The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a simplified process for applying for a higher pension under the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) for eligible beneficiaries who lack proof of joint request/undertaking/permission from their employers. According to a recent circular issued by the EPFO on June 14, 2023, eligible employees must submit specified documents along with the joint pension application form to qualify for a higher EPS pension. The circular also outlines the procedure to be followed by field offices in accepting such applications.
The circular primarily caters to eligible employees who lack the required documents, such as proof of joint request/undertaking/permission, necessary for contributing to their EPF account based on their entire or higher salary. In such cases, EPFO field offices can accept higher pension applications after verifying certain conditions.
The field offices are responsible for ensuring that the employer’s share of PF contribution has been made on the employee’s pay exceeding the statutory wage limit, along with the remittance of administrative charges on the higher wages. The circular also lists specific documents that applicants can submit along with the joint pension application form, including wage details submitted by the employer, authenticated salary slips/letters, copies of joint requests and undertakings, or letters from the PF office indicating PF contribution on higher wages.
The circular further notes that applicants who meet the specified conditions and have been contributing on higher pay can submit their joint requests and undertakings at the time of final claim settlement through their last employer. The circular was prompted by a Kerala High Court order directing the EPFO to allow eligible employees to opt for a higher EPS pension without documents.
Applicants must submit their applications for a higher EPS pension by June 26, 2023.