Can I continue ESI after leaving job?

By | January 31, 2021
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It is a common question for most of the ESIC members that after resignation ESIC card valid or not? and how long ESIC benefits could be taken after resigning a job? Here we will find answers for all these questions. ESIC card is also known as E Pehchan card. Every ESIC member who is contributing to the ESIC scheme can get their ESIC Pehchan card from their employer. Your employer will download your ESI Card and there is no need to visit ESIC office for photographs.

” Any ESIC card is valid until the end of the corresponding ESIC benefit period, but the eligibility for various ESIC benefits depends on the ESIC contribution made in contribution period”.

Validity of ESIC Card After Resignation

Before knowing about the complete details of the validity of ESIC card after resigning the job, we have to know about what is ESIC contribution period and ESIC beneficiary period.

  • ESIC contribution period is divided into Two parts 1 April to 30 September and 1 October to 31 March.
  • ESIC Beneficiary period is also divided into Two parts 1 January to 30 June and 1 July to 31 September.
Contribution PeriodBenefit Period
1 April to 30 September1 January to 30 June
1 October to 31 March1 July to 31 September

For medical treatment, ESIC card is valid from the first date of insurable employment to last date of the corresponding benefit period. For other ESIC cash benefits, ESIC member should need to have a minimum contribution period so that he/she can avail ESIC benefits in the corresponding benefit period.

  • Don’t get confused you can get ESIC medical treatment even if you have contributed for ESIC for 1 day also. Even if you resign after contributing to ESIC  for One day then also you are eligible for ESIC medical treatment until the end of contribution period and again in the benefit period.
  • But for cash benefits you need minimum contribution period, if you have minimum contribution period then you can avail ESIC cash benefits in the benefit period. Even if you resign also it doesn’t matter, if you have required contribution period then you can avail ESIC cash benefits before the end of the corresponding benefit period.

If you don’t understand above contribution period and benefit period concept, still you don’t need to worry. You can simply check whether you are eligible for particular ESIC benefit or not in online at ESIC IP portal.

ESIC Benefits Eligibility Checking Even After Resignation

Step 1:-  To check eligibility for ESIC benefits even after resignation, go to ESIC IP portal and login with your ESIC IP number and captcha appearing on the screen.

After resignation ESIC card valid or not

Step 2:- Now in home page there is an option called entitlement to benefits under the employee section, now click on that.

Eligibility for ESIC Benefits Affter Resignation

Step 3:- Now you can see the list of all the ESIC benefits along with the status that whether you are eligible for that particular ESIC benefit or not.

How long esic benefits could be taken after resignation

How to Reactivate ESIC card

In order to reactivate your ESI Pehchan card, you need to give your old ESIC number to your new employer. Your ESIC card will be reactivated when your new employer pays your ESIC contribution.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

If you need a printable checklist or PDF version of this guide, let me know and I’ll create one for you.