Kochi: The enhancement of the statutory wage ceiling for mandatory EPF coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, effective 17 September 2026, will bring more eligible workers under the social-security net and enable them to avail benefits under EPF, EPS and EDLI.

EPFO is also strengthening ease of access to benefits. Members earn interest at 8.25% per annum and can avail online withdrawal of up to 75% of their accumulated balance. Eligible claims up to ₹5 lakh are being auto-settled through the CITES platform within three working days.

The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) complements these measures by incentivising formal job creation. Eligible establishments can receive incentives of up to ₹3,000 per employee per month for two years in non-manufacturing and four years in manufacturing sectors, subject to prescribed conditions.

In Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thrissur, RO Kochi is facilitating wider access to EPFO services through initiatives such as UAN Face Authentication Technology (FAT) and the UMANG App, while undertaking outreach to maximise participation in PMVBRY.

Employers are advised to ensure timely ECR filing and compliance with PMVBRY requirements, including maintaining net additional employment for at least six months and completion of the prescribed financial literacy module by new employees.

Together, these measures reinforce EPFO’s focus on wider coverage, faster service delivery and greater workforce formalisation.

 

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