The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued 21,885 Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) and sent demand notices to 1.65 lakh eligible members, asking them to deposit an additional amount for higher pension benefits. According to a report by CNBC TV18, a total of 17.48 lakh applications were submitted by EPFO members to receive higher pension benefits under EPS-95.
Status of Higher Pension Applications
A total of 17.48 lakh applications have been submitted by EPFO members for higher pension benefits under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95). As of January 28, 2025, EPFO has issued demand notices in 1,65,621 cases and processed 21,885 Pension Payment Orders (PPOs).
The government is monitoring the pending cases and has provided clarifications to EPFO field offices to speed up processing. These applications are being considered following the Supreme Court’s decision on November 4, 2022.
Online Facility for Higher Pension
EPFO has introduced an online facility to process applications for higher pension benefits. This platform allows members, pensioners, and employers to submit their joint options online.
The facility was launched on February 26, 2023, and the deadline has been extended multiple times:
- July 11, 2023 – Initial last date for member applications.
- September 30, 2023 – Last date for employers to forward joint applications.
- May 31, 2024 – Extended deadline for employers.
- January 31, 2025 – Final date for employers to submit applications.
What is the Higher Pension Option?
EPS-95 provides social security to employees in the organized sector. Employers contribute 8.33% of the salary to EPS, with a maximum salary limit of Rs 15,000 per month. With the latest changes, employees can choose to contribute based on their actual basic salary, which will increase their pension benefits.