EPFO Minimum Pension Hike: It is the digital reforms implemented under ‘EPFO 3.0’ that have led to a reduction in the time required for claim processing. A record 83.1 million claims were settled for the year 2025-26.
EPFO Claim Settlement: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has set a new record by settling 83.1 million (8.31 crore) claims for the financial year 2025-26. This represents a 38.3% increase compared to the 60.1 million (6.01 crore) claims settled in the previous financial year. This year witnessed a significant improvement in processing times; approximately 98.7% of all claims were settled within just 20 days.
In the case of advance claims, 71.1% were processed via ‘auto mode’ within three days—a figure that stood at 59.19% in 2024-25. In April 2026, the EPFO settled 6.103 million claims. During this month, approximately 74% of advance claims were settled automatically, indicating a steady upward trend toward system-based processing.
Preparations Underway to Increase Minimum Pension
The Ministry of Labour and Employment is currently examining a proposal to increase the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95). Currently, the minimum pension stands at ₹1,000 per month. To ensure this minimum payout, the Central Government contributes over ₹950 crore annually. Given the large number of beneficiaries under this scheme, any revision to the pension amount would result in increased government expenditure.
Trade unions and pensioners’ groups have demanded that the minimum pension be raised to ₹7,500. They state that the current amount is insufficient to cover basic expenses. A parliamentary committee has also recommended changes in this regard, and discussions on the matter are currently underway.
Other Significant Changes
The EPFO is preparing to soon introduce a facility for PF withdrawals via ATMs. This will facilitate easier access to funds deposited in PF accounts, thereby providing assistance during emergency situations.
The interest rate of 8.25 percent for the financial year 2025–26 is currently awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Finance.
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