Key Amendments introduced
Minimum Assurance Benefit — ₹50,000 - New Sub-paragraph (1A) to Paragraph 22:
In case of an employee’s death within the preceding 12 months or during the membership period, even if the average EPF balance is less than ₹50,000, the minimum assurance benefit payable will be ₹50,000.
This applies even to members of exempted provident funds under Section 17 of the EPF Act, 1952.
Continuity Relaxation for 12-Month Eligibility - Proviso added to Sub-paragraph (3):
For determining the 12-month continuous service requirement to receive minimum assurance benefits:
- Gap of up to 60 days between two employment spells shall be ignored.
- Multiple service periods will be treated as continuous.
This change helps employees with short employment breaks retain eligibility for benefits.
Eligibility in Case of Death After Last Contribution - New Sub-paragraph (5):
If an employee dies within 6 months of the last EPF contribution, while still on the employer's rolls, the assurance benefit shall be payable as per the Scheme.
Applicable even if the employee:
- Was a member of an exempted fund.
- Did not make any recent contributions within those 6 months, but was still formally employed.