This law brings together many old labour laws to ensure that workers in India get social security benefits like pensions, health insurance, maternity support, and more. It covers both formal workers (in offices/factories) and unorganised workers (like gig workers, delivery agents, and construction workers).
Main Features:
Social Security for All: It includes all kinds of workers—regular, self-employed, part-time, gig/platform workers (like Ola/Uber drivers and Zomato/Swiggy delivery boys), and unorganised sector workers.
Schemes Covered:
EPF (Provident Fund) – retirement savings
ESIC – health insurance and benefits
Gratuity – lump sum after 5+ years of service
Maternity Benefits
Disability & Death Benefits
Pension (EPS)
Maternity Benefits: Women workers get paid leave, a medical bonus, and job protection during pregnancy.
Unorganised & Gig Workers: Government will launch welfare schemes for them (pension, insurance, housing, etc.) and workers must register on an official portal.
Gratuity for Fixed-Term Workers: Fixed-term employees (e.g., contract-based for 1 year) now get gratuity benefits even if they don’t complete 5 years.
Employers’ Responsibility: Employers must contribute to PF/ESIC for eligible workers and register them properly.
Digital Registration: Workers can register themselves on the government portal using Aadhaar.
No Benefit Cuts: Existing workers under EPF or ESIC will continue to get the same or better benefits.
Inspections & Compliance: There will be fewer random inspections, but tech-based checks will increase transparency.
Social Security Fund: A fund will be created by the government for the welfare of unorganised workers.
FAQs – Social Security Code, 2020
1. What is social security?
It means protection like PF, pensions, ESI, or help during sickness, old age, or after an accident.
2. Who gets these benefits?
Workers in factories, offices, shops, delivery jobs, or driving apps — both formal and informal sectors.
3. Are gig workers like Ola/Uber drivers included?
Yes, they are covered under special schemes for gig/platform workers.
4. What benefits can I get if I’m a delivery worker?
Health insurance, accidental coverage, and other schemes announced by the government.
5. Will employers still deduct PF and ESI?
Yes, if your company is covered under the Code, they must contribute.
6. Is PF deduction allowed in small companies?
Yes, if a company has 20+ employees, PF is compulsory. Some smaller ones may also opt in.
7. I work on a contract – am I covered?
Yes, contract workers are covered. Contractors must follow the rules.
8. Is there any help for workers who lose their job?
The government may introduce unemployment benefit schemes in future.
9. Do domestic workers like maids get anything?
Yes, they can be covered if the government creates specific schemes.
10. Do I need to register anywhere to get benefits?
Yes, some categories (like gig workers) need to register on government portals.
11. How will gig workers get PF or ESI?
Not PF/ESI directly — but the government may give them insurance or a pension via special schemes.
12. What if my employer doesn’t give me these benefits?
You can complain to authorities or labour inspectors.
13. Will the schemes be the same in every state?
States can make their own schemes for unorganised and gig workers.
14. Are old labour laws gone now?
Many older laws are merged into this new Code.
15. Do women get maternity benefits under this Code?
Yes, paid maternity leave and medical support are included.
16. Can self-employed people get benefits?
Yes, they can join special schemes by registering.
17. Will I get a pension under this law?
Yes, if you’re under EPFO or if a government scheme provides it.
18. How much will I or my employer have to pay?
That depends on your salary and the benefit. Usually, both employer and worker contribute.
19. Is there any help for construction workers?
Yes, they are covered under welfare boards and special provisions.
20. Where can I find updates or register?
On the https://eshram.gov.in/indexmain or labour ministry websites.
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