EPFO Pension Scheme: How 22,000 Members Will Receive Higher Pensions – Find Out How to Check!

EPFO Pension Scheme: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently approved higher pension payouts for approximately 22,000 members under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling and the submission of over 1.7 million applications by eligible members seeking enhanced pension benefits.

For those wondering whether they qualify for a higher EPFO pension, this guide will break down everything you need to know, including who is eligible, how to apply, and how to check your application status.

EPFO Pension Scheme

The EPFO higher pension scheme is a game-changer for thousands of retired employees, ensuring they receive enhanced pension benefits based on their actual salary contributions. While over 22,000 members have already received approval, many others are still waiting for their applications to be processed.

If you are eligible for a higher EPS pension, track your application status online or contact your EPFO regional office for further updates. Keep an eye on official announcements to ensure you don’t miss any future opportunities to maximize your retirement benefits.

Understanding the EPFO Higher Pension Scheme

What is the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)?

The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) is a retirement benefit program managed by EPFO. Employees who contribute to EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) are also enrolled in EPS, which provides a pension after retirement. The amount of pension depends on the number of years of service and the salary drawn at retirement.

Why Did EPFO Approve Higher Pensions?

Following a Supreme Court verdict in November 2022, employees who were previously capped under the EPS salary limit were given the option to contribute higher amounts to EPS based on their actual salary. This move allowed them to claim a higher pension after retirement.

As a result, over 1.7 million members applied for the higher pension option. EPFO has processed a significant number of these applications, approving higher pensions for 22,000 members so far.

Who is Eligible for a Higher Pension?

To be eligible for the higher pension option under EPS, an employee must meet the following criteria:

• Was a member of EPS before September 1, 2014.
• Has been contributing to EPF based on actual salary, not just the capped amount
• Applied for higher pension benefits within the EPFO deadline.
• Employer has also contributed a portion of the EPF amount to EPS.

Note: If your employer did not divert 8.33% of your EPF contributions to EPS on actual salary, you may be required to make additional contributions to qualify.

Check Your Higher Pension Application Status?

If you’ve applied for a higher EPS pension, you can check the status of your application online. Follow these steps:

Guide to Checking EPFO Pension Application Status

• Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal: Go to unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
• Click on ‘Track Application Status for Pension on Higher Wages’: Look for the relevant link on the homepage.
• Enter Your Credentials: Input your Application Acknowledgment Number, Universal Account Number (UAN), or Pension Payment Order (PPO) Number.
• Verify Using OTP:
  • Fill in the Captcha Code, tick the consent box, and click ‘Get OTP’.
  • Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• Check Status: Click ‘Get Status’ to view your application progress.

Possible Status Messages You May See

• Approved: Your higher pension application has been accepted.
• Pending: Your application is under review.
• Additional Contribution Required: EPFO has requested additional funds.
• Rejected: Your application did not meet eligibility criteria.

If your status shows ‘Pending’ for a long time, you should contact your EPFO regional office for further updates.

Apply for a Higher EPS Pension?

If you haven’t applied yet but qualify, follow these steps to apply for higher pension benefits under EPS:

Guide to Apply for Higher Pension

• Visit the EPFO Portal: Go to www.epfindia.gov.in
• Log in with your UAN and Password: Ensure your mobile number is linked to your UAN.
• Select ‘Higher Pension Request’: Under the Pension section, click on ‘Apply for Higher Pension’.
• Upload Required Documents:
  • Submit proof of salary contributions exceeding the wage ceiling.
  • Include employer certification for higher pension contributions.
• Submit and Track Application: Once submitted, track your application using the ‘Track Status’ feature’.

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What Happens Next?

Once you have applied for a higher pension, EPFO will review your application and determine if you qualify. If additional contributions are needed, you will receive a demand notice outlining the amount.

For those who receive approval, a Pension Payment Order (PPO) will be issued, confirming the new pension amount.

FAQs On EPFO Pension Scheme

Q1: Who will benefit from the EPFO higher pension scheme?

Eligible employees who joined EPS before September 2014 and contributed to EPF on actual salary will benefit.

Q2: Do I need to make additional contributions to get a higher pension?

Possibly. If your employer didn’t contribute 8.33% of your actual salary to EPS, EPFO may ask for additional payments.

Q3: What if my employer did not contribute to EPS based on my actual salary?

You may still be eligible, but additional contributions will be required before receiving a higher pension.

Q4: Can I apply now if I missed the deadline?

As of now, the deadline for employer-submitted applications is January 31, 2025. If you missed it, you may need to wait for further notifications from EPFO.

Q5: How can I contact EPFO for pension-related queries?

You can visit www.epfindia.gov.in or call the EPFO helpdesk for assistance.