EPFO Update: The Union Cabinet has approved several changes to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). It has now become much easier for employees to access essential information regarding their Provident Fund (PF), pension, and insurance. The EPFO has officially launched a WhatsApp service; you simply need to save the number 8796441800 on your smartphone and send a message saying “Hi.” Furthermore, the wage ceiling has been increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.
The government has raised the monthly salary threshold for mandatory EPFO coverage to ₹25,000. Following this change, which came into effect on September 17, more than 5.1 million (51 lakh) additional employees will now be brought under the ambit of the Provident Fund, pension, and insurance schemes.
Sharing this information on the social media platform X, the EPFO stated, “DID YOU KNOW? The EPFO wage ceiling increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, effective 17.09.2024. Employees earning between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per month in EPFO-registered establishments shall be mandatorily covered under EPF, EPS, and EDLI.”
What do EPF, EPS, and EDLI offer?
EPF: A retirement fund is built through contributions from both the employee and the employer.
EPS: Eligible employees receive pension benefits in accordance with the applicable rules.
EDLI: In the event of an employee’s death, the eligible nominee receives insurance benefits of up to ₹7 lakh.
4 Steps to Enrol in the EPFO:
1. Check Eligibility: Ensure that your monthly salary (eligible for contribution) is ₹25,000 or less.
2. Contact HR: Enquire with your company’s HR department regarding enrolment in the EPF. 3. Provide documents: Submit the necessary documents, such as your Aadhaar, bank account details, and employment-related records.
4. Check your PF passbook: After enrolment, be sure to verify the contribution amounts reflected in your salary slip and EPFO passbook.
What features are available via WhatsApp?
Verify your PF balance.
View your PF passbook details.
Review your last five transactions.
How to connect via WhatsApp?
Save the number provided by the EPFO—8796441800—to your contacts.
Open WhatsApp and start a chat with this number.
Send ‘Hi’ to this number.
Complete the verification process.