Accidental Benefit is a welfare scheme run by the BOCW Welfare Board of West Bengal. It gives cash support to registered construction workers who need hospital care for 5 or more days or who become disabled after an accident. The scheme is managed by the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal, and it is still open for eligible registered workers in 2026.
If you are a registered building or construction worker in the state, this scheme can help you when an accident leaves you hospitalised or permanently disabled. Those who suffer permanent disability get a monthly pension, and the same pension passes to the spouse or nominee if the pension holder passes away.
Accidental Benefit - Introduction
Accidental Benefit is a welfare measure offered by the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board under the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal. It supports registered workers who face physical problems because of an accident that was not expected.
Take a simple example. If a worker named Ramesh falls at a worksite and needs treatment in hospital for a week, he can claim support under this scheme. Similarly, a worker who becomes permanently disabled after an accident receives a monthly pension, and this support continues for the family through a family pension after the pension holder dies.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Accidental Benefit |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | West Bengal |
| Category | Social welfare & Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Labour Department |
Benefits
| Condition | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hospitalization for 5 or more days | Up to ₹10,000 |
| Disablement due to accident | Up to ₹50,000 |
| Permanent disablement pension | ₹750 per month |
| Family pension (on death of pensioner) | ₹375 per month |
Eligibility
To register as a construction worker, you must meet a few basic conditions. These rules decide who can join the welfare board in the first place.
STEP 1 - You must be a resident of West Bengal.
STEP 2 - You must be actively engaged as a building or construction worker.
STEP 3 - You should be between 18 and 60 years of age.
STEP 4 - You must have worked in construction for at least 90 days during the preceding year.
To apply for the Accidental Benefit funds, you also need to hold an active registration with the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board of West Bengal. You must provide proof of hospitalization for at least 5 days, or a medical certificate that shows you became disabled because of an accident.
Application Process
Offline Registration and Application
STEP 1 - To register, visit the Office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner or your local Beneficiary Registering Officer. Ask for Form-27 and submit it with all the required documents.
STEP 2 - After verification, you receive an identity card and a passbook. You pay a registration fee of ₹20 and an annual subscription of ₹30.
STEP 3 - To apply for the Accidental Benefit, request Form-XXXIV from the same office. Make sure your medical certificates are attached before you submit the form.
Helpdesk Information - Reach out to the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal, 12th Floor, N.S Building, Block-A, 1, Kiran Shankar Roy Road, Kolkata-700001. For queries, contact the Shramik Sathi helpline at 1800-103-0009.
Note - Subscription renewal costs ₹30 every year using Form-27A. If you miss the renewal deadline, your status may be cancelled. You can contact the Assistant Labour Commissioner to discuss fresh registration if needed.
Documents
For initial worker registration, you need a few basic papers. Keep them ready before you visit the office.
STEP 1 - Four passport-size photographs.
STEP 2 - A self-attested document as proof of age.
For Accidental Benefit applications, you need the following records.
STEP 1 - A formal medical certificate issued by a registered practitioner.
STEP 2 - A dependent or heirship certificate.
STEP 3 - Any other relevant records requested by the labour official.
Definitions
Building and Other Construction Work - This term covers a wide range of activities, including the construction, maintenance, repair, or demolition of infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, railways, dams, canals, power transmission lines, and various communication towers.
References
Official BOCW Welfare Board Page
FAQ's
What is the age limit for this scheme?
You must be between 18 and 60 years old to register as a construction worker.
Is a minimum work period required?
Yes, you must have worked as a construction worker for at least 90 days in the year before your registration.
Where should I submit my application?
Submit your application forms to the Assistant Labour Commissioner or the relevant Beneficiary Registering Officer in your district or block.
What if my subscription expires?
If you fail to renew your subscription for the year, your registration will be cancelled. You should consult the Assistant Labour Commissioner about how to proceed with a fresh application for renewal.
How much will I receive for hospitalization?
If you are hospitalized for 5 or more days, you are entitled to a maximum reimbursement of ₹10,000.