What is the difference between EPF, EPS, and EDLI?

EPF, EPS, and EDLI are three components funded through provident-fund contributions. EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) is the retirement savings account that earns interest and is withdrawable. EPS (Employees’ Pension Scheme) funds a monthly pension after retirement. EDLI (Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance) provides a life-insurance benefit to the employee’s family in case of death during service.

The contributions split as follows: the employee’s 12% of basic plus DA goes entirely to EPF. The employer’s matching 12% is divided — 8.33% to EPS (calculated on a wage ceiling of ₹15,000) and the remaining 3.67% to EPF. Separately, the employer contributes 0.5% of wages towards EDLI. So the employee builds savings through EPF, a pension through EPS, and insurance cover through EDLI, with only EPF receiving the employee’s own contribution.