EDLI Death Benefit Calculator 2026
Estimate the EDLI assurance benefit under the Scheme, 2026. The result depends on whether the member completed 12 months of continuous employment before death; the ₹2.5 lakh minimum and ₹7 lakh maximum apply to the 12-month formula route.
Deceased Member PF & Wage Data
Select yes for death during covered employment, or when death occurred within six months of the last contribution while the member remained on the employer's rolls (paragraph 21(6)).
The 2026 Scheme took effect on 29 June 2026. Before 17 September 2026, the wage ceiling was ₹15,000; from that date it is ₹25,000. If left blank, the calculator uses the current ceiling.
This selects the paragraph 21(4) formula. Gaps of up to 60 days between employment spells are ignored for this test.
The Scheme uses the applicable statutory wage definition and ceiling. Do not assume this is always basic pay plus DA. Ceiling applied: ₹25,000/month.
The 12-month route is the only route in this calculator to which the ₹2,50,000 minimum and ₹7,00,000 cap apply. The final claim depends on the official wage and balance records and the rule in force on the date of death.
For the 12-month formula, 50% of the average PF balance is included, capped at ₹1,75,000. For a shorter-service case, the Scheme uses a different balance-based formula.
Employees do not contribute a single rupee to EDLI. The entire 0.50% premium is contributed every month by the employer.
12-month maximum applied
The paragraph 21(4) formula is capped at ₹7,00,000.
Preparing an EDLI Claim
- Confirm the current EPFO claim form and submission route before filing; forms and portal instructions may change under the 2026 Scheme.
- Original or certified copy of the Death Certificate issued by Local Body.
- Cancelled cheque or bank passbook copy of the claimant/nominee with IFSC code.
- Nomination or legal-heir documents, as applicable to the member's records and the EPFO claim instructions.
EDLI Scheme 2026: eligibility and benefit calculation
The Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026 replaced the 1976 Scheme from 29 June 2026. The assurance benefit is paid in addition to the member’s provident-fund accumulations, to the nominee or other person entitled under the Scheme.
If the member had 12 months of continuous employment
Paragraph 21(4) uses average monthly wages drawn in the 12 months before the month of death, multiplied by 35, plus 50% of average PF balance for the preceding 12 months, with the balance component capped at ₹1,75,000. The benefit under this route has a ₹2,50,000 minimum and a ₹7,00,000 maximum. Gaps of up to 60 days between employment spells are ignored for the 12-month continuity test. The Scheme uses its statutory wage definition and the ceiling applicable on the relevant date; basic pay plus DA should not be assumed to be the complete wage figure.
If the member had less than 12 months
Paragraphs 21(1), (2) and (5) use an average-balance benefit: the minimum is ₹50,000; when the average balance exceeds ₹50,000, the amount is ₹50,000 plus 40% of the excess, capped at ₹1,00,000. Paragraph 21(5) increases the applicable benefit by 20%. The ₹2,50,000 minimum and ₹7,00,000 maximum are not the limits for this shorter-service route.
Paragraph 21(6) preserves eligibility when a member dies in service within six months of the last contribution received while still on the employer’s rolls. The calculator treats that as an eligibility input; the official records and EPFO’s decision control the claim.
This estimate does not replace an EPFO determination. Multiple-employer or part-time cases and unusual service histories may need separate treatment. Confirm the claim form and supporting documents from the current EPFO instructions before submitting.
Frequently asked questions
What is EDLI?
The Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026 provides an assurance benefit to the nominee or other eligible person when an EPF member dies in covered service. The employer contributes 0.50% of wages; employees do not pay this contribution.
How is the EDLI benefit calculated?
For 12 months of continuous employment, paragraph 21(4) uses 35 times average monthly wages plus 50% of average PF balance (the balance addition is capped at ₹1,75,000), subject to a ₹2,50,000 minimum and ₹7,00,000 maximum. Shorter-service cases use paragraphs 21(1), (2) and (5): a balance-based amount with a ₹50,000 minimum and a 20% increase.
Did the EPF ceiling change increase the EDLI maximum?
No. The EDLI Scheme's paragraph 21(4) maximum remains ₹7,00,000. That cap and the ₹2,50,000 minimum apply to the 12-month service formula; the shorter-service balance-based route has different limits.
Is EDLI payable after retirement?
The assurance benefit is for death in covered service. Paragraph 21(6) also covers a member who dies within six months of the last contribution received while still on the employer's rolls. Confirm the service and contribution records with EPFO.