Revised instructions for Joint request under paragraph 26(6) of the EPF Scheme 1952
The Joint Declaration allows an employee to contribute to the EPF scheme even if their salary exceeds the maximum wage limit i.e. Rs. 15000/-. In simple words employees having salary above 15000/- can also become epf member and contribute to EPF scheme with upon filing joint request with EPFO. EPF contribution is mandatory for every employee with salary below Rs.15000/- if he works in a organization registered under EPFO.
A Joint request is a document that is signed by an employee and their employer to voluntarily contribute to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme. The Joint Declaration is made under Para 26(6) of the EPF Scheme, 1952.
Benefits of Joint Declaration under para 26(6) of the EPF Scheme 1952
There are several benefits to making a Joint Declaration under Para 26(6) of the EPF Scheme, 1952. These benefits include:
- The ability to contribute to the EPF scheme even if your salary exceeds the maximum wage limit.
- The ability to save for your retirement and receive a lump sum amount on retirement, as well as a monthly pension.
- The ability to receive death and disability benefits in case of the death or disability of the EPF member.
If you are an employee with a salary that exceeds the maximum wage limit, I encourage you to make a Joint request and start saving for your retirement.
Revised procedure and instructions for filing joint declaration:
- To become a member of the scheme and contribute to it on actual (higher) pay exceeding the statutory limit (currently ₹15,000/- per month), an employee must submit a joint request with their employer using the specified format.
- The employer will submit the joint request to the Regional Office in their jurisdiction.
- The employer must also agree to pay and file undertaking that the administrative charges as payable on actual (higher) pay and comply with all statutory provisions in respect of the employee in the specified format.
- Employer will submit such joint request and undertaking digitally.
- PF Officer within 07 days of receipt of such request enroll such employee under EPF and inform to employer.
- If you are an existing member who is already contributing to the scheme on actual (higher) pay, but you have not submitted a joint request and undertaking with your employer, you can submit them at the time of your final claim settlement.
Download here joint declaration/request form under para 26(6) of the EPF Scheme: Joint Request
You can also download undertaking to be filed by employer from here : Undertaking