EPFO Higher Pension- How to Check EPS Membership Status to Receive Higher Pension?

Employees who worked prior to 2014 but are unsure whether they are eligible for a higher pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) should check the EPFO website. According to a Supreme Court order, if an individual was a member of the EPS on September 1, 2014, he or she can choose a higher pension under the EPS.

However, many people may be unsure about their EPS membership on September 1, 2014. Individuals can check their service history on the EPFO's Member e-Sewa portal to find out what their status is. However, ensure that the information on the EPFO portal is correct and up to date. It is because, in 2014, a Universal Account Number (UAN) was introduced.

Unlike provident fund account numbers, which are assigned to individuals each time they join an organisation, the 12-digit UAN remains constant even if employees change jobs. It is possible that an individual left an organisation prior to the implementation of the UAN, in which case the EPFO records would not be updated with the years of service and the UAN.

How to Check Your Service History and Joining Date on the EPFO Portal?

• Go to the member e-Sewa portal, which can be found at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/.
• Enter the Universal Account Number (UAN), password, and captcha to log in.
• Now, from the View menu, select Service history.
• The 'Service history' option displays a list of organisations for which the individual has worked. Examine the DOJ or the date of joining an organisation.
• If the portal displays a DOJ prior to September 1, 2014, the individual is eligible to apply for the higher pension. If the individual changes jobs after this date, they will still be able to choose the higher pension as long as their pension account is still active with the EPFO.

However, if the individual joins on or after September 1, 2014, he or she may be ineligible to apply for the higher pension under EPS, unless a prior service history is not updated on the portal. You can update your service history by obtaining proof of your prior service history and contribution from your employer and submitting it to EPFO.

Another requirement for higher pension eligibility is that the member and employer have contributed a higher EPF contribution on wages in excess of Rs 5000 prior to May 31, 2001 or Rs 6500 prior to September 1, 2014. The EPFO has already enabled eligible pensioners to submit documents and applications online through the EPS until March 3, 2023.