EPFO: Big news for EPFO members. The EPFO has initiated a special campaign to allow eligible employees previously excluded from the Employee Provident Fund to enroll. This initiative provides an opportunity for individuals who were not part of the scheme between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2026, to join the EPFO.
The campaign, aimed at employee enrollment, will run until October 31, 2026, offering benefits such as provident fund, pension insurance, and other perks. Employers are obligated to adhere to the regulations set forth.
This campaign targets employees who were part of the Employees’ Provident Fund but did not receive benefits for the past 17 years, provided they are alive. Employers need to confirm the continued employment status of these individuals. Employees who suspect unfair treatment regarding their entitlements should address their concerns with their employer.
It is essential to understand that this campaign aims to regularize previous PF balances and is not applicable to retired employees or for claiming old PF balances.
To register, employers must create face-based UANs for interested employees using UMANG. Following registration, applications need to be submitted through the electronic challan-cum-return platform. Employers are required to perform an internal audit to validate their records and ascertain eligibility for the program.
Employees who question their coverage under the EPF timeline should contact HR to confirm their eligibility. They should verify their employment status between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2026, and assess if their claim aligns with EPF regulations.
- If PF was not deducted from the salary of any employee, then now the amount will not be taken from the eligible employee under this campaign.
- This means that now employees will not have to pay their old PF contribution money themselves.
- Keep in mind, if you think that all old liabilities will be waived under this campaign, then it is not so, because the terms and conditions related to the campaign will apply.