EPFO increases death relief to ₹15 lakh for Central Board employees, to be hiked by 5% every year

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has increased the ex-gratia amount under the Death Relief Fund from ₹8.8 lakh to ₹15 lakh, effective from April 1, 2025.

The increased amount will be paid to the family members (nominee or legal heirs) of the deceased employee of the Central Board from the Staff Welfare Fund.

Furthermore, the EPFO has also decided to increase the ex-gratia amount by 5% annually, effective from April 1, 2026.

"... the undersigned is directed to convey the approval of the Central Provident Fund Commissioner/ President, Central Staff Welfare Committee, Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, for enhancement of the ex-gratia amount under Death Relief Fund from ₹8.80 Lakh to ₹15 Lakh. The ex-gratia amount of ₹15 Lakh (Rs. Fifteen Lakh only) shall be paid to the family members (nominee or legal heirs) of the deceased employee of the Central Board, from the Staff Welfare Fund," the EPFO said in a circular dated August 19, 2025.

" Further, this ex-gratia amount shall be increased by 5% every year starting from 01.04.2026," it added.

The Central Board of Trustees is the apex decision-making body of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. The board has representatives from central and state governments, employers, and employees.

Recent changes in EPFO rules

Last week, the EPFO announced twin updates for the benefit of provident fund subscribers.

"In order to facilitate members who are yet to seed/verify Aadhaar or need to correct the Aadhaar in their UAN, the existing Joint Declaration functionality has further been simplified...," EPFO said in a circular dated August 13, 2025.