“Learn how to apply online for a higher pension under EPS 95 following EPFO’s latest guidelines from the 20.02.2023 circular. Step-by-step guide for eligible EPF members.”
1. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) vide circular dated 20.02.2023 has laid down the detailed guidelines on the eligibility of employees for higher pensions, the documents required, and the application process.
1.1 The circular is issued to comply with the Supreme Court’s direction on higher pensions for eligible employees.
1.2 As per the circular, only those employees who were members of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) before 01.09.2014 and continued to be a member on or after 01.09.2014 and did not opt for higher pension under the EPS 95 scheme are eligible to submit an application for higher pension.
1.3 Earlier on 29.12.2022, the EPFO issued a circular on the same line where a specific category of employees was eligible to submit the application. The manner in which employee would apply for higher pension, prescribed vide circular dated 20.02.2023 are the same as it was in the earlier circular dated 29.12.2022
2. In this article, an attempt has been made to explain step by step procedure to submit the online application for a higher pension. (as it is being used for the eligible employees specified vide circular dated 22.12.2022.
3. Step by Step Procedure to Submit the online application for higher pension
a. Google – EPFO Member interface
b. Click on https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/
c. Click on the flash “Pension on higher salary – Online application of joint option”
d. Click on: Application Form for validation of the joint option:
e. Click on “Validation of joint option for the employees who were members before 01.09.2014 and continued to be a member on or after 01.09.2014
f. Enter the details: -PPO No. (if applicable), Name, Date of Birth, Aadhar No., Aadhar linked Mobile Number, Captcha & tick on the declaration box. Get OTP.
g. The Application Form will be displayed:
h. Click on Disclaimer: – I have gone through Supreme Court Judgment dated 04.11.2022 and I am registering the application in terms of the directions contained in the said judgment. I undertake that the pension will be calculated subject to a formula determined under the scheme.
i. Provide member’s detail such as mobile number, and e-mail, and attach the Joint Option Form. & undertaking by the trust (in case of exempted establishment)
j. Provide the contribution Details:
(i) Whether the member wants to use accumulation available in his /her PF account for payment of due contribution for this option
(ii) Whether the member is giving the undertaking to deposit the contribution along with interest due till the date of payment through his last employer (only when the PF account has insufficient balance)
(iii) Attach other documentary evidence as per Para 6(vii) of the circular dated 20.03.2022 i.e. Proof of remittance of employer’s share in PF on higher wages etc.
k. Read carefully the declaration and submit the application: –
4. Manner in which Joint Application Form will be dealt with the Regional PF Commissioner: Para 7 of the circular dated 20.02.2023 prescribed the following manner in which joint Application Form will be dealt with the RPFC (Regional Provident Fund Commissioner.
4.1 Each application will be registered and will be digitally logged and the receipt number will be provided.
4.2 The employer will be provided separate login credentials and all the employees’ applications will land into the employer’s login.
4.3 Employer’s verification with a digital signature will be essential for further processing.
4.4 Post examination of the application by the pension Authorities, the decision shall be intimated to the employee thru email/post and SMS.
5. The circular and guidelines by EPFO indicating the methodology of the differential amount and computation of pension are awaited.
Also Read: –
EPS 95- Higher Pension – Frequently Asked Questions
EPS 95 – Higher Pension Vs EPF – Comparative Analysis
EPS -95- Eligibility For Higher Pension – Part-II
EPS 95 Scheme – Eligibility For Higher Pension – Part-I
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Disclaimer: The article is for educational purposes only.
The author may be approached at caanitabhadra@gmail.com
Author Bio
Thanks a lot for sharing a good news to retired old people specially residing in village will be glad for increased amount .
Madam, my question is what joint declaration is mandatory. because we are away and not in touch with employer.
Thanks
Since the employer’s share is to be diverted / deposited towards higher pension – joint declaration is must.
It is a simple format where your employment details will be duly verified by the employer and he will give undertaking for payment of differential amount.
You can contact employer , obtain scanned copy of joint declaration and upload the same on portal.
how to apply higher pension with ppo no. pl. show on line link
Once you enter UAN Number , PPO will be auto populate .
You need not to enter the number . The link is same :
https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberInterfacePohw/no-auth/pensionOnHigherWages/uan/jointOptionRequest
please tell me yes or no.
