What Is EDLI in EPFO? Eligibility & Benefits 2026

Overview

The Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme is a government-backed life insurance program managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). It provides financial protection to an EPF member's family if the employee dies while in service. The employer pays the entire premium, so employees receive this cover at no additional cost.

Key Features

Automatic Coverage: Eligible EPF members are enrolled automatically without a separate application or medical test.
Employer-Funded: The employer contributes 0.5% of PF wages towards the scheme, subject to applicable limits.
Insurance Benefit: Eligible members may receive ₹2.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh after 12 months of continuous service. Other eligible members may qualify for a ₹50,000 minimum benefit under specific conditions.
Claim Settlement: EPFO states that it settles EDLI claims within 20 days.
Nomination Facility: Employees can nominate family members to receive the benefit.

The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme is a government-backed life insurance scheme managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). It provides financial protection to an eligible EPF member's family if the employee dies while in service. The employer funds the scheme, so employees do not pay a separate premium.

This guide explains EDLI eligibility on death cases, benefit calculations, and how to file an EPFO claim. It also covers the EDLI contribution, the EDLI calculation formula, required documents, and how the revised EPFO wage limit may affect coverage.

Who Is Eligible for the EDLI Scheme?

The Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme automatically covers eligible EPF members without requiring a separate application. Eligibility requires that the member:

Works for an establishment covered under the EPF Act or Chapter III of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Is covered by the applicable scheme provisions at the time of death, including relevant employment-status conditions.

In 2025, EPFO revised certain provisions to extend protection to more employees. These changes include:

Death Within Six Months of the Last PF Contribution: The family may still qualify for EDLI benefits if the employee remains on the employer's payroll.
Gaps Between Jobs: Employment gaps of up to 60 days are disregarded when determining continuity of service for the minimum assurance benefit.
Minimum Benefit for Shorter Service: Eligible members who have not completed 12 months of continuous service can receive a minimum assured benefit of ₹50,000.

These provisions are particularly relevant for employees who have recently changed jobs or whose employers have delayed PF contributions. However, eligibility depends on the applicable scheme conditions and the employee's employment status.

How Does the New ₹25,000 EPFO Wage Ceiling Affect EDLI?

The Union Cabinet approved increasing the EPFO wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, effective 17 September 2026. The limit had remained unchanged since September 2014. This revision is expected to bring more employees under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme.

For EDLI, the revised wage cap has two key implications:

Higher Employer Contributions: Employers contribute 0.5% of PF wages towards EDLI. At a wage ceiling of ₹25,000, the contribution amounts to ₹125 per month, compared with ₹75 under the earlier ceiling of ₹15,000.
Higher Benefit Calculation Base: The EDLI payout formula uses the employee's average monthly wages, subject to the applicable wage ceiling. A higher ceiling can increase the wage component used to calculate the benefit.

The maximum EDLI benefit remains ₹7 lakh under the applicable provisions. For more details on the wage ceiling revision, refer to the EPFO’s FAQs on the revised statutory wage ceiling.

Does Earning Below ₹25,000 Automatically Qualify You for EDLI?

Not necessarily. EDLI eligibility depends on EPF membership and the applicable coverage rules, not salary alone. The revised wage ceiling affects which employees fall under the mandatory coverage framework and the wages used to calculate benefits.

If you earn up to ₹25,000 per month and work for an establishment covered under the applicable EPF provisions, you may qualify for EDLI, provided you meet the relevant eligibility conditions. If your employer has not enrolled you or is not depositing the required contributions, contact your HR team and check your Universal Account Number (UAN) passbook to verify your membership and contribution status.

Key Benefits of Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance

No Cost to Employees: The employer funds the scheme, so employees do not pay any separate premium.
Automatic Coverage: Eligible EPF members receive coverage without a separate application or medical test.
Minimum Assured Benefit: Members who meet the continuous-service requirement are eligible for a minimum benefit of ₹2.5 lakh, subject to scheme conditions.
Maximum Payout of ₹7 Lakh: The maximum insurance benefit under the scheme is ₹7 lakh.
Claim Settlement: EPFO's Annual Report 2024–25 records 69,983 EDLI claims settled during the financial year.
Nomination Facility: Employees can nominate family members to receive the benefit and update their nominations when necessary.

