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Must be between Aug 1, 2025 - Jul 31, 2027.
Used to calculate the incentive amount (capped at ₹15,000).
Your total salary must be up to ₹1,00,000 to be eligible.

Welcome to the ELI Calculator

Use the form on the left to get a personalized illustration for the **Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme**. See your eligibility status and estimate your total benefit.

What is ELI Scheme A (Part A)?

Scheme A is the component of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme focused directly on you, the employee. Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, its primary goal is to encourage young people to join the formal, organized workforce by offering a direct financial reward for their first job. This helps shift employment from the informal sector (with no social security) to the formal sector with benefits like EPFO.

Key Scheme Details

  • Scheme Duration: Benefits apply to new jobs created from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027.
  • Target Beneficiaries: Aims to benefit approximately 1.92 crore (19.2 million) first-time employees.

Eligibility Criteria in Detail

  • First-Time EPFO Registrant: This is the most crucial rule. Your Universal Account Number (UAN) must be created for the first time between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027. Even if you worked for cash before, your first formal job with a PF account makes you eligible.
  • Monthly Salary Cap: Your total monthly salary (CTC) must be up to ₹1,00,000. If your CTC is even one rupee over this limit, you are not eligible.
  • Aadhaar and UAN Linking: Your UAN must be activated and linked with your Aadhaar and a bank account to receive the payment via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Your Benefits Explained: The ₹15,000 Incentive

  • Incentive Calculation: The benefit is equal to one month of your EPF wage (Basic + DA), with the final amount capped at a maximum of ₹15,000.
  • Installment Plan: The total incentive is paid in two equal parts:
    • First Installment (50%): Paid after you complete 6 months of continuous service.
    • Second Installment (50%): Paid after you complete 12 months of service AND successfully finish a mandatory online Financial Literacy Program.
  • Savings Component: A portion of your incentive will be held in a savings instrument (like a Fixed Deposit) for a fixed period to promote saving habits. You can withdraw this portion later.

Understanding the Employer's Role

While the benefit is paid to you, the employee, the scheme places significant responsibilities on your employer. Understanding this relationship is key:

  • Verification: Your employer is responsible for correctly registering you under EPFO and ensuring your details are accurate for the scheme.
  • Financial Risk: This is the most critical part. If you leave your job before completing 12 months, your employer is required to refund the entire incentive amount (that was paid to you) back to the government. This makes employers keen to hire candidates who are likely to stay for at least a year.
  • No Direct Payout: Your employer does not pay you the incentive directly. It comes from the government. The employer's role is administrative and to bear the risk of early attrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main purpose of the ELI Scheme?
The ELI scheme is designed to boost formal employment by incentivizing both first-time employees and their employers, aiming to bring more workers into the social security net of EPFO.
Am I eligible if I worked informally before (cash salary)?
Yes. If this is the first job where an EPFO UAN is being created for you, you are considered a 'first-time employee' and are eligible, provided you meet all other criteria (salary cap, joining date).
What is the "financial literacy program"?
It is a mandatory online course prescribed by the government. You must complete this program to receive your second and final installment. The course aims to improve financial knowledge and encourage good saving habits. Details will be provided by EPFO as the scheme rolls out.
How will I receive the money?
The incentive is not paid by your employer. It is transferred directly from the government to your Aadhaar-linked bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
What happens if I leave the job in 8 months?
You would be eligible to receive the first installment after completing 6 months. However, because you left before 12 months, your employer would be required to refund the incentive amount paid to you back to the government. You would not be eligible for the second installment.
What does 'EPF Wage' mean? Is it the same as my in-hand salary?
No. 'EPF Wage' is specifically your **Basic Salary + Dearness Allowance (DA)**. It is usually lower than your total CTC or in-hand salary, as it excludes other allowances like HRA, medical, etc. The incentive is calculated on this specific wage.
Is the ₹1,00,000 salary cap based on EPF wage or total CTC?
The ₹1,00,000 per month salary cap is based on your **total Cost to Company (CTC)** as mentioned in your offer letter, not just the EPF wage. If your CTC is ₹1,00,001, you are not eligible.
Do I need to apply for this scheme separately?
No, you do not need to apply manually. If your employer registers you as a new employee with EPFO during the scheme period and you meet all the criteria, you will be automatically considered for the benefit. The disbursement is handled via the government's DBT system.
Is this ELI scheme the same as PMRPY or ABRY?
No, it is a new scheme. While it shares the goal of promoting formal employment like the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) and Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY), the ELI scheme has a different structure. It provides a direct cash incentive to the employee, whereas the previous schemes primarily subsidized the employer's EPF contribution.