EPFO Guidelines on Higher Pension- Eligibility, Documents, Application Process

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recently clarified the eligibility criteria for higher pensions. In response to the Supreme Court order, the Provident Fund (PF) regulator issued a circular outlining the eligibility conditions for employees to receive higher pensions and how they can apply online. The EPFO also stated that fund authorities must implement the Supreme Court decision within eight weeks. The EPFO circular clarifies the eligibility requirements for employees to receive a higher pension and how to apply for

Who is eligible for higher pension?

• These subscribers, according to EPFO, are eligible for a higher pension:
• Members who contributed on salaries that exceeded the then-wage ceiling of Rs 5,000 or Rs 6,000.
• Members who exercised the joint option under the pre-amendment scheme's Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) while members of EPS-95.
• EPFO rejected those who exercised such an option.

What documents will be required to apply for higher pension?

• A pensioner must submit the following documents for evidence and processing:
• Proof of joint option under Section 26(6) of the EPF scheme, duly verified by the employer;
• Proof of joint option under the proviso to erstwhile Section 11(3), duly verified by the employer;
• Proof of remittance in provident fund account on higher wages exceeding the prevalent wage ceiling of Rs 5,000/Rs 6,500, if any;
• Written rejection of such request/remittance by APFC or any other higher authority of EPFO.

How To Apply For A Higher Pension?

• EPF members must go to the appropriate regional EPFO office and submit the necessary application along with the necessary documents. Here's a step-by-step guide:
• The application will be submitted in the form and manner specified by the commissioner.
• The disclaimer required by the government notification will be included in the validation application form.
• In the case of a share requiring adjustment from provident fund to pension fund, the pensioner will provide one explicit consent in the application form.
• An undertaking of the trustee is required for the transfer of funds from an exempted provident fund trust to an EPFO pension fund.
• The process of depositing such funds will be outlined in subsequent circulars.

What happens after you submit the application form?

The circular states that once an eligible pensioner submits the application form, the EPFO authority, i.e., the Regional PF commissioner, will handle it as follows:

• Each application will be digitally logged and registered. The applicant will be given a receipt number.
• The application will be routed to the employer's login, where it must be verified with an e-signature before proceeding.
• RPFC will convert each application into an e-file to the greatest extent possible.
• The dealing assistant in question will examine the papers, including the note on receipt of the overdue amount in the pension fund, and refer the case to the section supervisor/account officer.
• The concerned SS/AO will highlight any discrepancies and forward them along with the rule position to the AFPC/RPFC-II, who will review the case and refer it to the Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Office.
• The Officer in Charge shall examine each case of higher salary pension and dispose of it by passing a speaking order, which shall be communicated to the applicant via e-mail/post. Attempts will be made to notify them via phone/SMS.