Whether employer’s contribution was received on wages exceeding statutory wage ceiling of ₹5000 in EPF prior to 01.06.2001 from the day his salary exceeded ₹5000? (applicable only if date of joining is prior to 01.06.2001) *
2) Whether Employer’s contribution was received on wages exceeding statutory wage ceiling of ₹6500 in EPF prior to 01.09.2014 from the day his salary exceeded ₹6500? (applicable only if date of exit is on or after 01.06.2001)
3)Whether member wants to use accumulation available in his / her PF account for payment of due contribution for this option? *
4) Whether member is giving undertaking to deposit the contributions along with interest due till date of payment through his last employer [only when PF account has no/ insufficient balance]? *
I need my higher old EPS 95 pension amount on my medical grounds of heart Disease with pace maker and Parkinson problem Thanks Parvez Zaki Indian oil corporation Ltd pipe line Division Ex Employees no 90121. and PPO number NE/GHY/00032662
Yes or No will depend on individual’s details i.e whether his date of joining is prior to 01.06.2001 etc.
There is no standard answers applicable for everybody.
I applied joint option form for higher pension but one mistake has been made. how to correct mistaken done by me in the form. please suggest.
my father passed away in 2016 one day before the retirement. my moths is getting the pension.. is she opt for higher pension. if it is yes which one should be filled using the PPO or the UAN number.. pls reply
If he attained the age of 58 after Sep 2014, your mother is eligible for a higher pension by using PPO. UAN number is also required to be entered in the online form
I have contributed my pf as under:
1) 1998 to 2010 on limit of 5000 or 6500 in first company
2) 2011 to 2015 on actual basic Rs. 27000/- both employer and employee in 2nd company
3) 2016 to till date on basic limit Rs. 15000/- both employee
Is am eligible for higher pension?
The employee contributing to PF on the ceiling limit is not eligible for a higher pension. Your contribution to PF on actual salary is only for 2 years – not eligible for higher pension.
I retired in 2012 & getting pension of Rs. 1729/- p. m. my PPO No. VDBRD00052754. Am I eligible for higher pension?
i am retired on 19/01/2005. am i eligible for higher pension
No
No
i am working with a private firm for the last 13 years and covered under EPF. Now EPF Contribution is based on the maximum limit of Rs.15,000/- and has been deducted Rs.1800/-. If i want to go for hiher pension , how to get it. Let me give the details to avail the higher pension option.
You are eligible for a higher pension.
Please go through the article above ( and my other articles on Tax Guru ) for the procedure to be followed for the purpose
Hello Maam,
My Father expired in 2012 before retirement. My Mother is getting the pension. Is she eligible for the higher pension.
shall we fill online form
please guide us.
thank you
If retirement due date was after Sep 2014 , then Yes .
I retired from PSU on superannuation in 2019 after attaining 60 years. I am receiving Pension from PF authorities from 2017 ( after attaining 58 years). can I opt for higher pension.
Yes , you can opt for higher pension.
is the higher pension scheme beneficial for me. service left 10 years to reach 58years. current BASIC plus DA is 1.36L.
Madam, I have served for 8 years even before 15 /11 /1995. Will I get pension for this period also? My total service is 8 +23 years and retired on 2/2019.
Pensionable service will be considered with effect of 16.11.1995 only.
Madam,
I am working since Jan’1989 in company which had its own PF Trust. In year 2018 my company was taken over by another company as a going concern and my PF was transferred to EPFO. On 31st Oct’2022 I got super annuated. I have not taken PPO number till now. Do I need to take PPO number before applying for higher pension. Or I can apply and take PPO number later.
2. In the form, there is a field of DOJ EPS which is filled as 16.11.1995. And there is a field DOE FPS which is blank. What do i fill 15.11.1995 or 16.11.1995.
please help. Thanks
PPO is must before submitting the application.
DOE FPS will be 15.11.1995
mam my father retired on 2018 n he is trying to fill this higher pension form ..he ask abt option form wat is that n how to fill that option form with employer .i want to contact to plz reply many people dont know this option form info .
we very thankful after this article
thanking you god bless.
Online form is required to be submitted . The procedure and all the details have been given in this article itself .
Kindly go through the article
Hi, My father was retired in 2010 and availing pension with old scheme. Is he eligible for higher pension to apply ? If yes, then how.
