EPS- 95 Higher Pension Scheme : The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is accelerating efforts to complete the processing of higher pension requests under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95) by the end of March 2025. With over 70% of the applications already processed, the EPFO is aiming to bring relief to lakhs of pensioners and employees seeking pension recalculations as per the Supreme Court’s directives.
The initiative is part of the broader compliance efforts following the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling, which opened the doors for eligible EPFO subscribers to opt for higher pensions. As the March 31 deadline nears, applicants are closely watching the progress to ensure their cases are settled in time.
What is the EPS-95 Higher Pension Scheme?
The EPS-95 (Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995) was introduced by the Government of India to provide pension benefits to employees in the organized sector. In November 2022, the Supreme Court upheld the right of eligible employees to opt for a higher pension by contributing a larger portion of their salary toward the pension scheme.
Key Highlights:
- The ruling applies to employees who were members of the EPFO prior to September 1, 2014.
- These employees can choose to contribute on their full salary, rather than the capped limit of ₹15,000.
- Opting for higher pension requires joint application by the employer and the employee.
- The EPFO had earlier provided a timeline for applications, which was later extended to July 11, 2023.
EPFO’s Progress So Far: Over 70% Applications Processed
The EPFO has made substantial progress in processing higher pension applications, with more than 70% of the total received requests addressed. This includes both approvals and rejections based on eligibility criteria.
Current Status of Applications
| Category | Number of Applications | Percentage Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Total Applications Received | 17.52 lakh | 100% |
| Applications Processed | 12.41 lakh | 70.8% |
| Approved Applications | 5.80 lakh | 33.1% |
| Rejected Applications | 6.61 lakh | 37.7% |
| Pending Applications | 5.11 lakh | 29.2% |
| Applications Under Review | 2.84 lakh | 16.2% |
| Processing Target Completion | March 31, 2025 | In Progress |
| Processing Centers Engaged | 138 | Active |
The EPFO has directed all field offices to expedite the pending applications before the March 31 deadline to ensure timely pension disbursement.
Why This Deadline Matters for Pensioners
The March 31 deadline is critical for applicants who have been waiting for months—sometimes years—for their revised pension amount. The outcome of this process directly impacts the retirement planning and financial well-being of lakhs of individuals.
Reasons for Urgency:
- Pending applications delay pension recalculations and disbursals.
- Some pensioners may receive significant hikes in monthly pensions after approval.
- Applicants want clarity before the end of the financial year for tax and budgeting purposes.
Applicants are advised to track the status of their applications via the official EPFO portal and ensure that all documentation has been correctly submitted.
Who is Eligible for Higher Pension Under EPS-95?
To qualify for the higher pension, the employee must meet certain conditions, as laid down by the Supreme Court and clarified by EPFO guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have been an EPFO member before September 1, 2014.
- Must have contributed to EPF on full salary rather than the wage ceiling of ₹6,500 (pre-2014) or ₹15,000 (post-2014).
- Must have filed a joint option with the employer for higher contribution under EPS.
- In cases where the joint option was not filed earlier, EPFO had allowed submission of fresh requests till July 11, 2023.
Eligibility Overview Table
| Criteria | Required for Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Membership before Sep 2014 | Yes |
| Contributed on full salary | Yes |
| Joint option submitted | Yes |
| Filed request before deadline | Yes (July 11, 2023) |
| Still in service or retired | Both eligible |
| Employer confirmation required | Yes |
How to Track Your Application Status
Applicants can check their status through the Unified Portal of EPFO. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Check Status:
- Visit:
- Log in using your UAN and password.
- Navigate to the “Pension on Higher Wages” tab.
- Check the status under “Application Status”.
- You may also contact your regional EPFO office for offline support.
If your application is under review or rejected, EPFO recommends verifying your submitted documents and employer declarations.
See more : Delhi Meerut Metro Updates
What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected?
Rejections are often due to incomplete documentation or ineligibility based on contribution history. Applicants whose cases have been rejected can still take certain actions:
Common Reasons for Rejection:
- Incorrect or missing employer declaration.
- Contributions not on full salary.
- Mismatch in employment history records.
- Late application submission beyond deadline.
Suggested Next Steps:
- Reach out to your employer to confirm your EPS contribution records.
- Submit a grievance on the EPFO portal under the “Grievance Management System”.
- Visit your regional EPFO office with original documents for clarification.
- In extreme cases, you may explore legal recourse by filing a writ petition.
Regional Progress Across India
The EPFO has 138 regional offices working on clearing these applications. Progress varies by region due to volume and staffing.
Regional Status Snapshot
| EPFO Region | Applications Received | Processed | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 1.50 lakh | 1.20 lakh | 80% |
| Maharashtra | 2.10 lakh | 1.45 lakh | 69% |
| Tamil Nadu | 1.75 lakh | 1.40 lakh | 80% |
| Karnataka | 1.60 lakh | 1.10 lakh | 69% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1.80 lakh | 1.25 lakh | 69.4% |
| West Bengal | 1.55 lakh | 1.05 lakh | 67.7% |
| Gujarat | 1.20 lakh | 85,000 | 70.8% |
| Others (combined) | 6.02 lakh | 3.11 lakh | 51.6% |
Efforts are being intensified in lower-performing regions to meet the March-end target.
As the March 31 deadline for EPS-95 higher pension processing approaches, both pensioners and employees are eagerly awaiting final decisions. With over 70% of applications already processed, the EPFO appears to be on track to meet its target, but timely action from applicants and employers remains crucial.
Applicants are advised to stay updated via official EPFO communication channels and ensure all necessary documents are submitted. The outcome of this process has the potential to significantly impact the retirement income of eligible individuals.
This article is based on the latest publicly available data from the EPFO and relevant court rulings. Readers are encouraged to consult official EPFO sources or professional advisors for specific guidance.