EPF & PF News Today: Latest EPFO Rules, Pension Updates

What changed:

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has notified the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 2026 (G.S.R. 525(E)) under the Code on Social Security, 2020, replacing the EPF Scheme, 1952. While contribution rates, UANs, and existing balances remain unchanged, the new framework explicitly codifies the ₹15,000 wage ceiling, simplifies withdrawal rules into three categories, strengthens digital compliance requirements, and introduces three time-bound compliance windows for employers.

Who it impacts:

EPF members, salaried employees, employers, HR and payroll teams, contract workers, exempted PF trusts, and organizations with historical EPF compliance gaps.

Source:

https://egazette.nic.in • Ministry of Labour & Employment (G.S.R. 525(E), dated June 29, 2026)

What changed:

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has restored its Member Portal after a week-long database migration and software upgrade. The updated portal introduces a redesigned Member Service History page, simplified PF Advance (Form 31) workflow, automatic eligible claim amount calculation, online Scheme Certificate Surrender, and changes to claim tracking and Joint Declaration. EPFO has also confirmed that claims will undergo additional verification for about two weeks, while the e-Passbook remains unavailable during the phased rollout.

Who it impacts:

All EPF members using the Member Portal for PF withdrawals, claim tracking, PF transfers, KYC updates, Joint Declaration requests, pension (EPS) services, and employers assisting employees with EPFO services.

Source:

https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/

What changed:

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has officially notified the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 2026 under the Code on Social Security, 2020. While pension calculations and contributions remain unchanged, the new scheme introduces legally enforceable claim settlement timelines, stronger governance, and statutory backing for the higher pension framework.

Who it impacts:

Existing EPF/EPS members, pensioners, higher pension applicants, employers, exempted trusts, and families receiving survivor pensions.

Source:

(Ministry notification / Gazette)