EPF Wage Ceiling 2026: ₹25,000 Limit and Who Is Covered
From 17 September 2026 the EPF wage ceiling is ₹25,000 a month, up from ₹15,000. More than 51 lakh workers who earn between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 a month now come under mandatory EPFO cover.
What changed
When: From 17 September 2026, under Gazette Notification S.O. 5109(E) of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
| Before | Now |
|---|---|
| Wage ceiling for mandatory cover | |
| ₹15,000 a month | ₹25,000 a month |
| Workers under mandatory cover | |
| Wages up to ₹15,000 | Wages up to ₹25,000, about 51 lakh more workers |
| Benefits for covered workers | |
| EPF, EPS and EDLI up to ₹15,000 | EPF, EPS and EDLI, now for the ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 band too |
| Highest employer pension contribution (8.33%) | |
| ₹1,250 a month | ₹2,083 a month |
What is the new EPF wage ceiling in 2026?
The wage ceiling is now ₹25,000 a month. It was ₹15,000. EPFO's regional office in Berhampore explained the change at a press briefing on 22 September 2026. PIB Kolkata published it on 23 September.
The change follows a Union Cabinet decision and Gazette Notification S.O. 5109(E) from the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It took effect on 17 September 2026, Vishwakarma Jayanti. EPFO says this is the first revision of the ceiling since September 2014.
Who is covered by the higher EPF wage ceiling?
Workers whose monthly wage is between ₹15,001 and ₹25,000 now come under mandatory EPFO cover. They get social security benefits under EPF (provident fund), EPS (pension) and EDLI (insurance linked to deposits). EPFO says more than 51 lakh formal sector workers are affected.
Whether your own establishment must register depends on its size and type. The notice we read does not change that. Ask your EPFO regional office, and read our guide on EPF and ESIC registration.
How much more will employers pay?
The official note gives one figure. Because the pensionable wage ceiling is now ₹25,000, the highest employer pension contribution at 8.33% rises from ₹1,250 to ₹2,083 a month for one worker.
Your payroll will also need to treat staff in the ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 band as covered workers. Ask your payroll provider or accountant to update your settings from the September 2026 wage month, and confirm the exact start with EPFO.
What is the EPFO Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2026?
It is a one time window for employers to enrol employees who were left out of EPF cover between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2026. The window runs from 1 July to 31 October 2026.
If the employee's share was never deducted from wages, it is waived. The employer pays its own share with interest and administrative charges, plus lump sum damages of ₹100. Enrolment is online on the EPFO Employer Portal, with face authentication for the UAN and the ECR-linked TRRN filing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EPF wage ceiling now?
It is ₹25,000 a month from 17 September 2026. It was ₹15,000.
Do workers earning ₹20,000 a month now come under EPFO cover?
According to EPFO's briefing, workers with wages between ₹15,001 and ₹25,000 now come under mandatory coverage and get EPF, EPS and EDLI benefits. The rules on which establishments must register are not changed by this notice.
Until when can employers enrol left out staff?
The Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2026 runs until 31 October 2026.
PF ki salary limit 25000 kab se lagu hai?
17 September 2026 se. Ab ₹15,001 se ₹25,000 tak ki wages wale karmchari bhi EPFO ke mandatory cover mein aate hain. Is badlav se lagbhag 51 lakh aur workers ko EPF, EPS aur EDLI ka fayda milega.
Short summary in Hinglish
17 September 2026 se EPF ki wage ceiling ₹15,000 se badhkar ₹25,000 prati maah ho gayi hai. Ab ₹15,001 se ₹25,000 tak kamane wale lagbhag 51 lakh aur karmchari EPFO ke mandatory cover mein aayenge. Employers ko payroll update karna hoga. Chhute hue karmchariyon ko jodne ka Enrolment Campaign 31 October 2026 tak chal raha hai.
