EPFO mandatory coverage ceiling approved at ₹25,000

Government approved raising the wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage to ₹25,000 a month in September 2026, from ₹15,000. The ceiling was last raised from ₹6,500 to ₹15,000 in September 2014. The revised limit is expected to bring over 51 lakh more employees under mandatory coverage, subject to statutory provisions.

EPFO grouped 13 partial-withdrawal rules into Essential Needs, Housing Needs and Special Circumstances. Essential Needs include costs related to illness, education and marriage. Members can make up to 10 withdrawals for education and 5 for marriage.

EPFO also raised the auto-settlement limit for eligible advance claims to ₹5 lakh. Eligible withdrawals can be processed without manual intervention.