Understanding Medical Bonus Claim Process Under Maternity Benefit Act in India

Dear All,

I am employed in a pharmaceutical company in Baddi (HP). This is the first time I am claiming a medical bonus under the maternity act in my company. Please let me know how I can claim for it, as I am on the Head Office payroll (which is in Chandigarh) with a monthly salary of Rs. 21,300. I am not covered under ESIC, nor have I received any medical bonus quarterly. Please clarify the conditions for claiming the medical bonus (which is Rs. 35,000 till date).

Thank you.

Dear Meenakshi,

The Maternity Benefit Act extends to the whole of India except for J&K state. Therefore, it is applicable to your state as well. If no prenatal confinement and postnatal care are provided by the employer, then he has to pay 3500 as a medical bonus. Prenatal Confinement Care refers to all the care before the expected delivery, and postnatal care means care after delivery. Although we have a medical claim policy to cover postnatal care, there were different thoughts about prenatal care. Finally, we decided to give a medical bonus. This is our practice. You can ask your employer for a medical bonus.

You have to fill out the below forms as per The Maternity Benefit Act to get Maternity Benefit and Medical Bonus. However, failure to give notice shall not disentitle you to get maternity benefit.
- Form of notice in Form 1
- Proof of pregnancy in Form 2