EPFO raises mandatory pension contribution salary limit to ₹25,000

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has clarified guidelines following the government's decision to increase the mandatory contribution salary limit from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. This change, effective from September 17, 2026, is expected to bring over 5.1 million new workers under the umbrella of social security.

Under the revised rules, employees starting their first job with a basic monthly salary of ₹25,000 or less are eligible to become members of the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), provided they meet all eligibility criteria. For those earning more than ₹25,000, membership in the EPS is not mandatory based solely on salary; however, existing members may continue their pension membership.

To ensure compliance, the EPFO advised that if an employer fails to make the required EPS contributions, employees should first contact their HR or payroll department to verify records. If the issue remains unresolved, workers can lodge a formal complaint through the EPFiGMS portal using their Universal Account Number (UAN) or PF number.