EPS 2026 Amended: More Employees Now Eligible for Pension Membership

What Changed

The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified an amendment to the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026 on 25 September, deemed effective from 17 September 2026. It creates a new category of employees eligible for pension scheme membership.

Who Benefits

Employees who are members of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme but were not previously covered under the pension scheme will now become eligible for pension membership, provided their wages are at or below the government-notified wage ceiling.

Linked to the Wage Ceiling Hike

The change follows the government’s decision to raise the EPFO wage ceiling for mandatory coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month, effective 17 September 2026 — the first such revision in twelve years, expected to bring over 51 lakh additional workers under EPF, EPS and EDLI coverage.

Impact on Contributions

With effect from 17 September, 8.33 per cent of the employer’s contribution, computed on wages up to ₹25,000, will go into the pension fund, slightly increasing the pension component for eligible employees.

Sourced from SCC Online and Upstox EPFO coverage, 25–30 September 2026.