Employees Provident Fund Organization
The year 2026 may bring an important turning point for employed people. A major decision related to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is likely to be taken soon. The central government is seriously considering increasing the salary limit of EPF. If this proposal is approved, crores of employees will get direct benefits from it and more people will be able to come under the ambit of social security.
The salary limit of EPF is the maximum salary limit on the basis of which the employee and the company contribute to the Provident Fund, Pension Scheme (EPS) and Insurance Scheme (EDLI). At present this limit is fixed at Rs 15,000 per month. That is, EPF contribution is not mandatory for employees earning more than this, unless they have voluntarily opted to join it. The problem is that this salary limit has never been increased since September 2014. Inflation, salary structure and cost of living have changed a lot in the last 10 years, but the rules of EPF remain the same.
EPF limit may increase up to Rs 25,000
According to media reports, the government is considering increasing the salary limit of EPF from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. Its objective is to bring more and more employees under EPF, pension and insurance cover. Especially the private sector and mid-level salary employees will get a big benefit from this.
The process accelerated due to the instructions of the Supreme Court
The recent order of the Supreme Court is also being considered as a major reason for taking this decision forward rapidly. In January 2026, the Supreme Court has directed EPFO to take a decision on increasing the EPF salary limit within four months. After this this proposal has been sent for review at a higher level. If sources are to be believed, this matter can be placed in the meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of EPFO in the coming month.
When can the new rule come into effect?
If everything goes as per plan, the increased EPF salary limit may come into effect from April 1, 2026. That means, with the beginning of the new financial year, more amount than the salary of the employees will be deposited in EPF. Increasing the EPF salary limit will strengthen the retirement fund of employees. Due to high contribution in provident fund, you will get a good amount at the time of retirement. Apart from this, the pension amount received under EPS may also increase and the insurance cover provided through EDLI scheme will also be better. Overall, this decision is being considered a big step towards making the future of employed people more secure and stable.
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