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EDLI Para 22(3) - Continuous Service Clarification

EDLI Para 22(3) - Continuous Service Clarification

🏢 EDLI Para 22(3) Circular

Continuous Service Clarification - Treatment of Weekends & Holidays

Circular Number 791942/EDLI/Continuous/Service/Clarification/2024
Issue Date 17 December 2025
Authority EPFO, Ministry of Labour & Employment
Priority MOST IMMEDIATE

📋 Overview

This circular provides clarification on the treatment of weekends and closed holidays in determining continuous service for EDLI (Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance) Scheme claims under Para 22(3) of the EDLI 1976.

Key Update: Weekend/holiday gaps between two spells of service will NOT be treated as break in service, provided the date of exit and joining are separated only by these offs/holidays.

🔄 Recent Amendments (GSR 476(E) dated 18.7.2025)

Key Changes:

  • Minimum benefit payable to dependents/legal heirs raised to Rs. 50,000 (for members with less than 12 months continuous service)
  • EDLI benefits now payable if death occurs within six months of last contribution received (while still on employer's rolls)
  • Service gaps of up to 60 days between multiple EPF establishments will be ignored for continuous service calculation
⚠️ Important: Saturdays, Sundays, declared weekly offs, and national/gazetted/state/restricted holidays will NOT be treated as break in service.

📌 Key Clarifications

Problem Identified:

EDLI death claims were being denied or settled for reduced amounts due to:

  • Interpretation of minor gaps as breaks in service
  • Incorrect assessment of continuous employment across multiple spells
  • Treating weekends (Saturday & Sunday) between two establishments as break in service

Resolution:

Continuous spells of service immediately followed by Saturdays, Sundays, or declared weekly offs will now be treated as continuous service, provided the separation is only due to these offs/holidays.

✓ Decision: Regional PF Commissioners must ensure compliance while processing EDLI claims. IT Division to incorporate changes in EDLI processing module.

📍 What This Means for You

For Employees/Members:

  • Better protection for EDLI benefits eligibility
  • Weekend gaps won't impact your continuous service calculation
  • Multiple employment spells (up to 60 days gap) will be considered continuous
  • Increased minimum benefit guarantee (Rs. 50,000)

For Dependents/Legal Heirs:

  • Improved chances of EDLI claim approval
  • Reduced risk of claim denial due to technical gaps
  • Higher guaranteed minimum amount
  • Benefits even if death occurs within 6 months of last contribution

📚 References

Related Notifications & Circulars:

GSR 299(E) dated 29.04.2021: Earlier amendments to Para 22 of EDLI Scheme, 1976
GSR 476(E) dated 18.07.2025: Latest amendments - Minimum benefit enhancement and continuous service clarification
EDLI Scheme, 1976: Original scheme framework under EPF & MP Act, 1952
Employees Provident Fund Act, 1952: Primary legislation governing EPF & EDLI

📞 For More Information

Official Website: www.epfindia.gov.in

Circular Authority: Additional Central P.F. Commissioner (Aprajita Jaggi)

Organization: Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India

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