Vishwas Scheme 2026: Delayed PF deposits? A major relief scheme has arrived—here’s what the 'Vishwas Scheme' is all about.

EPFO Vishwas Scheme: The EPFO ​​has introduced a new scheme to facilitate its members and resolve PF-related issues. This scheme will help in settling disputes related to Provident Fund (PF) matters.

EPFO Vishwas Scheme 2026: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently made changes to its website and launched a new scheme designed to address a major challenge faced by members. Named 'Vishwas', this scheme was launched on July 13. Let’s look at the benefits of this scheme, how it works, and the eligibility criteria.

What is the Vishwas Scheme?

The EPFO's new 'Vishwas 2026' scheme is a dispute resolution initiative aimed at providing relief to members who have long-pending cases regarding PF-related penalties. Valid for a period of six months, the scheme seeks to resolve PF-related issues and prevent the imposition of penalties.

Which cases will be resolved under the scheme?

This scheme will address long-pending cases related to PF withdrawals or deposits. The specific cases to be resolved include:

• Expedited resolution of pending cases involving delays in PF payments.
• Concessions on penalties for eligible employers.
• Resolution of certain ongoing court cases through settlements.
• Benefits will be available only to those meeting the prescribed conditions.
• Cases involving serious fraud or embezzlement are excluded from this scheme.

How will members benefit?

While this scheme is not directly aimed at individual employees—but rather at employers—it benefits members indirectly. Its objective is to reduce long-standing PF disputes and expedite the settlement of pending cases, thereby improving overall compliance. This scheme addresses cases where a company failed to deposit contributions into your PF account, resulting in the imposition of heavy penalties.

It is also worth noting that under this scheme, damages for delays occurring prior to June 14, 2024, will be payable at concessional rates. A monthly damage charge of 0.25% applies for a delay of two months; a monthly penalty of 0.50% applies for delays between two and four months; and a monthly penalty of 1% applies for delays exceeding four months.