22,000 EPFO Members to Receive Higher Pension Under EPS-95 – How to Check Your Updated Pension?

In line with a major reform prompted by a Supreme Court verdict, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has approved higher pension payouts for 22,000 eligible members under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995. Additionally, demand notices have been issued to over 1.65 lakh employees, inviting them to make supplementary contributions to qualify for enhanced pension benefits. This development is part of EPFO’s broader response to the apex court’s ruling in November 2022, which expanded the eligibility for higher pensions through joint applications and increased wage contributions.

This comprehensive guide explains who qualifies for the benefit, how to apply, how to track your status, and what the changes mean for your retirement planning.

Understanding the Higher Pension Opportunity

Under the traditional EPS-95 scheme, the pension amount was calculated based on capped wages of ₹15,000/month. The Supreme Court ruling opened the door for members who contributed above this ceiling to receive proportionally higher pensions—if they had opted in and fulfilled specific conditions.

The recent action by EPFO is the first major wave of approvals since that judgment, confirming higher pensions for thousands of applicants who have completed the joint option submission and financial contribution process.

Key Statistics and Progress Update

What Is the EPS-95 Higher Pension Scheme?

The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 offers post-retirement pension benefits to organized sector employees. Normally, pensions are calculated based on a wage ceiling, but the Supreme Court’s ruling allows for pensions based on actual (higher) salaries, provided specific conditions are met.

This scheme permits employees who contributed on full wages before September 1, 2014, to redirect part of their EPF contributions to EPS, thereby increasing their monthly pension significantly upon retirement.

Eligibility Criteria for the Higher Pension

To be eligible for the revised higher pension benefit, EPFO members must meet all of the following conditions:

1. Employment Before September 1, 2014

Only those who were members of the EPFO prior to this date and contributed on higher salaries are eligible.

2. Joint Option Form Submission

A joint declaration form signed by both employee and employer must have been submitted within the prescribed timelines.

3. Higher EPF Contributions

Contributions must have been based on actual salary, exceeding the ₹15,000 ceiling.

4. Additional Contribution Requirement

Eligible employees must pay an extra 1.16% of the salary exceeding ₹15,000, which will be directed to the EPS account to qualify for enhanced benefits.

How to Check Your Updated Pension Status

If you’ve already applied for a higher pension, you can monitor the status using the following methods:

1. EPFO Official Website

• Visit: https://www.epfindia.gov.in

• Navigate to “Pensioner’s Portal”.

• Select “Know Your Pension Status”.

• Enter PPO number, date of birth, and captcha to access details.

2. UMANG App

• Download and install the UMANG app.

• Log in and access EPFO services.

• Tap on “Pension Payment Status” to check the current update.

3. SMS Inquiry

• Send an SMS to 7738299899 in the format: EPFOHO UAN ENG

• Replace “ENG” with your preferred language code (e.g., HIN for Hindi).

• Ensure your mobile number is linked to your UAN.

4. Toll-Free Helpline

• Call 1800-118-005 and provide your PPO and UAN to receive real-time assistance.

Steps to Apply for Higher Pension

If you are eligible and haven’t applied yet, follow this structured process:

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

• Joint Option Form (Para 26(6) of the EPF Scheme)

• Salary records showing higher contributions

• Proof of earlier EPF contributions over wage ceiling

Step 2: Submit to Employer

• Fill the form and attach documents

• Submit to your employer for review and digital forwarding to EPFO

Step 3: Employer Forwarding

• The employer verifies and submits the form to the EPFO portal

Step 4: Await Processing

• EPFO reviews the application

• If additional payment is required, a demand notice will be issued

• After payment and verification, a Pension Payment Order (PPO) is released

Benefits and Challenges of the Revised Scheme

Advantages:

• Substantial Pension Increase: Members can receive pensions far beyond the ₹15,000 ceiling.

• Legal Assurance: Supreme Court ruling provides clear legal backing.

• Better Financial Security: Especially for those without other retirement income sources.

Challenges:

• One-Time Financial Outflow: Additional contributions may be significant.

• Application Delays: High volume of applications has led to longer processing timelines.

• Eligibility Cut-off: Only pre-2014 contributors on higher wages qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the final deadline to apply for higher pension benefits?
The final extended deadline was January 31, 2025, for employers to forward verified applications.

2. Will opting for higher pension reduce my EPF balance?
Yes. A portion of your EPF corpus will be transferred to the EPS fund, affecting your lump sum payout but increasing your monthly pension.

3. How can I confirm if my higher pension application was approved?
Use the EPFO portal, UMANG app, or customer care helpline to check your application or PPO status.

4. What if I miss the payment deadline mentioned in the demand notice?
Failure to deposit the additional contribution in time may result in disqualification from receiving the higher pension benefit.

5. Can retired employees also apply for a higher pension?
Yes, retired employees who meet the pre-2014 contribution conditions and had contributed on actual salary can apply, provided they submitted the joint option within deadlines.

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