EDLI Scheme: Key Statistics

According to the EPFO Annual Report 2024–25:

Particulars	Figures
No. of EDLI Claims Settled in FY 2024–25	69,983
Total EDLI Benefits Disbursed	₹2,025.68 crore
EDLI Fund Corpus as of FY 2024–25	₹51,323.05 crore
EDLI Fund Income in FY 2024–25	₹7,199.67 crore
EDLI Fund Expenditure in FY 2024–25	₹2,051.22 crore

Source: EPFO Annual Report 2024–25, Chapter 2, pages 50–51. The FY 2024–25 figures are unaudited.

These figures demonstrate the scale of the scheme and the financial support it provides to eligible families. The report also shows that the EDLI fund corpus increased from ₹46,162.65 crore in FY 2023–24 to ₹51,323.05 crore in FY 2024–25.

Despite these benefits, EDLI may not provide enough financial protection to replace a family’s income over the long term. For example, a family with monthly expenses of ₹60,000 could exhaust a ₹7 lakh payout in less than a year. A separate term insurance policy can help bridge this gap. Use a term insurance cover calculator to estimate how much life cover your family may need based on your expenses, liabilities, and financial goals.

How Is EDLI Payment Calculated?

The Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) benefit is calculated using the deceased employee's average monthly wages and the average balance in their Provident Fund (PF) account, subject to the scheme's limits. The amount payable depends on the employee's service history and whether they meet the continuous-service requirement.

Under the standard calculation, the wage-linked component is based on 35 times the average monthly wages, subject to the applicable wage limit. An additional amount may be payable based on the average PF balance, subject to a separate cap. The final benefit is subject to the minimum and maximum assurance limits under the EDLI Scheme.

EDLI Calculation for Members With 12 Months of Continuous Service

For members who meet the 12-month continuous-service requirement, the EDLI benefit is calculated as follows:

EDLI Benefit = 35 times the employee’s average monthly wages + 50% of their average PF balance, subject to the scheme’s limits.

The average monthly wages are subject to the applicable wage ceiling, while the PF-balance component is capped at ₹1.75 lakh. Under the current provisions, the final benefit must be at least ₹2.5 lakh and cannot exceed ₹7 lakh.

Example: Suppose the employee's average monthly wages are ₹15,000 and the average PF balance is ₹2 lakh.

Component	Calculation	Amount
Wage-linked Benefit	35 × ₹15,000	₹5,25,000
PF-balance Benefit	50% × ₹2,00,000	₹1,00,000
Total Calculated Benefit	₹5,25,000 + ₹1,00,000	₹6,25,000

In this example, the eligible nominee or legal heir would receive ₹6.25 lakh, subject to verification and the scheme's conditions. Use the EDLI calculator to estimate the benefit based on the relevant details.

EDLI Calculation for Short or Discontinuous Service

The EDLI Scheme is governed by the Code on Social Security, 2020, and the Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026, which replaced the 1976 scheme.

Benefit Calculation: For eligible short-service cases, the minimum benefit is ₹50,000. If the average PF balance exceeds ₹50,000, the payout is ₹50,000 plus 40% of the excess, capped at ₹1 lakh before the applicable 20% enhancement. Example: If the average PF balance is ₹75,000, the benefit is ₹50,000 plus 40% of ₹25,000, for a total of ₹60,000. After the 20% enhancement, the total benefit becomes ₹72,000.
Employment Gaps: Gaps of up to 60 days between employment periods are ignored when assessing the 12-month continuous-service requirement.
Death Within Six Months: Benefits may remain payable if the employee dies within six months of the last PF contribution while still on the employer’s rolls, subject to the scheme’s conditions.

The nominee or legal heir should submit the claim and supporting documents to EPFO, which will determine the admissible benefit based on the member’s service history, PF balance, and applicable scheme provisions.

