The Ministry of Labour and Employment, through a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release dated 16 September 2026, announced the Union Cabinet’s approval to increase the EPFO wage ceiling for mandatory coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month. The revision is expected to bring over 51 lakh additional employees within the ambit of mandatory social security coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme. The decision aims to align the wage ceiling with current wage levels, expand formal employment coverage, and enhance retirement and social security benefits for eligible employees. Employers, employees, HR professionals, and payroll teams are advised to refer to the official PIB release for detailed provisions, implementation timelines, and applicable guidelines.
Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB)