The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has issued Notification No. N-12011/1/2023-P&D dated 7th October 2026 regarding funeral expenses under Rule 21 of the Social Security Central Rules, 2026. As per the notification, funeral expenses have been fixed at Rs. 20,000, with retrospective effect from 8th May 2026. The notification was published in the e-Gazette on 17th October 2026 and provides important clarification regarding the applicable funeral expense benefit under the ESI framework. Employers, HR professionals, payroll teams, and insured persons are advised to refer to the official notification for details regarding eligibility, applicability, and the procedure for claiming funeral expenses.