Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY): Benefits, Eligibility, & Application

The Janashree Bima Yojana is a social security scheme launched by the government of India to safeguard the vulnerable sections of society financially. Launched in August 2000 in collaboration with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), the JBY apply to individuals below and marginally above the poverty line.

Read along to learn more about the Janashree Bima Yojana scheme.

What is Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY)?

The Janashree Bima Yojana is a group insurance scheme that aims to provide life and disability coverage to individuals from lower-income groups, including fishermen, weavers, and landless agricultural labourers. It offers financial security to families in case of the policyholder’s death or disability.

Key features of Janashree Bima Yojana

The JBY scheme has several notable features:

1. The annual premium is Rs 200 for each member. Of this, 50% is contributed by the Social Security Fund, while the member or a nodal agency pays the rest.
2. The scheme includes a wide array of occupational groups.
3. Beyond life insurance, the scheme offers educational scholarships to the children of insured members.

Benefits of the JBY scheme

The JBY scheme provides multiple benefits.

1. In the event of a member’s natural death, the nominee receives a sum of Rs 30,000.
2. If a member dies due to an accident or suffers total permanent disability, the nominee is entitled to Rs 75,000.
3. For partial permanent disabilities resulting from accidents, the medical insurance covers a sum of Rs 37,500.
4. It includes critical illness insurance for critical illnesses like cancer, kidney failure and heart surgery, offering Rs 75,000.
5. Under the Shiksha Sahyog Yojana, an add-on benefit of the JBY scheme, scholarships of Rs 600 every six months are awarded to up to two children per family studying in classes IX to XII, including ITI courses.

What is the premium for the Janashree Bima Yojana?

The JBY premium is set at an annual rate of Rs 200 per member. It is shared equally between the Social Security Fund, the member or the associated nodal agency.

Exclusions of the Janashree Bima Yojana

The scheme excludes:

1. Individuals below 18 or above 59 years of age.
2. Those not belonging to the specified 45 occupational groups.

Eligibility criteria for Janashree Bima Yojana plan

To be eligible for the scheme, individuals must meet the following criteria:

1. Aged between 18 and 59 years
2. Belong to one of the 45 identified occupational groups
3. Be below or marginally above the poverty line
4. A minimum of 25 members from the same occupational group need to form a group for enrolment as the scheme operates on a group basis.

How to apply for Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY) scheme online?

Currently, there is no provision for Janashree Bima Yojana online application form submission. Interested individuals can apply through these offline methods:

1. Approach nodal agencies such as self-help groups, NGOs or panchayats associated with the scheme.
2. Visit the nearest LIC office.

Special schemes offered by JBY scheme

The Janashree Bima Yojana includes special provisions for certain groups:

• Shiksha Sahyog Yojana: This educational scholarship scheme provides financial assistance to the children of JBY members.
• Khadi Karigar Janashree Bima Yojana: This centralised scheme offers subsidised premiums to khadi artisans, with contributions from the Social Security Fund, khadi institutions and the artisans.

How to claim the benefits of Janashree Bima Yojana?

Beneficiaries must:

1. Notify the respective nodal agency or the nearest LIC office about the occurrence of the event early.
2. Provide the required documents, which typically include:

• Claim form
• Death certificate
• Medical reports where necessary
• Police report in cases of accidental death or disability
• Post-mortem report (if applicable)

1. The nodal agency or LIC will verify the documents and may conduct further investigations if necessary.
2. Upon successful verification, the claim amount is disbursed.

FAQs

• What is the coverage amount under the Janashree Bima Yojana?

The scheme provides Rs 30,000 for natural death and Rs 75,000 for accidental death or permanent disability.

• Is there an age limit for the JBY scheme?

Yes, the applicant must be between 18 and 59 years old.

• What is the premium for the JBY Scheme?

The annual premium is Rs. 200, with Rs. 100 paid by the member and Rs. 100 subsidised by the government.

Conclusion

The Janashree Bima Yojana is a vital central government initiative. It has affordable JBY premiums, comprehensive JBY benefits and an easy application process. This ensures that even the most vulnerable sections can access medical insurance and critical illness insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.