EPFO sets deadline: companies must complete PF work by November 15, or face fines and interest

Reports are circulating in the media that the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is preparing to make an important decision regarding the minimum pension amount. According to these reports, a decision may be made at the meeting to triple the minimum pension.

It is reported that the location of the meeting was changed from Gir in Gujarat to New Delhi specifically because of the decision to raise the minimum pension. If increased, the minimum pension could rise from 1000 to 3000 rupees. However, the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Finance have not provided any updates on this matter yet.

The CBT EPFO meeting is scheduled for November 19. Previously, in a letter addressed to CBT participants dated November 4, 2026, the Regional PF Commissioner Subrat Bomic confirmed the changed details of the meeting. This meeting will now take place at the EPFO headquarters, EKN, in New Delhi, at 10:15 AM.

One media article claims that EPFO is considering increasing the monthly minimum EPS pension from 1000 to 3000 rupees. Furthermore, the same article states that the Ministry of Labour has made a decision on this proposal after consulting with the Ministry of Finance. The pension increase is expected to be included in the agenda for the CBT meeting on November 19 as a separate item.

The minimum EPS pension has not changed since 2014. In February 2014, the CBT approved a proposal to raise the minimum EPS pension to 1000 rupees. The Finance Minister announced this decision in the 2014-15 budget plan, and the government officially notified the changed amount in August 2014. However, since then, workers' and pensioners' unions have been demanding an increase of this amount to at least 7500 rupees per month, but changes have not yet occurred.

Under EPS, the monthly pension is paid to eligible members based on their pensionable salary and years of service. The pensionable salary limit is currently 25000 rupees, which was increased from 15000 rupees in September 2026. This change has strengthened the demands of employee and pensioner groups for an increase in the minimum pension.

Even a small error in the registered name, date of birth, or father's name in the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) account can lead to serious future problems. Such discrepancies can cause delays when filing for PF claims, complicate fund transfers between accounts, and create difficulties in receiving pension payments.

However, members of the fund no longer need to constantly visit offices to correct these errors. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has implemented a 'Joint Declaration' feature, which allows users to submit applications to correct personal and employment information directly through the portal from home.

Through the 'Joint Declaration' service, members can submit requests to change multiple data points in their PF account. It is crucial, however, to enter correct information and provide the relevant supporting documents. Online users can change the following details in their EPFO account:

How to apply for correction in 5 steps

Step 1: Log in to the EPFO portal

First, you must go to the official EPFO members' portal. The user must log into the system using their Universal Account Number (UAN), password, and the code displayed on the screen (captcha).

Step 2: Select the 'Joint Declaration' option

After logging in, navigate to the 'Joint Declaration Facility' section, available in the main menu. This function initiates the process of correcting incorrect information in the account.

Step 3: Select the information to be corrected

The screen will display data related to your account. You need to select the parameter that requires correction, such as name, date of birth, father's name, or date of joining.

Step 4: Enter correct data and upload documents

Next, you must enter the accurate details for the respective information. It is important to carefully check the spelling of the name and the date of birth. After this, you must upload the supporting documents required by the portal, which may include documents such as Aadhaar passport, PAN card, or foreign passport.

Step 5: Submit the application

In the final step, recheck the entered data and uploaded documents. If everything is in order, click the 'Submit' button. After this, the application will be sent for verification by the Employer and EPFO itself.

Resolving PF holder issues

Previously, in October 2026, EPFO conducted a special campaign called 'Special Campaign 6' to resolve PF holder issues. According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment data, during this campaign, the organization processed a total of 2,36,021 complaints. This figure exceeded the set target of 2,05,000 complaints by approximately 15 percent. Out of the total, 2,02,984 complaints were resolved through the EPFO's own grievance redressal portal—EPFiGMS. The remaining 33,037 complaints were settled through the central CPGRAMS grievance redressal portal.

Checking PF balance via WhatsApp

EPFO has also simplified digital services for its members. Account holders can now receive information related to their PF account through the verified WhatsApp service from EPFO. This feature allows checking the PF account balance, viewing information stated in the passbook, and learning details of the last five transactions on the account.

If your PF account incorrectly lists your name, date of birth, or any other employment information, this error should not be ignored. You must regularly verify your account data against your Aadhaar passport and other official documents. If discrepancies are found, you should apply for an online correction to avoid future problems with claims, transfers, or pensions.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced a significant decision: funds from inactive Pension Fund (PF) accounts will be automatically transferred to account holders without the need to apply for the funds.

This relief applies to those whose old PF accounts have been unused for a long time and contain an amount of 1000 rupees or less. EPFO will now independently conduct the settlement process for such eligible account holders.

After completing identity and bank account verification through Aadhaar, EPFO will initiate the payout procedure. Thus, the account holder will not need to submit a separate application or claim to receive the money.

On the occasion of the 74th anniversary of EPFO's establishment, an automatic settlement feature for small amounts accumulated in inactive Provident Funds (EPF) was launched. Funds in such accounts, not exceeding 1000 rupees, will be transferred to owners without requiring a separate request. This service is available only for accounts verified through Aadhaar.

First, EPFO will conduct the necessary identity and bank account verification of the owner. Then, the organization itself will initiate the disbursement procedure for the funds held in the respective account. This means the account holder will not need to file an application or claim to withdraw the funds. If you have an old PF account, it is recommended to check its balance and Aadhaar and bank verification. If the amount is 1000 rupees or less and the account meets the conditions of the new service, EPFO may start the settlement process without a separate request.

This EPFO initiative is expected to benefit approximately 100 thousand inactive accounts. The calculation could be made for an amount of about 50 million rupees accumulated in these accounts. The goal is to assist people who have small amounts remaining in old PF accounts and who could not withdraw them for some reason.

Certain conditions have been set for this service. The PF account must be inactive. The amount in the account must be 1000 rupees or less. It is crucial that the account holder is verified through Aadhaar. Necessary checks related to identity and bank account must also be completed. EPFO will begin the settlement process for accounts meeting these requirements. However, not every inactive account will benefit from this service; payment will only be made based on the account meeting the criteria and the required verification.

Sometimes old accounts become inactive due to job changes, prolonged lack of PF contributions, or other reasons. Small amounts remain in such accounts. Many account holders cannot withdraw their money due to insufficient information or the inability to go through the application process. The new EPFO initiative aims to deliver these small amounts stuck in such accounts to the rightful owner. This will save account holders from paperwork and application-related problems.

EPFO also reported an acceleration in the claims processing time. In October 2026, the average PF claim processing time was reduced to 2.57 days. According to the organization, thanks to technical improvements and the CITES 2.01 initiative, this process has become faster and simpler than before.

On the occasion of EPFO's founding day, services via WhatsApp were also announced. Under this feature, members can check their PF balance, information on the last five transactions, and their passbook details. Labour and Employment Minister of the Central Government, Mansukh Mandaviya, announced these measures during the celebration of EPFO's 74th anniversary in New Delhi on November 1. He stated that the EPFO fund holds capital of about 32 trillion rupees, received from contributions by over 80 million members. The organization serves about 80 million active contributing members and 8.5 million pensioners.