily expenses like food, rent, or transport, giving workers a bit of breathing room.
• Pension After 60: Once you reach 60, you’re eligible for a monthly pension of ₹3,000 under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM), provided you’ve enrolled in this linked scheme. This ensures financial security in your later years.
• Accident Insurance: The e-Shram Card offers ₹2 lakh in death insurance if a worker passes away due to an accident. For partial disability (e.g., loss of a limb), you get ₹1 lakh in financial aid. If the worker dies, benefits can be transferred to their spouse.
• Emergency Support: During crises like pandemics, the e-Shram database helps the government provide one-time financial aid or other support to registered workers.

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Healthcare Access

In 2025, nearly one crore e-Shram Card holders are being integrated into the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which offers up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation expenses. This is a huge win for workers who often can’t afford medical care.

Universal Account Number (UAN)

Every e-Shram Card comes with a 12-digit UAN, valid across India. This number links all your benefits to one ID, making it easy to access schemes no matter where you work or move. It’s like a permanent pass to government support.

Other Benefits

• Skill Development: The e-Shram portal connects workers to skill training programs under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, helping you learn new skills to earn more.
• Access to Other Schemes: The card makes you eligible for benefits under programs like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (housing) or the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, depending on your needs.
• Portability: Since the UAN is valid nationwide, you can move to another state for work and still access your benefits without re-registering.

These benefits are funded by the central government, and registration is free. The e-Shram Card never expires, but you should keep your details (like address or bank account) updated to ensure uninterrupted benefits.

Payment Details: Amount and Dates

Let’s talk about the money—how much and when? The e-Shram Card provides financial assistance in installments, and here’s the latest for 2025:

• Amount: ₹1,000 per month, credited directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT. This adds up to ₹12,000 a year, helping cover essentials like food, rent, or medical costs.
• Payment Dates: The central government hasn’t fixed specific monthly dates for 2025 payments, but installments are typically released every 2–3 months. Here’s what we know:
  • First Installment 2025: Released in January 2025, with ₹1,000 credited to eligible workers’ accounts.
  • Second Installment 2025: Expected in late March or early April 2025, though the exact date will be announced on eshram.gov.in.
  • Future Installments: Payments are expected to continue every 2–3 months, with updates posted on the e-Shram portal or through CSCs.
• How It’s Paid: Funds are transferred via DBT within 7–10 working days of the release date. You’ll get a notification on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number when the money is credited.

For pension benefits, workers aged 60 or older (enrolled in PM-SYM) receive ₹3,000 monthly, credited directly to their accounts. Accident insurance payouts (₹2 lakh for death, ₹1 lakh for partial disability) are processed case-by-case, typically within 30 days of a claim.

Here’s a table summarizing the payment details:

Check eshram.gov.in or your local CSC for exact payment dates, as they can vary.

How to Apply for the e-Shram Card

Applying for the e-Shram Card is straightforward, and you can do it online or offline. Here’s how to get started in 2025:

Online Application (eshram.gov.in)

1. Visit the Portal: Go to eshram.gov.in on your phone or computer.
2. Select “Register on e-Shram”: Find this option under the “One Stop Solution” tab on the homepage.
3. Enter Aadhaar Details: Input your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and the captcha code. Confirm you’re not an active EPFO/ESIC member, then click “Send OTP.”
4. Verify OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile, along with another captcha code, and click “Submit.”
5. Complete e-KYC: Follow the prompts to verify your Aadhaar via OTP or biometrics (if needed).
6. Fill in Details: Enter your personal details (name, address, occupation), bank account details, and upload a photo.
7. Submit Application: Review your details and submit. You’ll get a 12-digit UAN, and your e-Shram Card will be generated.
8. Download the Card: Click “Download” to save your e-Shram Card as a PDF.

Offline Application (via CSC)

1. Find a CSC: Visit eshram.gov.in, enter your state and district to locate the nearest Common Service Centre, or ask at your local post office or State Seva Kendra.
2. Bring Documents: Take your Aadhaar card, Aadhaar-linked mobile number, and bank passbook.
3. Fill the Form: CSC staff will help you fill out the form and complete e-KYC using biometric authentication (fingerprint or iris scan) if your mobile isn’t Aadhaar-linked.
4. Get Your UAN: Once processed, you’ll receive your UAN and e-Shram Card, which can be downloaded or printed.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (or biometric authentication if not linked)
• Bank account details (passbook with Aadhaar linkage)
• Passport-sized photo (optional for online applications)

Registration is free, so don’t pay anyone claiming to “help” with your application. If you face issues, call the e-Shram helpline at 14434 (8:00 AM–8:00 PM, Monday–Saturday; 9:30 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday) or email eshramcare-mole@gov.in.

Checking Payment Status and e-Shram Card Details

Want to know if your ₹1,000 payment has been credited or check your application status? Here’s how:

Check Payment Status

1. Visit the Portal: Go to eshram.gov.in.
2. Click “E-Aadhaar Card Beneficiary Status Check”: Find this link on the homepage.
3. Enter Details: Input your e-Shram Card number, UAN, or Aadhaar number, along with the captcha code.
4. Submit: Click “Submit” to view your payment status, including the latest installment and balance.
5. Alternative: Visit a CSC with your UAN or Aadhaar to check status if the portal isn’t accessible.

Download e-Shram Card

1. Log In: Go to eshram.gov.in and click “Login” under the “One Stop Solution” tab.
2. Enter Details: Input your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and captcha code, then click “Send OTP.”
3. Verify OTP: Enter the OTP and captcha code, then click “Submit.”
4. Download UAN Card: Enter your Aadhaar number, verify with another OTP, and click “Download UAN Card” to save your e-Shram Card as a PDF.

Update Details

To keep your benefits active, update your details (e.g., address, bank account) on eshram.gov.in:

1. Log in with your UAN and OTP.
2. Go to the “Edit Information” section.
3. Update details and click “Save” or “Update.”

The e-Shram Card never expires, but keeping your details current ensures you don’t miss payments or benefits.

Why the e-Shram Card Matters

The e-Shram Card is a big deal for India’s unorganised workers, who make up the backbone of the economy but often lack basic protections. With over 30 crore workers registered by 2025, the scheme is bridging the gap between informal workers and government support. In a country where 90% of workers don’t have job security or benefits, the ₹1,000 monthly aid, ₹3,000 pension, and ₹2 lakh insurance are lifelines for families struggling with rising costs.

The inclusion of gig and platform workers in 2025 is a forward-thinking move, recognising the changing nature of work in the digital age. Linking e-Shram to PM-JAY for healthcare and other schemes like PMAY for housing ensures workers get holistic support. The UAN makes benefits portable, so migrant workers can access aid even if they move states. Plus, the focus on direct transfers and digital processes cuts out corruption, ensuring money reaches workers quickly.

The scheme’s impact is clear: it’s helping workers afford basics, plan for retirement, and access healthcare without falling into debt. For example, a construction worker in Uttar Pradesh can use the ₹1,000 monthly aid to buy food, while a domestic worker in Tamil Nadu can rest easy knowing her family is covered by accident insurance. It’s about giving workers dignity and security, one payment at a time.

Conclusion: e-Shram Card 2025

The e-Shram Card is more than just a card—it’s a promise to India’s unorganised workers that their hard work matters. With ₹1,000 monthly aid, a ₹3,000 pension after 60, ₹2 lakh accident insurance, and access to healthcare, it’s a safety net for millions. The 2025 updates, like including gig workers and linking to PM-JAY, show the government’s commitment to evolving with the times.