No , as retired before Sep 2014
My Father Died in 2017 before retirement. Before his death he served for 28 years. My Mother is getting the pension. Is she eligible for the higher pension.
Yes
I retired in 2018. when I apply for joint option it ask for UAN NO. can register using my ppo? I am unable to activate uan.
UAN Number is must for pension.
Hi Mam,
What should I fill on below contribution details:
1. Whether member wants to use accumulation available in his / her PF account for payment of due contribution for this option? * Yes No
2. Whether member is giving undertaking to deposit the contributions along with interest due till date of payment through his last employer [only when PF account has no / insufficient balance]? * Yes No
3. Other documentary evidence as per para 7(vi) of circular dated 29.12.2022 (Please upload all documents in a single PDF) Only PDF file of size 250 KB is allowed.
I have retried in year 2013 in actual but in EPF site it shows date of retirement as 2011
For EPS 95 purpose, retirement age is 58 years. You must have retired at the age of 60 years in 2013. You are not eligible for higher pension
I am member of EPS-95 since dec 2008. I dont rememer if I have ever see these para’s and I opted for. I tried to do the same now and facing below error. What should I do to opt or confirm if I have already opted for this?
ERR_SQE[4063] Your database package having some errors
EPF website is not working properly . Everyone is finding such errors.
No option but to wait for some more time
Date is extended by 2 months
Hi,
Could you please help in clarifying these.
1. Incase a person opt for higher pension scheme now and later decide to retire early (assume at age 52 or 53), how would be the pension be calculated in this scenario.
2. Incase a person opt for higher pension scheme now and he expires before retirement, how much pension is the spouse eligible for.
Hi,
Could you please help in clarifying these.
1. What would happen if we opt for Higher pension scheme now and we decide to retire early (before 58 years). How would be the pension calculated in this scenario
2. What happens if the employee who opt for Higher pension scheme expires before he attains 58 years.
Average salary drawn for last 60 months will be considered for pension calculation but pension will start only after you attain the age of 58.
Pension to spouse starts immediately in case of death of a member.
is it correct the calculation of 60month two types prior to Sept 2014 and the last 60 months? Self joined EPF on 1.9.1998 and currently, the members have 9 more years. how is the calculation? Also want t to know how much pension will be get my spouse after my death
Incase of death before 58, would the spouse get 100% of pension or only 50% of pension.
My mother got retired on June 2009. She was working in co-operative ltd. I can see your comment saying that whoever retired before Sep 2014 are not eligible for higher pension. But when i check the EPFO portal there are two options available. 1. Validation of joint options for the employees who had retired before 01.09.2014 and exercised joint option under para 11(3) of EPS Scheme prior to 01.09.2014 2. Exercise of joint option for the Employees who were in service prior to 01.09.2014 and continued to be in service on or after 01.09.2014 but could not exercise joint option under erstwhile proviso to para 11(3) of EPS-1995 May i know what’s the difference. Is my mother eligible or not? Thanks in advance, Dinesh
Read more at: https://taxguru.in/income-tax/eps-95-procedure-apply-online-higher-pension.html
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My mother got retired on June 2009. She was working in co-operative ltd. I can see your comment saying that whoever retired before Sep 2014 are not eligible for higher pension. But when i check the EPFO portal there are two options available.
1. Validation of joint options for the employees who had retired before 01.09.2014 and exercised joint option under para 11(3) of EPS Scheme prior to 01.09.2014
2. Exercise of joint option for the Employees who were in service prior to 01.09.2014 and continued to be in service on or after 01.09.2014 but could not exercise joint option under erstwhile proviso to para 11(3) of EPS-1995
May i know what’s the difference. Is my mother eligible or not?
Thanks in advance,
Dinesh
The first option was for the members who had retired before 0109.2014 and EXERCISED JOINT OPTION (applied for higher pension) and the same WAS DECLINED BY THE EPFO.
If your mother had applied and got rejection letter earlier, then only she is eligible, otherwise not.
Madam, I joined ACC limited on 24/02/2011 and after serving the company for about 9.5 years I resigned and relieved from the company on 13/08/2020, am I eligible for EPS scheme or I will be getting some lumsum amount for the basic salary. kindly clear my query.
thank you
Minimum service for EPS-95 scheme is 10 years .
If you had served 9 years and 6 months or more , it will be rounded off to the year and you will be eligible
Madam
My retirement date is 31 march 2014.
