Last updated: October 2026
The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI) provides insurance protection to eligible EPFO members. If an eligible EPFO member dies while covered under the scheme, an assurance benefit may be payable to the nominee or other eligible beneficiary.
But how much is the EDLI benefit?
It depends on factors such as the member’s average PF balance, average monthly wages and continuous service.
Use our EDLI Calculator 2026 below to estimate the EDLI assurance benefit.
Important: This calculator provides an estimate for educational purposes. The actual EDLI benefit payable in a particular case is determined by EPFO based on its records and the provisions applicable to the claim.
EDLI Calculator 2026
Enter:
- Average PF balance
- Average monthly Basic + DA wages
- Continuous service before death
The calculator will estimate the applicable EDLI assurance benefit and show the calculation.
EDLI Scheme 2026: What Has Changed?
The Government notified the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026 on 29 June 2026, replacing the earlier EDLI Scheme, 1976. The new scheme came into force from its publication in the Gazette.
One of the most important changes for employees is the revised structure of the assurance benefit.
Under the new scheme, the benefit can be determined using the member’s average PF balance and, where the required continuous-service condition is satisfied, a wage-linked formula.
The scheme provides a minimum assurance benefit of ₹2.5 lakh under the 12-month formula and a maximum of ₹7 lakh.
Important 2026 Update: EPFO Wage Ceiling Increased to ₹25,000
There is an important development that should not be missed when calculating EDLI in 2026.
The statutory wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage was increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, effective 17 September 2026. The Government says the revised ceiling expands access to EPF, EPS and EDLI protection for eligible employees earning between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000.
However, this does not mean that the maximum EDLI benefit has automatically increased from ₹7 lakh to ₹10.5 lakh.
The EDLI Scheme 2026 separately specifies that the assurance benefit under the 12-month calculation cannot exceed ₹7 lakh.
This distinction is important because the mathematical formula can produce an amount higher than ₹7 lakh, but the statutory maximum still applies.
What Is EDLI?
EDLI stands for Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme.
It is an insurance-linked social-security benefit administered within the EPFO framework.
The scheme provides an assurance benefit to eligible beneficiaries when a covered member dies.
Unlike a private life insurance policy, the member does not purchase an individual EDLI policy.
The EDLI benefit is linked to the member’s EPF membership and the applicable provisions of the scheme.
How Is EDLI Benefit Calculated?
The EDLI Scheme 2026 contains more than one calculation mechanism.
The two important calculations are:
1. PF-balance-linked benefit
This calculation is based on the member’s average PF balance.
2. 12-month continuous-service calculation
Where the member was continuously employed for the required 12-month period immediately before death, the scheme provides a wage-linked calculation.
The applicable benefit is determined under the scheme, including the comparison between the relevant benefits.
EDLI Calculation Based on Average PF Balance
Under Para 21(1) of the EDLI Scheme 2026, the assurance benefit is linked to the average balance in the member’s PF account during the preceding 12 months, or the member’s period of membership if shorter.
If the average balance is ₹50,000 or less, the benefit is based on that average balance, subject to the minimum benefit provided under Para 21(2).
If the average balance is more than ₹50,000, the calculation is:
₹50,000 + 40% of the amount above ₹50,000
subject to a maximum of ₹1 lakh under this component. The scheme also provides a minimum assurance benefit of ₹50,000 in the circumstances covered by Para 21(2).
Example
Suppose the average PF balance is: ₹2,00,000
The calculation is: ₹50,000 + 40% × (₹2,00,000 − ₹50,000)
= ₹50,000 + ₹60,000 = ₹1,10,000
But the applicable ceiling under this component is ₹1 lakh.
Therefore: PF-linked benefit = ₹1,00,000
EDLI Calculation for 12 Months of Continuous Service
Para 21(4) provides a separate calculation where the member was in employment for the continuous 12-month period immediately preceding the month of death.
The calculation is:
35 × average monthly wages
plus
50% of the average PF balance
The 50% PF component is subject to a maximum of ₹1.75 lakh.
The total assurance benefit under this calculation:
- cannot be less than ₹2.5 lakh
- cannot exceed ₹7 lakh.
The scheme also provides that, for determining the required 12 months of continuous service, a gap of up to 60 days between two periods of employment is disregarded, allowing the periods to be treated as continuous service.
EDLI Formula 2026
For the 12-month calculation:
EDLI Benefit = (35 × Average Monthly Wages) + 50% of Average PF Balance
subject to the applicable limits.
The PF component cannot exceed:
₹1,75,000
and the final assurance benefit cannot exceed:
₹7,00,000
The wage component is subject to the wage ceiling notified by the Central Government.
What Is the ₹25,000 Wage Ceiling and How Does It Affect EDLI?
From 17 September 2026, the statutory EPFO wage ceiling for mandatory coverage increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
This is important for EDLI because Para 21(4)(i) refers to the wage ceiling notified by the Central Government when calculating the average monthly wages.
