The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently processed higher pension applications for 22,000 members, allowing them to receive increased monthly payouts. This move is part of a broader initiative following a Supreme Court ruling that granted eligible EPFO subscribers the right to opt for a higher pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995.
If you’re an EPFO member, you might be wondering whether you’re eligible for a higher pension and how to check your status. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—who qualifies, how to check your application status, and what steps to take next.
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What Is the EPFO Higher Pension Scheme?
The EPFO Higher Pension Scheme allows eligible members to receive a larger pension payout by contributing a higher portion of their salaries to the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). The Supreme Court’s verdict on November 4, 2022, permitted members to opt for this scheme if they had contributed to their EPF on full salary instead of the capped amount earlier.
This change benefits thousands of employees who previously had limited pension contributions due to EPFO’s wage ceilings.
Who Is Eligible for the Higher Pension?
To qualify for a higher pension under the EPS, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were an EPFO member before September 1, 2014.
- You contributed to your EPF account based on full wages (beyond the wage cap).
- You opted for a higher pension within the prescribed deadline.
- Your employer also contributed a higher amount on your behalf.
If you meet these conditions, your application for a higher pension might have already been processed, or you may be required to make additional contributions.
How to Check Your EPFO Higher Pension Application Status?
Checking your higher pension application status is simple and can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal
Go to the official EPFO website: EPFO Unified Portal
Step 2: Log in to Your EPF Account
Use your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password to log in.
Step 3: Navigate to ‘Pension on Higher Wages’
Under the services section, click on ‘Track Application Status for Pension on Higher Wages’.
Step 4: Enter Your Details
Provide one of the following details:
- Application Acknowledgement Number
- Universal Account Number (UAN)
- Pension Payment Order (PPO) Number
Step 5: Verify and Submit
- Enter the captcha code.
- Tick the consent box and click on ‘Get OTP’.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Click ‘Get Status’ to view your pension application status.
If your application is approved, you’ll see details about your revised pension. If it’s under process, you may need to wait for further communication from EPFO.
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How Much Higher Pension Can You Expect?
The pension amount depends on two key factors:
- Your last drawn salary (Basic + DA)
- Years of service
The formula for calculating a higher pension is:
Pension Amount = (Pensionable Salary × Pensionable Service) ÷ 70
For example, if your last drawn basic salary + DA was ₹50,000 and you had 30 years of service, your revised monthly pension could be:
(₹50,000 × 30) ÷ 70 = ₹21,428 per month
This is significantly higher than the capped pension amount, which was earlier limited to ₹7,500 per month.
(FAQs)
1. What if my application is still under process?
Processing times may vary. If your application is still under process, check back later or contact your EPFO regional office.
2. Can I still apply for a higher pension?
No, the deadline for opting into the higher pension scheme has passed. However, if you previously submitted an application, you can still track its status.
3. Will my employer contribute extra for the higher pension?
Yes, the employer’s 8.33% contribution will be based on your full salary instead of the capped limit.
4. Where can I get help if I have issues?
You can reach out to EPFO through their helpline at 1800 118 005 or visit your regional EPFO office.
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