Central Government Pension Applications Simplified: All About The New Form 6-A

Central Government employees retiring in December 2024 and onwards will now have a streamlined process for submitting their pension claims. The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare has introduced a new online application form, Form 6-A, which replaces several previous forms and simplifies the pension nomination process. This new form will be accessible through the Bhavishya and e-HRMS platforms starting October 15, 2024, which was launched by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in August this year.

As per a notification issued by PIB Delhi on 29th August, "The retiring officials, who are on e-HRMS, will fill Form 6-A through e-HRMS (only supervision cases), and the retiring officials, who are not on e-HRMS, will fill Form 6-A in Bhavishya. All ministries and departments are urged to inform their relevant staff members about these updated instructions to ensure adherence to the new process."

What Is Form 6A & Key Features:

Form 6A is a new application that employees on the verge of retirement need to fill out, including nomination details for the arrears of pension and commutation of pension, to claim their pension under the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS).This new concept not only simplifies the pension application process but also reduces the documentation required and makes the procedure more straightforward for retiring employees. It is also a significant step towards digitization and efficiency in the pension processing system.

Consolidation of forms: Combines multiple forms into a single application, streamlining the process.

Online submission: Eliminates the need for physical submission, making it more convenient for retirees.

Integration with Bhavishya/e-HRMS: Ensures a seamless and efficient pension processing experience.

Accessibility: Available to all Central Government employees retiring in December 2024 and later.

Key points for retiring employees:

• Form 6-A is mandatory for all retiring Central Government employees, and the retiring employees must provide their EPF account information to verify pension eligibility.
• The form integrates with the EPFO portal, offering a digital and convenient application process by collecting essential details such as name, date of birth, and address.
• For online submission of Form 6-A, employees can access the EPFO member portal or use Bhavishya/e-HRMS, unless they are exempt from this requirement.
• For those who wish to submit Form 6-A offline, a downloadable copy is available on the EPFO website. Alternatively, retiring employees can obtain the form from their employers. After completing the form, it should be submitted to the relevant authorities.
• Please note that the form is submitted at least six months before retirement to avoid delays. Make sure to update family details accurately in Form 6-A.
• It should be noted that Form 6-A, if submitted by a spouse or family member, the employee may not be eligible for pension commutation. To be eligible, the employee must submit the form personally.