My pension type is SUPERANNUATION
My basic pay was 20000/month at time of leaving .pf contribution was done as per rule.
Can I apply for higher pension.
Please reply.
थँक्स
my husband retired on March 2014 from central Co-OP bank Punjab, and his pension is 2223…is he eligible for higher pension scheme?
EPS 95 is not applicable on Bank Employees. Further , employees retired before SEP 2014 are not eligible for EPS-95 Scheme
Madam,
I have retired in 2006, EPF pention claimed and getting Rs.963/-. Am I eligible for higher pention?
Not eligible as retired before Sep 2014
Hello Madam, I worked for an organization with “exempt” status from 2003 till 2011. While exiting the organization, I have withdrawn PF+EPS instead of transfer. I am continuing my employment with another organization from 2011 till now. I am eligible for higher pension. If I opt for higher pension now, will they consider my tenure in the previous organization for computation of dues to be paid and also to arrive at the number of pensionable years?
Since you exit before Sep 2014 from EPS scheme, that tenure will not be considered for pensionable service .
You are eligible for higher pension for tenure with new organization.
I superannuated in March 2022,am I eligible ? Online form filling link is opened ?Physical forms are also accepted ?
Online link is open but there is some error . Physical Forms will not be accepted
i am retired on 31.10.2022 i completed 58 years as on 14.10.2020. i am geting epf pension w.e.f.oct 2020
if i opt higher pension option and pay all dues as per revised calculationto epfo can i get higher pension w.e.f from oct 2020 or not
in short can epfo office paid me higher pension arrears
Yes, the arrears will be paid
dear madam
i joined my organisation on 2002 and will be retired on 2035..i am planning to go for higher pension but i am not able to get the link in unified portal open. can u please guide me is the portal ready for the applucants like me
The link is being available from 27.02.2023 , (it is not working properly. the message displayed – an unexpected error has occurred )
There is also a message showing – last date is 03 May 2023
I retired from ONGC on 31.07.2015. Iam getting epf pension w.e f. 01.08.2013.
Am I eligible for higher epf pension? Pl advice.
No , The members who have attained age of 58 before Sep 2014 are not eligible for higher pension.
Namaskaram ! Mdm,
I joined EPF in November 2009 & retired on 04/02/2022. So far I neither have applied for my EPF nor EPS. Can I apply for higher pension by giving contribution of my total EPF amount.
Yes , you can apply.
Sir I have retired in a private organisations in 2015 . My salary at that time was ₹22,000 and at that time I paid my own contribution as ₹20,640 and my employers contribution was the same . Can I get an eligible for higher pension.
If retired at the age of 60 in 2015 ( attained 58 years of age prior to 2014- not eligible
Madam
i worked with India cements Ltd from 1995 to 2005 with 9yrs PF contribution on higher basic than prescribed limit.
Shifted to IVRCL from 2005 to 2014 with 9years PF contribution on a higher basic than prescribed limit.
Shifted to Bajaj Electricals limited from 2014 to 2019 and contribution on higher basic.
However I have drawn my PF contribution from all the companies as I feel that pension offered is meagre and also incidentally I worked for less than 10yrs.
Now I am working with NCC limited since 2020.
Now my question is am I eligible for applying for higher pension if I am ready to pay the amount with interest for the amount I have drawn already.
Not eligible.
prior to 2014 – not eligible
After 2014 , less than 10 years of service
Its giving error of “your connection is not private” while try to “Click on: Application Form for validation of the joint option:”
PPO Number is a mandatory field as of now at EPFO portal.
So, we can say that eligible serving members are yet to get access to joint option form online. This link is for eligible “retired” members only.
Please reply if you agree.
Yes , link is not yet activated for serving members and even for those who have retired after Sep 2014.
Open only for members eligible as per circular 29.12.2022
Agreed.
Link is activated only for eligible members as per circular 29.12.2022.
For circular 20.02.2023 , its awaited
The procedure to submit the online application includes;
“J. Provide the contribution details”
1) Who has to provide the contribution details whether employer or employee.
2) Employee will not have full details from 1995 onwards.
3) If employer fails to produce the same in time what will happen to the right of the employee to get higher pension?
Details of amount is to be provided by the employer only as employer’s share of PF is to be transferred to EPS
1) Our company was in exempted category till end Nov 2017 and this was cancelled as the company is closed. Should we consider ourselves as that of exempted category. Since Sept 2014, we were under exempted category, should be consider as exempted category at present for filing joint application?
