List of documents needed for higher EPS pension

June 27, 2023: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on June 26 extended the last date to opt for pension on higher wages by 15 days to July 11, 2023. Tending to the requests made by employers to extend the time limit for uploading wage details of pensioners/members, the EPFO has also given three more months to employers to submit wage details online by September 30, 2023.

Earlier, in a move to simplify the process of opting for higher pension, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has eased the process for those employees who do not have proof of joint request/undertaking/permission from the employer till date but are otherwise eligible.

See also: EPFO helpline numbers in 2023

In a circular issued on June 14, 2023, the pension fund body has released a list of documents an eligible employee can submit with the joint pension application form to apply for a higher EPS pension if one is not able to furnish joint form under para 26(6). In such instances, the EPFO had directed its field officials for verification with a list of documents where proof of joint request/undertaking/permission from the employer is not easily available.

Field officers have been asked to verify that employer’s share of PF contribution remitted on employee’s pay exceeding the prevalent statutory wage ceiling of Rs 5,000/Rs 6,500/Rs 15,000 per month from the day the pay exceeded the wage ceiling or November 16, 1995, whichever is later, till date/till the date of retirement or superannuation as the case may be. They also have to ensure administrative charges payable by the employer are remitted on such higher wages and ensure if the EPF account of the employee has been updated with interest as per Para 60 of EPFS, 1952, on the basis of such contribution received.

List of documents to apply for higher EPS pension

At least one of the following documents must be submitted along with the joint pension application form:

Wage details submitted by the employer along with applications for validation of option/joint options
Any salary slip/letter from employer authenticated by employer
A copy of joint request and undertaking from employer
A letter from the PF office issued prior to November 4, 2022, showing PF contribution on higher wages

In a landmark judgment in the EPFO versus Sunil Kumar case on November 4, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that employees who were part of the EPF before or on September 1, 2014, but could not apply for higher pension can now submit fresh options within four months. This date has now been extended till June 26, 2023. Considering the extreme complication involved in the process, the Kerala High Court has directed the EPFO to dispense with the production of joint declaration under Paragraph 26(6) of the EPF Scheme.

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Sunita Mishra

An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
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