KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Government has not confirmed any plan to raise EPF salary limit to ₹30,000
- Current mandatory EPF coverage remains capped at ₹15,000 salary
- Any future change will impact take-home pay and employer costs
If you’ve been hearing talk at the office or the local chai tapri about EPF enrolment jumping from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, you’re not alone.
Many salaried employees are worried this could shrink their monthly in-hand pay.
So, what’s the truth? I looked at what the government actually said.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
| EPF Rule | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Mandatory EPF coverage limit | ₹15,000 salary |
| Proposed increase to ₹30,000 | No confirmation |
| Government announcement | Written reply in Lok Sabha |
| Impact area | Take-home pay & employer cost |
Is EPF Minimum Salary Limit Being Increased to ₹30,000?
Short answer: No official plan as of now.
On December 1, 2025, the Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya addressed this question in the Lok Sabha.
He clearly said that no decision has been taken to raise the EPF wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000.
Any such move, he explained, requires detailed talks with trade unions and industry bodies.
Why EPF Salary Limit Changes Are Sensitive
This isn’t a small tweak.
If the EPF ceiling goes up:
- Your take-home salary may reduce
- Employers’ hiring costs will increase
That’s why the government said these decisions are taken only after broad consultation, not overnight.
For many middle-class families already dealing with rising school fees, rent, and grocery bills, even a small deduction matters.
Current EPF Rule You Should Know
As per the EPF Scheme, 1952:
- Employees earning up to ₹15,000 must be covered under EPF.
- There is no minimum wage limit to join EPF.
- Employers may calculate contributions:
- On actual basic salary, or
- Limit it to ₹15,000, if allowed internally
Choosing the lower cap means higher in-hand pay, but lower retirement savings.
What About Gig Workers and EPFO Coverage?
The government also clarified its stand on gig workers.
Under the Code on Social Security, 2020:
- Gig and platform workers are formally defined
- Provisions exist for:
- Life and disability cover
- Accident insurance
- Health and maternity benefits
- Old-age protection
There is also a plan for a Social Security Fund to support these schemes.
So, Should You Worry Right Now?
For now, nothing changes.
- EPF salary cap stays at ₹15,000
- No notification for ₹30,000 limit
- Contributions continue as per existing rules
If anything changes, it will likely be announced well in advance.
Until then, it’s best to plan your finances based on current EPF rules, not WhatsApp rumours.
