EPFO Wage Ceiling Raised to ₹25,000 from ₹15,000 by Government; Nearly 51 Lakh Employees to Benefit

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to raise the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to ₹25,000 per month from ₹15,000, as per The PIB press release. 

The revised ceiling will come into effect from September 17, 2026. The decision was taken on a proposal from the Ministry of Labour & Employment. 

Nearly 51 Lakh Employees Covered  

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said nearly 51 lakh employees would be covered following the increase. The government expenditure on the decision has been estimated at ₹11,339 crore. 

The existing ₹15,000 limit meant that employees joining employment at wages above that amount were not automatically covered under the mandatory EPF framework. 

What Changes for Employees 

With the ceiling moving to ₹25,000, employees earning between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 a month will come within the mandatory coverage range. 

The EPF framework also covers provident funds, pensions, and associated insurance protection. Employees above the earlier wage limit could remain outside these mandatory provisions when joining employment. 

Previous Revision in 2014 

The wage ceiling had remained unchanged from 2004 to 2014. It was then raised to ₹15,000 in September 2014 and has not been revised since. 

The latest change increases the ceiling by ₹10,000. The government said the decision reflects changes in wages, incomes, and the expansion of formal employment since the previous revision. 

Minimum Wage Levels 

Vaishnaw said minimum wages for unskilled workers have crossed ₹15,000 in several states. He said this was one of the reasons for revisiting the existing ceiling. 

The ₹15,000 limit was introduced in 2014, while wage levels have changed over the intervening years. The new ceiling was decided after consultations, according to the minister. 

The higher limit will also affect employees entering new jobs. Vaishnaw said more new job seekers would receive social security coverage under the revised ceiling. 

Read More: UPI Payments for Mutual Funds, Stocks to Attract 0.02% MDR From October 15, 2026! 

Conclusion 

The EPFO wage ceiling will increase by ₹10,000 from September 17, 2026. Nearly 51 lakh employees are expected to come under the revised limit, with government expenditure estimated at ₹11,339 crore. 

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