Under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995, around 97,640 Provident Fund (PF) members and pensioners across India are set to receive pensions based on higher wages (PoWH). This number includes both those who have received pension payment orders (PPO) and those issued demand notices, as per recent reports.

The higher EPS pension option, which allows employees to increase their pension based on higher salary contributions, became available after a Supreme Court ruling in November 2022.

Only those who have qualified under this provision are being notified to transfer their arrears to ensure they receive their upgraded pension.

Who is eligible for the higher EPS pension?

Employees who were part of the EPF as of September 1, 2014, can opt for the higher pension. This involves contributing a higher amount to the pension fund, which gradually grows over time through interest accrual, boosting the total pension amount.

How to track the status of your higher EPS pension application?

Once you’ve completed the application for a higher EPS pension on the EPFO portal, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt.

You can track your pension claim through the Member Sewa portal.

To check the status:

• Visit the EPFO Member Portal.
• Click on the “Track status of EPS higher pension applications.”
• Enter your Acknowledgment number, UAN, PPO number, and CAPTCHA code.
• Confirm your identity with Aadhaar-based authentication (OTP).
• Click on “Get OTP” to view your application status.

How is the pension calculated?

The pension amount is determined as per Paragraph 12 of the EPS 1995 rules.

The date you start receiving the pension will impact the calculation formula for pensionable salary and service.

The pension amount is based on the higher wages that were contributed towards your pension plan.

The EPFO offers an Excel-based calculator to help employees estimate their dues. To access it, visit the EPFO Member Sewa portal.

Under the “Important links” section, you’ll find the link to the pension application. Enter your EPF enrollment date and salary details to get an estimate of the expected dues from your EPF balance or personal savings.