EPFO Rule: Is PF mandatory for those earning more than ₹15,000? EPFO ​​clarifies the rules..

EPFO New Rule 2025: If your basic salary and DA combined exceed ₹15,000 (PF mandatory above ₹15,000 salary), are you mandatorily required to join the EPF scheme? The EPFO ​​has issued a significant clarification on this question (Employees Provident Fund rules), which is crucial for millions of salaried employees.

According to the EPFO, joining the PF scheme is not mandatory for employees earning more than ₹15,000 (Basic Salary + DA) if they are not already PF members. This means that employees starting a new job and joining the PF scheme for the first time can opt out of PF membership.

However, if an employee is already an EPF member, their PF membership will continue in their new job. The EPFO ​​states, "If an employee is already a PF member, they will remain under the purview of PF, regardless of whether their salary exceeds ₹15,000."

Employees can join PF voluntarily.
The EPFO ​​has also outlined another important option. If both the employee and the employer agree, an individual earning more than ₹15,000 can voluntarily join the PF scheme. This option is available under Para 26(6) of the PF scheme.

Submission to the EPF office is required within 6 months
The EPFO ​​has clarified that, "This option must be submitted to the EPF office within 6 months of joining the job (EPFO 6 months rule for voluntary PF). Failure to meet this deadline may make it difficult to obtain membership later. According to the EPFO, even if both the employee and the employer agree, membership will only be valid if the Para 26(6) option is submitted within the stipulated time."

This rule is beneficial for those who want to accumulate more retirement savings in the long term or wish to keep their existing PF account active. In short, while PF is not mandatory for employees earning more than ₹15,000, becoming a member is entirely possible with mutual consent.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.