New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued 21,885 Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) and notified 1.65 lakh eligible members to contribute additional funds for a higher pension, as reported in Parliament on Monday. Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, stated in a written response to the Lok Sabha that a total of 17,48,768 applications have been submitted by members and pensioners seeking higher pensions through increased contributions under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995.
As of January 28, 2025, demand notices have been sent to 1,65,621 members, informing them to deposit the necessary amounts for higher pension eligibility, and 21,885 PPOs have been issued. The minister emphasized that the resolution of outstanding cases is being closely monitored, with clarifications provided to Field Offices to expedite the process. The processing of cases for pensions based on higher wages is in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision from November 4, 2022.
To facilitate the application process, EPFO developed an online functionality for validation and joint options, which was made available to members, pensioners, and employers starting February 26, 2023, and extended until July 11, 2023. The deadline for employers to submit joint applications for higher pensions was further extended to September 30, 2023, and then to May 31, 2024. A final opportunity has been granted for all employers to submit applications for pensions based on higher wages by January 31, 2025.
