The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the deadline for processing and uploading details under the Higher EPS Pension scheme to January 31, 2025. This date has been revised multiple times in the past, and it is crucial for eligible members to act quickly as over 310,000 applications are still pending validation.
What is the Higher EPS Pension Scheme?
The Higher EPS Pension scheme allows individuals who were EPF members before August 31, 2014, or retired by that date, to opt for a pension based on their actual basic salary rather than the previously capped amounts of ₹6,500 or ₹15,000. This means eligible members can contribute on a higher salary, potentially increasing their retirement benefits significantly. To qualify for this option, members must have completed at least 10 years of service.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Higher EPS Pension, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Must have been an EPF member on or before August 31, 2014.
- Must have completed a minimum of 10 years of service.
- For a regular pension, members should be at least 58 years old. Those aged 50 years or older can opt for an early pension.
How to Apply for Higher EPS Pension
Eligible members can follow these six steps to apply for the Higher EPS Pension:
- Visit the EPFO Portal: Go to the EPFO website and find the “Pension on Higher Salary” option.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Select “Validate Joint Option” and provide the required details.
- Enter Personal Information: Fill in your name, date of birth (DOB), Aadhaar number, mobile number, and CAPTCHA. Submit the OTP received on your mobile.
- Provide PF Details: After verification, complete all required information related to your Provident Fund.
- Receive Acknowledgment Number: Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number.
- Review Process: Your application will be reviewed by a field officer after submission.
Important Dates
- The final date to apply for the Higher EPS Pension is January 31, 2025.
- Employers are required to update information related to approximately 466,000 cases by January 15, 2025, when additional information has been requested by EPFO.
Conclusion
This extension presents a crucial opportunity for eligible EPF members to secure a higher pension upon retirement. With many applications still pending validation and significant interest from employers and associations for more time, it is essential that members act promptly to ensure they do not miss out on this benefit.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information from various sources regarding the Higher EPS Pension scheme and reflects current updates from the EPFO. Eligibility criteria and application processes may change; therefore, it is advisable for individuals to check official EPFO communications for the latest information.
