EPFO: The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has provided a significant update regarding higher pensions. The Parliament has been informed that Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) have been issued to 21,885 individuals. Additionally, 1.65 lakh individuals have been requested to contribute more funds to qualify for a higher pension.
This development follows the Supreme Court’s ruling in November 2022. The government has also introduced an online application facility, which has seen its deadline extended multiple times. Individuals can check their application status online.
1.65 lakh eligible members have been asked to make additional contributions
EPFO has communicated details about the increased pension in Parliament, confirming the issuance of 21,885 PPOs. In this context, 1.65 lakh eligible members have been asked to make additional contributions for a higher pension. This information was relayed by Minister of State for Labor and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, in a written response in the Lok Sabha.
The online application facility for verification and joint options was made available to members, pensioners, and employers starting February 26, 2023. The initial deadline was set for July 11, 2023, but has since been extended several times. The first extension was to September 30, 2023, followed by another to May 3, 2024, and the final deadline has been established as January 31, 2025.
A total of 17,48,768 applications have been submitted for higher pensions under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995. As of January 28, 2025, notices have been issued in 1,65,621 cases requesting the additional contributions. The minister has assured that the remaining applications are under close observation, and regional offices have been instructed to expedite the processing.
The implementation of pensions based on higher salaries is being conducted in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision dated November 4, 2022.