How to register for e-Shram and access benefits for informal workers

Your smartphone is a social security tool

You are 19, and the person who delivers your groceries or cleans your society’s park has been working 12-hour shifts for years. One day they get injured or lose their job, and there is no safety net—no Provident Fund (PF), no ESI insurance, nothing. This is the reality for over 38 crore informal workers in India. They are the backbone of our economy, yet they often remain invisible to the state.

When a crisis hits, like a pandemic or a local lockdown, the government needs a way to send help directly to them. That is where the e-Shram portal comes in. By helping your house help, a construction worker neighbor, or a gig worker register, you are not just 'doing a favour'; you are helping them claim a legal right to social security. You have the tech access they might lack. Here is how you can bridge that gap and get them a Universal Account Number (UAN) card.

What the law actually says

The e-Shram portal is not just a website; it is a statutory requirement under the Code on Social Security, 2020. Specifically, Section 113 of the Code mandates the registration of unorganised workers, gig workers, and platform workers to provide them with social security benefits.

Before the 2020 Code, the Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, 2008 governed this space. Under Section 10 of the 2008 Act, every unorganised worker was entitled to register. The Supreme Court of India, in the landmark case In Re: Problems and Miseries of Migrant Labourers (2021), fast-tracked this process. The Court directed the Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure that the National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) was completed so that no migrant worker would be left out of welfare schemes, especially during national emergencies.

Who is an 'Unorganised Worker'? According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, this includes anyone who is:

1. A home-based worker, self-employed worker, or a wage worker in the unorganised sector.
2. Not a member of ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) or EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation).
3. Not an income tax payer.

This covers a massive range of occupations: agricultural labourers, street vendors, domestic workers, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, rickshaw pullers, and even 'gig' workers like those on Swiggy or Zomato.

By registering, the worker gets a Universal Account Number (UAN) card. This card is valid across India. It links their profile to various social security schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) for pensions or the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). If there is a dispute regarding their registration or if an official demands a bribe, you can File an RTI online to check the status of their application or the benefits disbursed in their district.

Step-by-step playbook to enrol a worker

You can do this on your laptop or phone. It is free. Do not let anyone charge the worker for this registration, though a Common Service Centre (CSC) may charge a nominal fee of ₹20 for updates or printouts.

1. The Eligibility Pre-Check

Before you start, ask the worker these three questions:

• Age: Are you between 16 and 59 years old? (As of the date of registration).
• Tax: Do you pay income tax? (If yes, they are ineligible).
• Formal Employment: Are you a member of EPFO or ESIC? (If they have a PF deduction from a formal company, they cannot register here).

2. Gather the 'Enrolment Kit'

You need the following details ready. Do not start the digital process without these, as the session will time out:

• Aadhaar Number: This is mandatory.
• Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number: This is the easiest way. If their mobile isn't linked, you will have to take them to a CSC for biometric (fingerprint) authentication.
• Bank Account Details: You need the Account Number and the IFSC code. The government sends benefits via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), so this must be accurate.
• Occupation Details: What exactly do they do? (e.g., 'Carpenter', 'Domestic worker').

3. The Digital Process (Self-Registration)

1. Go to the official portal: eshram.gov.in.
2. Click on 'Register on e-Shram'.
3. Self-Registration Page: Enter the Aadhaar-linked mobile number and the captcha. Click 'Send OTP'.
4. Aadhaar Authentication: Enter the worker's Aadhaar number. Select 'OTP' as the capture type (if their phone is linked) and click submit. Enter the OTP received on their phone.
5. Personal Information: The portal will pull their photo and basic details from the Aadhaar database. You will need to manually fill in their email (optional), marital status, father's name, and social category (SC/ST/OBC/General).
6. Address: Enter their current address and permanent address. For migrant workers, this is crucial—ensure the 'current address' is where they are staying now so they can access local state benefits.
7. Education and Income: Select their education level (e.g., 'Primary' or 'Literate') and their monthly income slab (usually '₹10,000 and below' for most informal workers).
8. Occupation: This is the most important part. Search for their primary occupation. The portal uses NCO (National Classification of Occupations) codes. Start typing 'Construction' or 'Driver' and select the best fit. Ask them how many years of experience they have.
9. Bank Details: Enter the Bank Account number and IFSC. The portal will often auto-populate the bank name and branch once the IFSC is entered. Double-check this with their passbook.

4. Review and Submit

A preview of the entire form will appear. Read it out to the worker in their preferred language (Hindi/Regional). Once they confirm it is correct, click the 'Submit' button.

5. Download the UAN Card

A 12-digit UAN card will be generated instantly on the screen.

• Download the PDF: Save it on your phone.
• WhatsApp it: Send it to the worker or their family member.
• Print it: If possible, give them a physical printout. This card is their proof of being a 'recognised' worker in India.

6. What to do if the mobile is NOT linked to Aadhaar

If the worker’s phone is not linked to their Aadhaar, you cannot do this at home. You must take them to a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC).

• Find the nearest one using the 'Locate CSC' link on the e-Shram portal.
• The operator there will use a biometric scanner for their fingerprint.
• The registration is still free for the worker; the government pays the CSC operator directly for every new registration.

