Should You Apply for an e-Shram Card? Here Is What You Need to Know

Millions of workers in India earn their livelihood without formal employment benefits. But how can they access government welfare schemes? The e-Shram card helps bridge this gap. With over 31.89 crore registrations as of August 2026, the initiative connects unorganised workers with social security programmes.

Here’s what you need to know about the eshram scheme’s eligibility, benefits, registration and download process.

What Is the e-Shram Scheme?

The e-Shram scheme is a government initiative launched in August 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to create a database of unorganised workers in India.

As per the scheme, any worker who is a home-based worker, self-employed worker or a wage worker working in the unorganised sector and is not a member of ESIC or EPFO is called an unorganised worker.

The unorganised sector consists of establishments/units which are engaged in the production/sale of goods/services and employ less than 10 workers. These units are not covered under ESIC & EPFO.

Objective of the e-Shram Scheme

• Build a centralised database of workers
• Improve the implementation efficiency of social security services for unorganised workers
• Enable better policy planning and employment tracking
• Share information registered with Ministries, Departments, Boards, Agencies, and Organisations of the Central & State Governments, through APIs to deliver social security and welfare schemes
• Ensure portability of benefits for migrant workers across different states
• Provide a structured system to support workers during national emergencies such as Covid-19

What Are the Features of an e-Shram Card?

The eshram card provides unorganised workers with a unique identity and access to information about government welfare schemes, insurance, employment opportunities and pension programmes.

e-Shram Card Benefits

• Nationwide Accessibility: The national database supports access to welfare services for workers, including those who migrate between states.
• Free Registration: Workers can register on the e-Shram portal without paying any registration fee.
• 12-Digit UAN: Every registered worker receives a unique Universal Account Number for identification in the national database.
• Access to 15 Welfare Schemes: The e-Shram One-Stop Solution integrates 15 social security and welfare schemes on a single platform.
• Accident Insurance: Eligible workers can enrol in PMSBY, which provides ₹2 lakh coverage for accidental death or permanent disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability, subject to scheme conditions.
• Life Insurance: Eligible workers can enrol in PMJJBY, which provides ₹2 lakh life insurance coverage in the event of death due to any cause.
• Pension Benefits: Eligible workers can enrol in PM-SYM, which provides a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after reaching 60 years of age.
• Employment and Skill Development: The portal connects workers with the National Career Service and Skill India Digital Hub for employment and training opportunities.
• e-Shram One-Stop Solution: Launched on October 21, 2024, this initiative brings welfare schemes, employment services, skill development and pension-related services onto a single platform. It also helps registered workers view benefits received under integrated schemes.

Who Is Eligible for the e-Shram Scheme?

Unorganised workers can register for an eshram card, provided they meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be between 16 and 59 years of age.
• Must be working in the unorganised sector.
• Must not be a member of EPFO or ESIC.
• Must not be an income tax payer.
• No minimum or maximum income limit applies to registration.

Who Can Apply for an e sharm card?

Eligible workers include construction workers, street vendors, domestic workers, agricultural labourers, migrant workers, and gig and platform workers.

What Documents Are Required for an e sharm card?

• Aadhaar Number: Required for identity verification.
• Aadhaar-Linked Mobile Number: Required for OTP-based registration.

How to Apply for an e-Shram Card Online?

You can apply for an e-Shram card online through the official portal in a few simple steps.

1. Visit the portal: Go to the official e-Shram portal.
2. Start registration: Click on Register on eShram.
3. Enter mobile number: Use your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
4. Verify: Complete OTP verification.
5. Add details: Enter personal details (name, occupation, address, bank details).
6. Submit: Submit the application form.
7. Get your card: Your e-Shram Card with UAN will be generated instantly.

How to Check e-Shram Card Status

1. Visit the portal: Go to the official e-Shram portal.
2. Open the login page: Click on Already Registered / Update.
3. Enter details: Enter your Aadhaar number or UAN.
4. Verify: Complete OTP verification.
5. View status: View your registration status and details.

How to Check e-Shram Card Status Using Mobile Number

1. Enter mobile number: Use your registered mobile number.
2. Verify: Verify with OTP.
3. View profile: Access your profile and status details.

e-Shram Card Download by Aadhaar Number

Here are the simple steps to download the e-Shram PDF by Aadhaar number:

1. Visit the portal: Go to the official e-Shram portal.
2. Open the login page: Click on Already Registered / Update.
3. Enter details: Enter your Aadhaar number or UAN.
4. Verify: Use the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Download: Access your dashboard, then click Download e-Shram Card.
6. Save: Save the e-Shram Card PDF for future use.

How to Check e-Shram Card Balance?

The e-Shram card does not have a fixed balance like a bank account. However, you can check payment status or benefits received under linked government schemes.

How to Check e-Shram Payment Status

1. Visit the website: Go to eshram.gov.in.
2. Open the login page: Click on Already Registered / Update.
3. Enter details: Enter your Aadhaar number or UAN.
4. Verify: Use the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Check benefits: Check details under the profile or scheme benefits section.

Alternative Ways to Check e-Shram Card Balance

• Bank Account Statement: Check if any government benefit has been credited via DBT.
• Helpline Number: Call 14434 for assistance regarding registration or scheme-related payments.

Is the e-Shram Card the Same as a Labour Card?

No, the e-Shram Card and Labour Card are not the same, although both are meant for workers in the unorganised sector. Here are the key differences:

Final Thoughts

e-Shram Card : FAQ’s