2) Since we do not know at present the amount to be paid by us and the pension amount to be received, mere filing joint application may prove futile. In such a case can we withdraw out request for higher pension and continue existing pension.
3) As per Supreme court judgement of 3rd Nov 2022, 4 months time to be given for filing joint application. However for post 01-09-2014 employees, only less than 2 weeks are given and it may not be possible to take a decision and file joint application.
4) We are paying interest for pending payment, accordingly can we get the pension arrears with interest?
5) Why we should pay the arrears and then get the pending pension. Instead can we pay only the difference in amount?
Your earlier reply / guidance would help a lot.
Thank you.
sir
I retired on 30.6.2017 from university of petroleum and energy studies . I contributed my salary for pension scheme as per rules till 30.6.2017.
I require application for higher pension.
Submit Joint option form to EPFO for higher pensiin
Man,
I get Rs.2585 pension on completion of 58 years on 28.2.2015 and my basic +DA was Rs.45000/
Do you recommend it worth to apply against additional contribution? ?
yes , In my view
It is recommended to opt for higher pension
Man,
I retired at 60 on 28.22017 and get EPFO pension @ Rs 2585 from 28.2.2015 my basic+ DA as on 28.2.2015 was Rs.45000.
What you advise for higher pension,is it worth for me against additional depositing amount.
i am worked in private sector, I take VRS in 2006, can elegible to apply for higher pension
No
I have retired from a pvt company after working 27 years. can i get higher pension.
Madam,
I had worked in Madura Coats Ltd, Madurai a public limited company since 1982 was retired in Apr’2003. I opted half pension at the age of 50 and getting ₹886/- as monthly pension. Can I eligible to apply for higher pension. My last salary was ₹5500.
please clarify.
Mam.
Nicely explained re. Procedure for getting higher pension.
Thnx
Thanks for your humble comment
No
Hi Mam,
I have started my job from 5-May-2014 and EPS account opened form the same date.
Am i eligible for the higher pension?
I am trying to fill the form, but it is asking me for PPO number which I don’t have and it’s a mandatory field. Can you advice on the same?
Thanks
I had retired on 02.10.2022(60 years)
From 02.10.2020(58 years) i am getting pension.
shall I apply for higher pension.
please guide me
Madam,
I am Vai. Rajendran. PPO no. TNMAS 00524863.. I am getting pension from 09.05.2010..
I want to know whether I am eligible to submit joint option.
please reply to me..
Thanks .
yours,
Vai.Rajendran , Chennai
I have joined in 1992 and left in 2005 again rejoined in 2008 and left job in 2020 feb. I am not yet 58 years I don’t want to work further. I have taken my pf amount. EPS is with PF dept. How and when should I apply for higher pension
Can I avail pension before 58 year of age if my age is above 50 year and I am currently active member of EPFO since more then 10 years? If yes, How pension will be calculated in such case?
I have epf membership from 2001 and still continuing in service. Now my basic pay is 35000. But both me and my employer remit 1800 each towards pf. Am I eligible for applying gor higher option
I am getting pension Rs.1522/- per months from eps. I retired from a PSU in 2008. my ppo no. DL/SHD/4949. Shall i get higher pension as per latest circular of epfo in the month of feb , 2023.
Also advise me, can apply for sr.citizens pension from delhi govt. rs 2500/- .if not, higher epfo pension applicable to me. Kindly reply.
Thanks
sk Bose , delhi.
Members retired before Sep 2014 are not eligible for higher pension
whether this EPF pension is taxable under income tax?If yes under which head? Salary or other sources?
If exempt under which section?
Kindly advise.
regards
Pension is taxable under the head ” Income from Salary”
I was a FPS-95 memberb since the implimentation i.e 1995 till 31-12-2002 from govt U/T and special VRS given by the govt. iam eligible to apply for higher penson ?
No
Members retired before Sep 2014 are not eligible for higher pension
I retired on 2013 .EPF CHD OFFICE STOPPED MY PENSION FOR JAN 2023 AND SERVED ME NOTICE TO REPLY
I AM SR CITIZEN I DO FALL UNDER ENHANCED CATEGORY THEY R NOT LISTENING PL HELP AND GUIDE ME