EPFO Rejects 5 Lakh Higher Pension Applications: Check The Reason

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The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has recently rejected about 5 lakh applications for the Higher Pension Scheme. The rejections have left many applicants disappointed who were expecting higher pension benefit post their retirement. Let’s find out why such claims were rejected and what next employees can do.  

Why Were 5 Lakh Pension Claims Rejected By EPFO  

The rejection was cited by EPFO due to following reasons:  

  1. Incomplete or Improper Documents – Many applications were not supported by documents, such as proof of higher contributions or joint declarations from employers.  
  2. Deadlines Were Missed– The EPFO had set certain deadlines for filing applications for the higher pension option. Application received after the due dates were rejected then and there.  
  3. Non-Eligibility– Those employees would be deemed ineligible who had not opted for a higher contribution to the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) earlier.  
  4. No Employer’s Approval– In cases where employers did not verify or validate the application, the rejection was confirmed.  
  5. Mismatch of Contribution Records – EPFO should have a clear record of higher contributions exceeding the wage ceiling. Whether agreed or not, if there is a mismatch in such records and contributions, EPFO denies such claims.  

What Is The Higher Pension Scheme?  

The Higher Pension Scheme permits eligible EPFO members to contribute a larger percentage of salary into the pension fund, thereby giving a substantial increase in the pension amount post-retirement than that payable under the EPS pension. The scheme was designed primarily to benefit employees limited by an EPS salary cap of ₹15,000 monthly.  

What Can Employees Do Now?  

Rejection of claims prompts employees to consider:  

  1. Verify Reason for Rejection – Get onto the official EPFO portal or get to the nearest EPFO office anywhere and find out why your claim was actually denied.  
  2. Reapply if Allowed – If the rejection was due to the unavailability of documents for verification, then a fresh application can be submitted after getting due paperwork in order.  
  3. Check with Your Employes– Make sure that this time they approve and validate your contribution.  
  4. Seek Legal or Financial Counsel– If you feel your claim was unjust, talking to a financial expert or legal advisor would go a long way.  

Conclusion  

The denial of 5 lakh applications under the Higher Pension Scheme has caused widespread anxiety among employees demanding improved pension benefits*. Although some employees might still appear eligible to either appeal or reapply, it really matters to put in a claim only when all eligibility criteria and documentation requirements truly apply. Keep looking out on the EPFO official updates to any further amendments or appeals regarding the scheme.

Also Read: Unified Pension Scheme: There Will Be Changes In Salary, Pension And Allowances, know The Rules

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