EPFO: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has taken a historic decision for central employees. The organization has almost doubled the death relief fund given to deceased employees. Earlier it was Rs 8.8 lakh. It has now been increased to Rs 15 lakh. This relief fund has come into effect from April 1, 2025.
EPFO: Almost all employees working in India have a PF (Provident Fund) account. In India, PF accounts are operated by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Meanwhile, the organization has taken an important decision giving great relief to the families of its members. EPFO has almost doubled the ex-gratia amount given to Central Board employees (Central Board Employees) under the Death Relief Fund.
Earlier it was Rs 8.8 lakh. It has now been increased to Rs 15 lakh. This decision has come into effect from 1 April 2025. This means that after this date, if a member dies, his family will get Rs 15 lakh instead of the old 8.8 lakh. This decision has been approved by the Central Board of Trustees. It is the highest decision-making body of EPFO. It includes representatives of the central and state governments, employers and employees.
There will be an increase of 5 percent from next year
According to the news published in UPStox, EPFO has also decided that from April 1, 2026, this ex-gratia amount will be increased by 5 percent annually. This means that families will get more financial help in the coming time. EPFO has said in a circular issued on August 19 that the ex-gratia amount has been increased from Rs 8.80 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. This amount of Rs 15 lakh will be given to the family members (nominee or legal heir) of the deceased employee of the Central Board from the Staff Welfare Fund.
EPFO made many important changes
Death claim became easier
If a PF member dies and the money is to be transferred to the bank account of minor children, then now Guardianship Certificate will not be required for this. This means that now it has become easier to settle claims for minor children.
Aadhaar-related process simplified
Many members are still unable to link (seed/verify) their Aadhaar number with UAN or need correction. For this, EPFO has made the process of joint declaration easier. Now members will not face any problem in correcting and linking Aadhaar-related information.
