In such a situation, there is a possibility that the deadline for higher pension application for EPFO ​​EPS members should be extended. Let us understand the reason behind extending the application deadline.

According to the report, instead of being proactive, EPFO ​​has mostly made last minute stop gap arrangements and has not provided any clarity in the most important issues. Along with the past contribution of EPF members, clear information has also not been shared about how the future contribution will be calculated. At the same time, EPS members are being told that any member who wants to apply for higher pension should confirm consent to pay or allow deduction from his EPF fund of an undisclosed amount during the online application process.

In the current situation, the EPS member will have to give consent for the higher deduction without knowing how much will be deducted from his EPF and what will be the approximate amount of higher pension he will get in return. Or what will be the calculation rule that EPFO ​​will use. Apart from this, the confusion related to eligibility persists due to no FAQ being issued by EPFO.

The Supreme Court gave EPFO ​​4 months time till 03 March 2023 to allow EPS members to apply for higher pension. EPFO then came up with an online joint application form for eligible members who were members before 1st September 2014 and continued to be in service on or after 1st September 2014. This form was made available on the EPFO ​​website on 27 February 2023. After this, the deadline for online application has been extended by 2 months to 3 May 2023.

One of the important points of confusion in the Higher Pension application process for eligible EPS members who are in service on or after September 01, 2014 is with regard to the new EPS contribution system. Because, the earlier system has to be changed later. The top court asked the EPFO ​​to stop charging an additional amount of 1.16 per cent on contribution over and above the existing wage limit of Rs 15,000 from employees applying for higher pension and directed the EPFO ​​to put in place a system. However, EPFO ​​has not yet informed the EPS members about this new method or system.

Even if EPFO ​​releases the new system now, EPS members will not have enough time to understand and assess its result, as very little time is left for the May 3 deadline to end. Apart from this, it will not be of any use to those people who have already applied for higher pension. Whereas, the Kerala High Court, in its interim order dated 12 April 2023, has asked the EPFO ​​not to insist on documentary proof, on taking permission proof from the PF commissioner for online joint application. However, EPFO ​​has not given clarity on its implementation.

EPFO should also provide an exit window to EPS members to review and withdraw the application. Especially those people who have already applied without knowing the new contribution system. In such a situation, there is a strong possibility that EPFO ​​may extend the last date of online application for higher pension to May 3, 2023.

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EPFO clarified instructions on other points including deadline, application process and eligibility, clearing the way for the members of the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) to opt for higher pension in a circular dated 20 February 2023. With this, EPFO ​​has now released the online link for application on the portal e-Service Portal – https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/. With its help, members can apply for higher pension.

Eligible members can apply online

EPFO ​​has accepted the request for higher pension of employees who have compulsorily contributed more salary to the pension scheme under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme and before their retirement Has opted for enhanced pension coverage. EPFO said that the employees who had contributed salary in excess of the erstwhile wage limit of Rs 5,000 or Rs 6,500 and the employees who opted under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) with the revised scheme while being members of EPS-95 , he is eligible for higher pension coverage.

Higher pension application deadline May 3

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization has allowed members to exceed the limit of pensionable salary of Rs 15,000 per month. For this, the employee and the employer can do a joint sign up on the EPFO ​​website and request the EPFO ​​to deduct 8.33 per cent of the higher monthly basic pay. The last date for application has been made 3 May 2023, which was earlier 3 March 2023.

These documents will be required for the application

• EPS members will have to submit several documents to get the benefit of higher pension which are as follows-
• Proof of joint option u/s 26(6) of EPF scheme attested by employer.
• Proof of joint option under erstwhile para 11(3) attested by the employer.
• Proof of credit of provident fund account on salary exceeding the salary limit of Rs.5,000/- Rs.6,500.
• Proof of contribution to Pension Fund on salary in excess of Rs.5,000/Rs.6,500.
• Written refusal certificate from any higher official of APFC or EPFO ​​on request or deposit for higher pension.

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