Therefore, for a current 2026 calculation, the applicable notified ceiling needs to be considered.
Example
Suppose:
Average monthly wages = ₹25,000
Then:
35 × ₹25,000
= ₹8,75,000
Even before adding the PF component, this exceeds the ₹7 lakh maximum.
Therefore, the final EDLI benefit remains:
₹7,00,000
The increase in the wage ceiling therefore does not automatically increase the maximum EDLI payout beyond ₹7 lakh under the current EDLI Scheme 2026.
Can EDLI Benefit Become ₹10.5 Lakh?
This is one of the most important questions following the 2026 wage-ceiling increase.
No — not under the current ₹7 lakh statutory ceiling.
For example:
Average monthly wages = ₹25,000
35 × ₹25,000 = ₹8,75,000
Suppose average PF balance = ₹3,50,000.
50% of PF balance = ₹1,75,000.
The mathematical result becomes:
₹8,75,000 + ₹1,75,000
= ₹10,50,000
However, Para 21(4) of the EDLI Scheme 2026 expressly limits the assurance benefit to ₹7 lakh.
Therefore:
Calculated amount: ₹10.50 lakh
Maximum payable under current scheme: ₹7 lakh
Estimated EDLI benefit: ₹7 lakh
Unless the Government separately changes the EDLI benefit ceiling, the maximum remains ₹7 lakh.
EDLI Calculation Example
Let’s take a more realistic example.
Member’s details
| Particular | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average PF Balance | ₹2,00,000 |
| Average Monthly Basic + DA | ₹15,000 |
| Continuous Service | 12 months or more |
Step 1: PF-linked calculation
₹50,000 + 40% × (₹2,00,000 − ₹50,000)
= ₹1,10,000
Subject to the applicable ceiling:
₹1,00,000
Step 2: 20% increase
Para 21(5) provides for a further 20% increase in the benefits admissible under Para 21(1) or 21(3).
20% of ₹1,00,000:
₹20,000
Enhanced amount:
₹1,20,000
Step 3: 12-month calculation
35 × ₹15,000
= ₹5,25,000
PF component:
50% × ₹2,00,000
= ₹1,00,000
Total:
₹5,25,000 + ₹1,00,000
= ₹6,25,000
The amount is within the ₹2.5 lakh minimum and ₹7 lakh maximum.
Final estimated EDLI benefit:
₹6,25,000
EDLI Calculation Example With ₹25,000 Wages
Now consider a member whose average monthly wages are ₹25,000.
Details
- Average monthly wages: ₹25,000
- Average PF balance: ₹2,00,000
- Continuous service: 12 months or more
Wage component
35 × ₹25,000 = ₹8,75,000
PF component
50% × ₹2,00,000 = ₹1,00,000
Raw calculation
₹8,75,000 + ₹1,00,000 = ₹9,75,000
But the scheme’s maximum is ₹7 lakh.
Therefore: Final EDLI benefit = ₹7,00,000
What Is the Maximum EDLI Benefit in 2026?
The maximum EDLI assurance benefit under the current EDLI Scheme 2026 is:
₹7 lakh
It is important not to interpret the ₹25,000 EPFO wage ceiling as a ₹10.5 lakh EDLI benefit.
The two limits serve different purposes.
₹25,000 = revised statutory wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage.
₹7 lakh = maximum EDLI assurance benefit under the current EDLI Scheme 2026.
What Is the Minimum EDLI Benefit?
Under Para 21(2), a minimum assurance benefit of ₹50,000 applies even where the average PF balance is below ₹50,000, subject to the circumstances specified by the scheme.
For the separate 12-month continuous-service calculation under Para 21(4), the minimum assurance benefit is: ₹2.5 lakh
The maximum under that calculation is: ₹7 lakh
EDLI Eligibility
EDLI applies to employees and establishments covered by the applicable EPFO/social-security framework and scheme provisions.
The EDLI Scheme 2026 states that it applies to employees of establishments to which Chapter III of the Code on Social Security, 2020 applies, subject to the applicable provisions.
Actual eligibility in an individual claim depends on the member’s:
- EPFO membership
- Employment status
- Contribution records
- Coverage under the scheme
- Date of death
- Relevant service history
- Nomination/family circumstances
Therefore, an online calculator should be treated as an estimate, not as a determination of eligibility.
Who Receives the EDLI Benefit?
The EDLI assurance amount is generally payable according to the member’s valid nomination.
Under Para 22, a nomination made under the applicable EPF framework is treated as the nomination for EDLI purposes. Where there is no valid nomination, the scheme provides for payment to eligible family members or the legally entitled person, depending on the circumstances.
This makes it important for EPFO members to keep their nomination details updated.
Does EDLI Cover Death After Leaving Employment?
The answer depends on the specific circumstances.
Para 21(6) of the EDLI Scheme 2026 provides a specific provision where a member dies within six months of the last contribution while continuing to be on the employer’s rolls.
