EPFO Vishwas 2026 Scheme: Who Can Apply, Reduced PF Damages, Eligibility and Online Process

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced the Vishwas 2026 Scheme, a one-time settlement initiative that allows eligible employers to resolve long-pending provident fund (PF) damage cases by paying substantially reduced penal damages. The six-month scheme is aimed at reducing litigation and helping establishments close old disputes through a simplified online process.

According to the EPFO, the scheme applies to defaults that occurred before June 14, 2024 and is available from June 29, 2026 to December 29, 2026. It covers pending proceedings before courts, tribunals and cases at different stages under Section 14B of the EPF Act. How To Check if Your EPF Interest for FY 2025-26 Has Been Credited After EPFO’s 8.25% Payout.

What Is The EPFO Vishwas 2026 Scheme?

In a post on X, the EPFO said employers can settle eligible cases pending before the Supreme Court, High Courts or the Central Government Industrial Tribunal (CGIT) at reduced damage rates of 0.25%, 0.50% or 1%, depending on the period of delay.

The organisation said the scheme provides a settlement mechanism for pending proceedings relating to damages under Section 14B of the EPF Act. Once the prescribed amount is paid, employers can obtain closure of their pending disputes. What Can Delay Your EPF Auto Transfer After Changing Jobs?

To explain the initiative, the EPFO also released a video describing the scheme as a one-time opportunity available for only six months.

Who Can Benefit From The Scheme?

According to the EPFO, the scheme covers a broad range of pending PF damage matters.

Eligible cases include:

• Matters pending before the Supreme Court, High Courts or the CGIT.
• Cases where damages have already been assessed but remain unpaid.
• Cases in which a Section 14B notice has been issued.
• Pre-adjudication matters where notices are yet to be served.

The objective is to help employers resolve long-pending disputes without prolonged legal proceedings.

Reduced Damage Rates Under Vishwas 2026

One of the key features of the scheme is the significantly reduced rate of penal damages.

Under the scheme:

• Less than 2 months' delay: 0.25% per month
• 2 months to less than 4 months: 0.50% per month
• 4 months or more: 1% per month

The EPFO said these rates are substantially lower than the standard damages applicable under Section 14B, offering considerable financial relief to eligible employers.

How To Apply Online

The settlement process has been made fully digital.

Employers need to:

• Log in to the EPFO Employer Portal.
• Select the Vishwas Scheme option.
• Submit the online application and upload the required documents.
• Wait for the EPFO to recalculate damages at the revised rates.
• Receive the revised amount through SMS or email.
• Accept the revised amount online.
• Make payment within 15 days using the ECR-linked payment mechanism with the special Vishwas ID.

After successful payment, the EPFO will issue a digitally signed Vishwas certificate, which can be submitted before the relevant court or tribunal to facilitate closure of the pending proceedings.

Six-Month Window To Resolve Old Disputes

The EPFO has described the Vishwas 2026 Scheme as a one-time, six-month settlement window intended to reduce litigation, improve compliance and provide a faster resolution mechanism for employers facing long-pending PF damage disputes.

For establishments with pending Section 14B cases, unpaid damages or ongoing litigation, the scheme offers an opportunity to settle disputes at substantially lower rates instead of continuing lengthy legal proceedings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2026 11:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).