EPF Scheme 2026: Auto-settlement up to ₹5 lakh and withdrawal rules

At a stakeholder meeting in Mangaluru, Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner Ankit Singh outlined the EPF Scheme 2026. Eligible advance claims up to ₹5 lakh can be auto-settled. Partial withdrawals require 12 months of membership, with at least 25% of the balance kept in the account.

Under paragraph 46(3), members can make up to five withdrawals for housing purchases or construction, subject to their eligible balance. EDLI assurance benefits were described as up to ₹7 lakh. If the commissioner does not act on a claim within 20 days, 12% annual penal interest applies.

Regional Provident Fund Commissioner Sandeep Biswas said the EPF enrolment wage ceiling had risen from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month, potentially bringing 51 lakh more employees under social security. The meeting also covered Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana and VISHWAS Scheme 2026, a fully digital, one-time settlement scheme for pending EPF damages and penalty disputes. VISHWAS also aims to encourage voluntary compliance and reduce litigation.