Do you want to increase your EPF contribution? Here are latest EPFO rules on submission of digital joint requests

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers who want to contribute more than the statutory limit must submit a joint request and permission under EPF Scheme, 1952, Paragraph 26(6). According to an ET report, during the 234th Meeting on October 31, 2023, the CBT authorised a format to facilitate Joint Requests under Paragraph 26(6) of the EPF Scheme, 1952. Moving forward, all new cases will be filed and processed digitally using this format, aiming to save time and paper.

EPFO circular on contribution limits and chargesTo prevent difficulties for all parties involved, the EPFO circular dated January 30, 2024 states that if the employer has paid administrative charges on an employee's contribution exceeding the statutory limit and the employee has already paid more than the statutory limit but has left their position or passed away before October 31, 2023, it is deemed that the employee was allowed to contribute more than the statutory limit.

Exemption for existing EPF members contributing above statutory limitExisting members who are already contributing more than the statutory limit and whose employers are paying administrative charges on such contributions are not required to immediately file their joint requests in the specified format. This applies only to cases under Para 26(6) of EPF Scheme, 1952.

Contributing above statutory limit in EPF schemeUnder Para 26(6) of the EPF Scheme, 1952, contribution on wages exceeding the statutory limit is dealt with. To make a provident fund contribution on higher wages, the joint option of the employee and employer must be submitted and accepted by EPFO.

Supreme Court ruling: Eligibility for higher EPS pensionAccording to the Supreme Court's order dated November 4, 2022, an employee is eligible for a higher EPS pension if they retired before September 1, 2014, and were making higher contributions to their EPF account. However, their request for a higher EPS pension was rejected by the EPFO. They are also eligible if they were a member of EPS or EPF on September 1, 2014, and continued to be a member after that date.

Stay informed with the latest Business News on Times of India. Explore updates on International Business, gain insights with Financial Literacy tips, and make use of Financial Calculators. Don’t forget to check the list of Bank Holidays in 2025, including Bank Holidays in January.


Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!