EPFO Update-  The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has given a big relief to the families of its employees. The organization has increased the ex-gratia amount available under the Death Relief Fund to Rs 15 lakh. Earlier this amount was Rs 8.8 lakh. The new system has been implemented with back date i.e. from April 1, 2025. This means that if an employee dies on or after April 1, 2025, his family will get Rs 15 lakh instead of Rs 8.8 lakh.

Who will get this benefit?

EPFO will give this ex-gratia amount to the family member of the deceased employee under the Death Relief Fund. Usually the nominee or legal heir will be entitled to this. This amount will be given from the Staff Welfare Fund of EPFO.

This decision has been approved by the Central Board of Trustees. This is the highest decision making body of EPFO. It includes representatives of the central and state governments, employers and employees.

There will also be an increase of 5% every year

EPFO has not increased the amount just once, but it will also increase continuously. EPFO ​​has decided that from April 1, 2026, the ex-gratia amount will increase by 5% every year. This means that families will get more financial help in the coming time. First increase

What did the official circular say?

EPFO has written in its circular issued on 19 August 2025, “With the approval of the Central Provident Fund Commissioner and the Central Staff Welfare Committee, the ex-gratia amount under the Death Relief Fund has been increased from Rs 8.80 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. This amount will be given to the family of the deceased employee from the Staff Welfare Fund.” It was further clarified in the circular that this amount will keep increasing by 5% every year.

There is no facility for common EPF member

EPFO has not implemented this facility for every EPF member. Rather, it is for the employees/staff associated with EPFO’s own Central Board (CBT). That is, people working in EPFO ​​office or employees directly associated with CBT.

Ordinary PF holders (such as employees of a private company) will not get the benefit of this decision. This is only an increase in the death relief fund given to the Central Board staff of EPFO ​​on their death.

Other recent changes in EPFO

EPFO has taken decisions not just about the Death Relief Fund but also about other decisions to provide convenience to employees and their families.

1. Death claim process made easier

Earlier, if an employee died and money had to be transferred to the bank account of minor children, a guardianship certificate was required. Now this rule has been removed. That means money can be transferred directly to the children’s account.

2. Aadhar linking process is easy

The EPFO ​​has also said that the joint declaration process has been made easier for members who have not yet linked Aadhaar to their UAN (Universal Account Number), or whose Aadhaar details are incorrect. This will bring relief to millions of PF subscribers, as earlier this process was considered long and complicated.