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Documents Required to Claim EDLI Benefits

To claim Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) benefits, the nominee or legal heir must submit Form 5 IF along with the required supporting documents to the EPFO. These documents verify the deceased employee’s EPF membership, the claimant’s identity, and eligibility to receive the benefit.

Commonly required documents include:

Completed Form 5 IF: The EDLI claim form, filled in and signed by the claimant.
Death Certificate: Proof of the EPF member’s death.
Identity and Address Proof: Documents for the nominee or legal heir, as applicable.
Bank Account Details: A canceled cheque or bank passbook copy showing the claimant’s account details.
Relationship or Legal-Heir Proof: Required when the claimant is not the registered nominee.
Guardianship Proof: If the claimant is a minor, you may need documents establishing the guardian’s authority.

The EPFO may request additional documents depending on the case. Check the latest EPFO requirements before submitting the claim.

How to Claim EDLI Benefits Without an E-Nomination?

A nominee can still claim EDLI benefits if the deceased employee did not file an e-nomination. However, the claimant may need to provide additional documents to establish their eligibility.

If Family Members Are Eligible: The claim may be processed in accordance with EPF nomination rules and the applicable scheme provisions.
If There Is No Valid Nominee: Eligible family members may claim the benefit under the applicable rules.
If a Legal Heir Is Claiming: A succession certificate or other proof of legal entitlement may be required.
For a Minor Claimant: Guardianship documents may be necessary.

The claimant should submit the required documents and can file the claim in person through the employer or the relevant EPFO office if online filing is unavailable.

How to Add/Edit Your Nominee in the UAN Portal?

EPF members can add or update their nomination online through the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal. Add the nominee while the member is alive, as a nominee cannot update a deceased member’s nomination afterward.

1) Log in to the UAN Member e-Sewa portal using your UAN and password.

2) Open the Manage tab and select E-Nomination.

3) Update your profile details if prompted, then save them.

4) Select Yes to update your family declaration.

5) Click Add Family Details and enter the required information about your family members.

6) Open Nomination Details, select the nominees, and allocate their respective shares. The total share should equal 100%.

7) Save the nomination and complete Aadhaar-based e-signing using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Note: Review your nomination after major life changes, such as marriage or the birth of a child, to ensure your details remain accurate.

How to Claim EDLI Benefits?

The nominee or eligible family member of a deceased EPF member can claim Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) benefits by filing Form 5 IF with the required supporting documents. The claim can be submitted online where the relevant facility is available or offline through the employer and the EPFO office. If there is no e-nomination or online filing is unavailable, the claimant may need to submit a physical claim with additional verification.

Steps to File an EDLI Claim Online

1) Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal.

2) Look for the Death Claim Filing by Nominee option, where available.

3) Enter the deceased member’s UAN and the claimant’s details, including Aadhaar information, as requested.

4) Verify the claimant’s identity using the required OTP authentication.

5) Select the EDLI insurance claim option and complete the details in Form 5 IF. If claiming other benefits, such as the deceased member’s EPF balance or pension, select the applicable forms separately.

6) Upload the death certificate, bank proof, identity documents, and other supporting documents requested by the portal.

7) Review the details and submit the claim. Save the acknowledgment or reference number to track its status.

Steps to File an EDLI Claim Offline

If online filing is unavailable or the deceased member did not have an e-nomination, the claimant can submit the claim physically.

1) Obtain Form 5 IF: Download or request the EDLI claim form from the employer or EPFO office.

2) Complete the Form: Enter the deceased member’s details and the claimant’s information.

3) Attach Supporting Documents: Include the death certificate, claimant’s identity proof, bank account proof, and any required nomination, relationship, guardianship, or legal-heir documents.

4) Get the Claim Verified: Ask the employer to certify the form. If the employer is unavailable or the establishment has closed, contact the EPFO office for guidance on alternative attestation.

5) Submit the Claim: Send the completed form and supporting documents to the relevant Regional EPFO office, as directed by the employer or EPFO.