If the worker is also a construction labourer, they might be eligible for additional state-level benefits. You can check their status or report issues with local labour contractors by learning How to file an FIR if they are being denied wages or safety equipment. For those working in rural areas, ensure they are also registered for work under MGNREGA using our MGNREGA vigilance toolkit.

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Where it usually breaks

The e-Shram portal is designed to be simple, but the "last mile" is where things usually get stuck. Here are the most common friction points and how you can fix them:

1. The "Aadhaar-Mobile" Mismatch This is the biggest hurdle. If the worker’s mobile number isn't linked to their Aadhaar, they won't get the OTP.

• The Fix: You cannot bypass this on your phone. You must take the worker to a Common Service Centre (CSC) or an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. They will use biometric (fingerprint) authentication to register. Use the UIDAI Bhuvan portal to find the nearest centre.

2. Bank Account Not "Seeded" with Aadhaar Even if the UAN card is generated, the worker might not receive benefits (like the ₹2 lakh accidental death cover). The government uses Aadhaar Based Payment Systems (ABPS). If the bank account isn't linked to Aadhaar, the money bounces.

• The Fix: Ask the worker to visit their bank branch and submit a "DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) Consent Form." They can check their linking status by dialling *99*99*1# from their Aadhaar-linked mobile.

3. CSC Overcharging Registration on e-Shram is 100% free. However, some CSC operators charge workers ₹100 or more for the "plastic card."

• The Fix: Remind the operator that the Ministry of Labour and Employment pays them ₹20 per registration directly. If they still demand money, you can report them on the e-Shram National Helpdesk (14434).

4. Portal Time-outs and "Server Busy" The portal often lags during peak hours (10 AM to 5 PM).

• The Fix: Try registering early in the morning or after 8 PM. If the bank IFSC code isn't being fetched, don't force it; wait for the server to sync or try a different browser like Firefox or Edge.

Templates / script

Script: Explaining e-Shram to a worker

"Bhaiya/Didi, sarkar ne asangathit mazdooron (informal workers) ke liye ek card banaya hai jise e-Shram card kehte hain. Isse aapko 2 lakh rupaye tak ka accident bima (insurance) milta hai. Agar kabhi kaam band ho jaye ya koi aapda (disaster) aaye, toh sarkar seedhe aapke bank account mein paise bhej sakti hai. Isme koi paisa nahi lagta, bas aapka Aadhaar aur bank detail chahiye. Kya main aapka registration karne mein madad karun?"

Email Template: Reporting a Grievance

If a worker's registration is stuck or benefits are denied, send this to [email protected].

Subject: Grievance regarding e-Shram Registration / Benefit Disbursement - [Worker Name]

Body: To, The Grievance Redressal Officer, e-Shram Portal, Ministry of Labour & Employment.

I am writing to report an issue for the following worker:

• Name: [Full Name]
• UAN Number (if generated): [12-digit UAN]
• Mobile Number: [Registered Mobile]
• Issue: [e.g., Portal not accepting bank details / Accidental insurance claim not processed / CSC charging extra fee]

As per the Code on Social Security 2020, this worker is entitled to seamless registration. Please look into this matter and provide a resolution within 7 working days.

Regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Number]

RTI Template: Checking State-level Benefits

Use this on rtionline.gov.in to find out how many workers in your district actually got help.

Text for RTI Application: "Under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act 2005, please provide the following information regarding the e-Shram portal for [Your District Name]:

1. The total number of workers registered on the e-Shram portal in this district as of [Today's Date].
2. The number of registered workers who have been provided benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) through the e-Shram database in the last 12 months.
3. The total amount of funds disbursed to e-Shram cardholders in this district during any local disaster/lockdown since 2024."

FAQs

1. Is there any registration fee for the e-Shram card? No. Registration on the e-Shram portal is completely free. If you go to a Common Service Centre (CSC), the government pays the operator for the first registration. However, if the worker wants a PVC (plastic) card printed or needs to update existing details later, the CSC may charge a nominal fee of ₹20 as per Ministry guidelines.

2. Can a student register for an e-Shram card? If a student is above 16 years old and working part-time (like as a delivery partner or tutor) to earn a living, they are technically an unorganised worker and can register. However, if they are only studying and not working, they should avoid registering as it is meant for the workforce.

3. What happens to the e-Shram card once the worker turns 60? The e-Shram registration is for workers aged 16–59. Once a worker turns 60, they are no longer classified as part of the active "unorganised workforce" for this specific database. They should then look into old-age pension schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), which they can join while they are still working.

4. Does the e-Shram card guarantee a government job? No. The e-Shram card is a social security identification, not a job guarantee card. It helps the government track the number of informal workers to plan welfare schemes and insurance. However, the portal is now linked to the National Career Service (NCS), which can help workers find local job openings.

5. What should I do if the worker changes their mobile number or job? The worker must update their profile to keep the benefits active. You can do this by clicking "Update" on the eshram.gov.in homepage. They will need an OTP from their Aadhaar-linked mobile. It is crucial to keep the bank account details updated so that any cash transfers reach them safely.

6. Is the ₹2 lakh insurance automatic? Previously, the first year of accidental insurance (PMSBY) was free and automatic. Currently, the government uses the database to identify beneficiaries for various social security wings. To ensure the claim is valid, the worker's Aadhaar must be seeded with their bank account. In case of an accident, the nominee listed during registration must approach the District Labour Office or the bank to file a claim.