e-Shram Card 2026 Eligibility — Who Can Register & Benefits
Eligibility, benefits, documents and registration process for the e-Shram card in 2026, plus the common reasons registrations get rejected.
Answer 5–7 simple questions and get your eligibility score in 2 minutes.
Check eligibility now →What is it?
e-Shram is the national database of unorganised workers. Registration gives a worker a permanent Universal Account Number and a printable e-Shram card, which is used to link the worker to welfare schemes, accident insurance and future benefit rollouts across central and state governments.
Benefits
A lifetime Universal Account Number, accident insurance cover for death and permanent disability under the linked central scheme, a single identity that state governments use while extending welfare benefits, easier access to scheme registration through one verified record, and free registration with no charge at CSCs.
Eligibility criteria
- ✓Worker must be aged between 16 and 59 years
- ✓Must be engaged in unorganised work — construction, domestic work, street vending, agriculture labour, gig and platform work, transport, small shops and similar
- ✓Must not be a member of EPFO or ESIC
- ✓Must not be an income tax payer
- ✓Must not be employed in an organised sector job with statutory social security
- ✓Aadhaar with a linked mobile number is mandatory for OTP-based registration
- ✓A bank account is needed so benefits can be transferred later
Documents required
- ✓Aadhaar card with linked mobile number
- ✓Bank account number and IFSC code
- ✓Nature of work or occupation details
- ✓Educational qualification details if available
- ✓Nominee details where the worker wants to add them
How to apply — step by step
- Open the official e-Shram portal or visit any Common Service Centre
- Enter the Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify the OTP
- Complete Aadhaar authentication through OTP, fingerprint or iris
- Fill personal, address, education, occupation and skill details
- Add bank account details for benefit transfer
- Review the summary and submit the registration
- Download the e-Shram card with the Universal Account Number immediately
Important dates
Registration is open continuously with no closing date. Workers should update occupation, address and bank details whenever they change, because outdated records are a common reason benefit transfers fail during scheme rollouts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✓Registering while an EPFO or ESIC member, which makes the record invalid
- ✓Using a mobile number not linked to Aadhaar, so the OTP never arrives
- ✓Entering a bank account in someone else's name
- ✓Paying an agent for a registration that is completely free
- ✓Never updating details after changing work or address
Frequently asked questions
Who can make an e-Shram card?
Unorganised workers aged 16 to 59 who are not EPFO or ESIC members and not income tax payers.
Is e-Shram registration free?
Yes, registration is free both on the portal and at Common Service Centres.
Can EPFO members register?
No. Workers covered by EPFO or ESIC are outside the scope of e-Shram.
How do I download my e-Shram card again?
Log in to the portal with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and OTP, then use the download UAN card option.
Does the e-Shram card give a monthly payment?
By itself it is a registration and identity record with accident insurance linkage. Cash benefits depend on the specific central or state scheme that uses the database.
Answer 5–7 simple questions and get your eligibility score in 2 minutes.
Check eligibility now →