Therefore, EDLI eligibility should not be determined simply by asking whether the employee was actively contributing on the exact date of death.
The member’s employment and contribution circumstances need to be examined under the applicable EDLI provisions.
How to Claim EDLI Benefit?
A claimant has to file the applicable EDLI claim in the manner prescribed by EPFO.
The EDLI Scheme 2026 provides that claims may be filed online or offline in the form and manner specified by the Central Provident Fund Commissioner.
Depending on the circumstances, documents may include:
- Death certificate
- UAN/EPFO details
- Nomination details
- Bank account details
- Identity documents
- Documents establishing the claimant’s eligibility
The exact documents required can vary according to the circumstances of the claim.
How Long Does EPFO Take to Settle an EDLI Claim?
The EDLI Scheme 2026 provides that a complete claim with the required documents should be settled within 20 days of receipt. If there is a deficiency in the claim, the applicant is to be informed of it within the prescribed period.
The scheme also contains a provision for penal interest where a complete claim is not settled within the prescribed period without sufficient reason.
EDLI vs EPF vs EPS
Many people confuse these three EPFO benefits.
| Feature | EPF | EPS | EDLI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Employees’ Provident Fund | Employees’ Pension Scheme | Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance |
| Main Purpose | Retirement savings | Pension | Insurance protection |
| Main Benefit | PF accumulation | Pension / Family pension | Death assurance benefit |
| Benefit on Death | PF balance may be payable | Family/dependant pension may apply | EDLI assurance may apply |
| Separate Calculation? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Therefore, after the death of an eligible EPFO member, the family should check EPF, EPS and EDLI separately.
An EDLI calculator does not calculate the EPF balance or EPS pension.
Why Use an EDLI Calculator?
The EDLI calculation can be confusing because it involves:
- Average PF balance
- Average monthly wages
- Continuous service
- Wage ceiling
- PF component ceiling
- Minimum benefit
- Maximum benefit
- Different provisions of the EDLI Scheme
The Wealthpedia EDLI Calculator brings these factors together and provides an estimated benefit.
You can use it to:
- Calculate EDLI benefit online
- Understand the EDLI formula
- Estimate the benefit based on PF balance
- Calculate the 12-month wage-linked benefit
- Understand the impact of the ₹25,000 wage ceiling
- Check whether the calculated amount reaches the ₹7 lakh maximum
Frequently Asked Questions About EDLI
What is EDLI?
EDLI stands for Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme. It provides an assurance benefit to eligible EPFO members’ nominees or beneficiaries when the member dies, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
What is the EDLI maximum benefit in 2026?
The maximum EDLI assurance benefit under the current EDLI Scheme 2026 is ₹7 lakh.
What is the EDLI formula?
For the applicable 12-month continuous-service calculation:
35 × average monthly wages + 50% of average PF balance
subject to the prescribed wage ceiling, PF-component ceiling, ₹2.5 lakh minimum and ₹7 lakh maximum.
Has the EPFO wage ceiling increased to ₹25,000?
Yes. The statutory wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage was increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month effective 17 September 2026.
Does the ₹25,000 wage ceiling increase EDLI to ₹10.5 lakh?
No. The mathematical formula may produce an amount above ₹7 lakh, but the current EDLI Scheme 2026 caps the assurance benefit at ₹7 lakh.
Is EDLI the same as EPF?
No. EPF is the provident fund accumulation. EDLI is an insurance assurance benefit.
Is EDLI the same as EPS?
No. EPS provides pension-related benefits, while EDLI provides an insurance assurance benefit.
Who receives EDLI after the member’s death?
The benefit is paid according to the applicable nomination and family/legal-entitlement provisions under the EDLI Scheme.
Can I calculate EDLI online?
Yes. You can use the Wealthpedia EDLI Calculator 2026 at the beginning of this page.
What information is needed for an EDLI calculation?
The main inputs are:
Average PF balance
Average monthly Basic + DA wages
Continuous service
The actual claim, however, is determined using EPFO’s official records.
Is the EDLI benefit separate from EPF?
Yes. EDLI is separate from the member’s accumulated EPF balance.
Can a family receive EPF, EPS and EDLI benefits?
Potentially, yes. These are separate EPFO schemes with separate eligibility conditions. The family should assess each benefit independently.
EDLI Calculator 2026: Final Takeaway
The EDLI Scheme 2026 provides important insurance protection to eligible EPFO members and their families.
The calculation is not simply a fixed ₹7 lakh payment.
Depending on the applicable provision, the calculation can involve:
Average PF balance and 35 × average monthly wages + 50% of average PF balance
for members satisfying the relevant 12-month continuous-service condition.
The EPFO wage ceiling increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 from 17 September 2026, but the maximum EDLI assurance benefit under the current scheme remains ₹7 lakh.
Use the Wealthpedia EDLI Calculator 2026 above to estimate your potential EDLI benefit.