EPFO News: The EPFO ​​has updated three of its older schemes under the Social Security Code, including the Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026. These changes ...read more

If you work in a private job and your PF is deducted, this news may be useful to you. Actually, the Employees' Provident Fund Organization has updated three schemes. One of these schemes is 74 years old, one is 31 years old, and one is 50 years old. All three schemes have been updated and revamped under the Social Security Code.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026. This will replace the EPF Scheme, 1952, with a new framework that will simplify withdrawal rules, strengthen digital compliance, and introduce stricter governance norms for exempted provident fund (PF) trusts.

The Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026 has replaced the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995 and the Employees' Family Pension Scheme, 1971. This new scheme is now part of the 'Code on Social Security, 2020' and has come into effect from June 29, 2026.

New EPFO ​​Schemes Notified

Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 2026
Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026
Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026

Ensuring Social Security for All #EPFO #EPFOWithYou #HumHainNa pic.twitter.com/NRo7mv5Xms

— EPFO ​​(@officialepfo) July 1, 2026

The Ministry of Labor and Employment has also notified the "Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026" and the "Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026." The question now is, what has changed? Let's explore the important details of these schemes.

Who will get the benefit of EPF 2026 scheme?

The Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a notification on June 29 regarding membership of the scheme. It states that "every employee who was a member of the EPF Scheme, 1952 or was required to be a member thereof on the date of closure of that scheme, shall be a member of this scheme."

The new EPS pension scheme retains certain rules, including the pension formula, employee and employer contributions, and minimum pension. However, some aspects, including pension processing, the method of investing the pension fund, and a new rule, have been changed. Under this new rule, if the EPFO ​​delays a claim without a valid reason, 12% interest will be charged.

Employees who were earlier members of the 'Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995', or who were eligible to become members of the 'Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995' or the 'Employees' Family Pension Scheme, 1971' before the introduction of this new scheme, are also eligible to join the new EPS pension scheme.

Has the method of EPS contribution changed under EPS-2026?

There is no change in the method of PF contributions under the new EPS-2026 scheme. For salaried employees, the mandatory contribution of 12 percent of salary by both the employee and the employer remains. For notified establishments, the existing rate of 10 percent will remain applicable. The government has also retained the statutory salary ceiling framework, meaning that mandatory contributions will remain linked to the salary ceiling notified by the Centre.

Regarding the Employee Pension Scheme, the contribution process remains unchanged. Employers will continue to contribute 8.33% of an employee's salary based on a set salary range. The government will also continue to contribute 1.16% of an employee's salary based on the salary range.

Key changes in EPS-2026

Pension claims will be settled within 20 days.

12% interest will be charged on delayed claims.

Higher pension provisions have been included in the scheme.

Minimum returns will be available on government contributions.

Digital compliance will be necessary for employers.

The name of the scheme has been changed from 'Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995' to 'Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026'.