
What is the scheme?
PM-VBRY provides direct cash incentives to eligible employees and employers to boost formal job creation.Part A – Employees
- First-time EPFO-registered workers earning up to ₹1 lakh per month
- Incentive up to ₹15,000, paid in two instalments:
- First instalment after completing 6 months in the job
- Second instalment after 12 months and completing a financial literacy module
- First instalment after completing 6 months in the job
- Part of the second instalment is held in a designated savings account to promote long-term savings
- EPFO-registered companies hiring additional staff
- Incentive up to ₹3,000 per month per eligible new hire
- Benefit for two years for most sectors; up to four years for manufacturing firms
- Hiring thresholds: at least 2 extra hires for companies with under 50 staff, and 5 extra for companies with 50 or more employees
Who can apply?
For employees:- Join an EPFO-registered establishment after 15 August 2025
- Earn gross wages of ₹1 lakh per month or less
- Create a UAN using Aadhaar-based face authentication via the UMANG app
- Stay employed for at least 6 months to get the first instalment, and 12 months with financial literacy training for the second instalment
- Must have an EPFO code (via the Shram Suvidha Portal) and be registered on EPFO’s employer login portal
- Hire eligible new or re-joining workers with Aadhaar-authenticated UANs
- Submit monthly Electronic Challan cum Return (ECR) with PF contributions on time
- Maintain new hires for a minimum of 6 months to qualify for incentives
How to apply?
For employees:No separate application is required. Once a PF account is created for the first time and linked to Aadhaar, eligibility is automatic. Payments are transferred directly to the Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
For employers:
- Obtain an EPFO code through the Shram Suvidha Portal
- Register on EPFO’s employer login to access the PM-VBRY interface
- Hire eligible employees and ensure they meet wage and registration criteria
- File monthly ECR with contributions
- Incentives are credited to the PAN-linked company bank account every 6 months via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Payment schedule and benefits
Beneficiary | Requirement | Benefit | Payment Method |
First-time employee | Joined after 15 Aug 2025, salary ≤ ₹1 lakh/month | ₹15,000 (max) in 2 instalments | DBT to Aadhaar-linked account |
Employer | EPFO-registered, meets hiring thresholds | Up to ₹3,000/month per hire | DBT to PAN-linked account every 6 months |
The scheme is designed to promote formalisation of jobs, strengthen financial security, and support small and medium enterprises. By linking direct cash benefits to job retention and financial literacy, PM-VBRY aims to create stable employment while preparing the workforce for the future economy.
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