6) Track the Claim: Keep the acknowledgment and follow up with the EPFO office if they request additional information.

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Conclusion

EDLI provides eligible EPF members’ families with life insurance cover of ₹2.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh at no direct cost to the employee, subject to the applicable scheme conditions. However, EDLI and employer-provided group life insurance often fall short of covering a family’s long-term financial needs.

A personal term insurance policy can bridge this gap by providing a much higher life cover at a relatively low premium. Check your e-nomination on the EPFO member portal and explore the best term insurance plans in India to find coverage that fits your family’s needs.

Disclosure: This article uses publicly available information and is intended for educational purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an employee increase the insurance cover available under EDLI?

No. Employees cannot increase their EDLI cover directly because the scheme’s formula and statutory limits determine the benefit. The maximum payout is ₹7 lakh. If this amount is insufficient to protect your family financially, consider purchasing a separate term insurance policy with a higher life cover.

Does EDLI cover an employee’s death outside India?

EDLI eligibility depends on the employee’s EPF membership and the scheme’s conditions, not simply on where the death occurs. However, the claim may require additional verification and documents issued abroad. The nominee should contact the employer or EPFO to confirm documentation requirements, including whether foreign death records need attestation or translation.

How long does it take to receive an EDLI claim payout?

The EPFO aims to settle EDLI claims within 20 days of receiving a complete application. If your claim remains unsettled beyond this period, follow up with the relevant EPFO office using your claim acknowledgment. You can also raise a grievance through the EPFiGMS portal. Under the EDLI Scheme, 2026, the EPFO must communicate any deficiencies in the application in writing within 20 days. Unjustified delays may also attract penal-interest provisions under the scheme.

Can a family claim EDLI benefits if the employer has shut down or is unavailable?

Yes. The family may still be able to claim EDLI benefits if the employer has closed or cannot be contacted. The claimant should approach the relevant EPFO office for guidance on submitting Form 5 IF and verifying employment records. Additional documents or alternative claim certification may be required.

Does EDLI coverage continue when an employee changes jobs?

Yes. EDLI coverage is linked to eligible EPF membership, not to one specific employer. When an employee changes jobs, coverage may continue if the applicable eligibility conditions are met. Employment gaps of up to 60 days may be disregarded when assessing continuity of service for the minimum assured benefit, subject to scheme rules.

Can an employee receive EDLI benefits if the employer has an approved alternative insurance scheme?

Not necessarily. An establishment with an approved exemption from the EDLI Scheme may operate under an alternative group insurance arrangement, subject to applicable conditions. In such cases, the approved scheme governs benefits rather than standard EDLI provisions. Employees should confirm their employer’s exemption status and the alternative policy’s coverage.

Can a family claim EDLI if the employee’s PF contributions stopped before their death?

Possibly. Under applicable provisions, a family may qualify if the employee dies within six months of the last PF contribution and remains on the employer’s rolls. Other eligibility conditions also apply. The nominee should contact the employer or EPFO to verify the employee’s status and confirm whether the claim qualifies.

Can EDLI benefits be claimed along with other life insurance policies?

Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can receive EDLI benefits alongside payouts from personal term insurance policies and/or employer-provided group life insurance. EDLI is a separate benefit linked to EPF membership and is subject to its scheme conditions. Having another life insurance policy does not, by itself, disqualify the family from receiving EDLI benefits.

Can my family claim EDLI if my employer did not deposit EPF contributions?

Yes. An employer’s failure to deposit EPF contributions does not automatically disqualify the family from receiving EDLI benefits. Contributions due but unpaid may be considered when calculating the relevant average PF balance. Eligibility depends on EPF membership, employment records, and applicable scheme conditions. The family should contact EPFO to verify its claim.

What are the EDLI charges for employees?

Employees do not pay separate EDLI charges. The employer contributes under the applicable contribution rules. Verify the current contribution base against EPFO’s latest instructions, particularly after the September 2026 wage limit revision.

Last updated on: 31 Oct, 2026

What Is EDLI in EPFO? Benefits, Eligibility, & Claims