The EPFO subscribers who want to contribute more than the statutory limit must submit a joint request and permission under EPF Scheme, 1952, Paragraph 26(6). A format has been authorized by the CBT during the 234th Meeting, held on October 31, 2023, for this purpose.
New cases will be processed digitally using the authorized format to save time and paper usage.
The EPFO circular of January 30, 2024 states that in cases where the employer has paid administrative charges on an employee’s contribution to pay more than the statutory limit, and the employee had already paid more than the statutory limit but has left their position or passed away before October 31, 2023, it is assumed that the employee was permitted to contribute more than the statutory limit.
Existing members who are already contributing on pay more than the statutory limit, and their employers are also paying administrative charges on such contributions, do not need to file their joint requests immediately, specifically for cases under Para 26(6) of EPF Scheme, 1952.
Additionally, the joint request under Para 26(6) of the EPF scheme 1952 requires a joint option of employee and employer to be submitted for provident fund contribution on higher wages, as per the EPF Scheme 1952, Para 26(6).
Moreover, as per the Supreme Court’s order dated November 4, 2022, an employee is eligible for higher EPS pension under specific conditions related to retirement and EPF membership.