The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has provided relief to government employees and employers by extending the deadline for uploading salary details for pending applications related to higher pension benefits. The new deadline for employers to address 3.1 lakh pending applications is now January 31, 2025, offering a significant extension to ensure compliance.
Background on Higher Pension Applications
The EPFO introduced an online facility on February 26, 2023, to allow eligible pensioners or members to submit applications for verification of options/combined options for pension on higher wages. This move was in accordance with a Supreme Court order dated November 4, 2022, which mandated compliance with specific guidelines.
Initially, the deadline for submission was set for May 3, 2023, but to accommodate employee representations, the timeline was extended multiple times:
- June 26, 2023: The first extension allowed a four-month window for eligible individuals to file applications.
- July 11, 2023: An additional 15-day grace period was provided, during which 17.49 lakh applications were received.
Subsequent Extensions
Despite earlier extensions, many applications remained pending. Employers and employer associations requested additional time to upload salary details. The deadlines were revised as follows:
- September 30, 2023
- December 31, 2023
- May 31, 2024
Final Deadline: January 31, 2025
As of now, 3.1 lakh applications for verification remain pending with employers. Recognizing the urgency to address these cases, the Ministry of Labour and Employment announced a “final chance” for employers to upload the required information by January 31, 2025. This extension aims to ensure the proper resolution of pending cases and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additionally, employers are requested to provide replies or updated information in 4.66 lakh cases where the EPFO has sought additional clarifications. This must be completed by January 15, 2025.
EPFO’s Initiative for Higher Pension on Salary
The initiative to allow higher pension benefits is significant for government employees and members of the EPFO, offering an opportunity to align pension benefits with higher wages. The current extension reflects the EPFO’s commitment to ensuring that eligible employees and pensioners can exercise their options seamlessly, without procedural delays.