EPFO Increases Death Relief to ₹15 Lakh for Central Employees’ Families, Annual Increment to Follow

New Delhi, August 21: In a major welfare decision, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has raised the ex-gratia (death relief) amount for families of its central board employees from the existing ₹8.8 lakh to ₹15 lakh. This enhanced financial support will be applicable from April 1, 2025. The payout will be made from the Staff Welfare Fund and will benefit the legal heirs or nominees of central board employees who pass away on or after this date.

The decision was taken by the Central Board of Trustees, the EPFO’s top decision-making body, which includes representatives from the government, employers, and employees. The move is seen as a significant step toward providing stronger financial backing to the families of deceased employees at a time of loss.

In a circular dated August 19, 2025, EPFO stated that the increase was approved by the Chairman of the Central Staff Welfare Committee and the Central Provident Fund Commissioner. As part of the move, it has also been announced that starting from April 1, 2026, the ex-gratia amount will be increased by five percent every year. This annual increment aims to ensure that the support remains relevant and effective in the face of inflation and rising living costs.

Alongside the death relief enhancement, EPFO has recently introduced two key reforms to simplify processes for beneficiaries and members. Families of deceased employees will no longer be required to submit a guardianship certificate when PF claims are being made on behalf of minor children, which will significantly reduce delays in fund disbursement during emotionally difficult times. Additionally, the process of linking and updating Aadhaar details with the Universal Account Number (UAN) has been made simpler and quicker, improving access and reducing procedural hurdles for members.

These changes reflect EPFO’s continued commitment to employee welfare and its efforts to modernize administrative processes while providing timely support to those in need.