EPS Registration Process
Step 1: Activate UAN (Universal Account Number)
Visit the EPFO Unified Portal. Click “For Employees” and select “Member UAN/Online Services (OCS/OTCP)”. Enter your UAN, registered mobile number, and CAPTCHA code, then click “Request OTP”. Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click “Validate OTP”. You will be redirected to the UAN activation page to proceed further.
Step 2: Set password & complete KYC
Create a password between 8 to 12 characters that includes at least 1 uppercase letter, 1 number, and 1 special character. Go to “Manage” and select “KYC”. Upload your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details. Once verified, the KYC status will appear as “Approved”, which usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
Eligibility criteria applicable for EPS
- The applicant must be an active member of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, or an establishment exempted under Section 17 of the EPF Act.
- Monthly wages should not exceed Rs. 15,000, unless the employee contributes an additional 1.16% above this ceiling.
- A minimum of 10 years of contributory service in the Employees’ Pension Fund is required.
Superannuation Pension
- The applicant should have completed 58 years of age.
- At least 10 years of eligible service must be rendered.
Early Pension
- A minimum of 10 years of service is mandatory.
- The applicant can opt for an early pension anytime between the ages of 50 and 58 years.
Family Pension
- Applicable to the spouse or dependent children of a deceased EPS member who fulfilled the eligibility requirements.
- Proof of relationship and the member’s death must be furnished.
- The deceased member should have contributed for at least one month.
Post-Selection Requirements
Note: International workers may also qualify under specific Social Security Agreements (SSAs) between India and other countries.
Additional read: Difference Between EPF and EPS
Contributions towards the EPS pension
EPS contributions are primarily funded through the employer’s share of EPF contributions. Employees do not make a separate contribution towards EPS under the standard arrangement.
- Employee contribution: 12% of eligible wages goes towards EPF, with no separate EPS contribution.
- Employer contribution: 12% is contributed, with 8.33% allocated towards EPS.
- Central Government contribution: The Government contributes 1.16%, subject to the applicable wage ceiling.
- Standard wage ceiling: EPS contribution is generally calculated on pensionable wages up to Rs. 15,000 per month.
- Higher-wage cases: Eligible members may follow separate EPFO provisions for pension contributions on higher wages.
These contributions build the pension component separately from the EPF balance, supporting retirement income planning.
Documents Required
EPS withdrawal rules – Can you take your money out early?
EPS withdrawal depends mainly on your eligible service and age. Under current EPFO rules, members with less than 10 years of eligible service can generally claim withdrawal benefits. Members completing 10 years become eligible for pension benefits instead.
- Less than 10 years: Withdrawal benefit may be claimed after leaving employment, subject to applicable EPS conditions.
- 10 years or more: A Scheme Certificate or pension route applies, rather than withdrawal benefit.
- Early pension: Eligible members can generally start reduced pension from age 50, while regular pension starts at 58.
- Recent change: Since 2024, EPS withdrawal benefits consider completed months of contributory service, including service below six months.
- Permanent disability: Monthly disablement pension can apply regardless of age or service period, subject to scheme conditions.
How to calculate your EPS pension?
The EPFO formula for monthly EPS pension is (Pensionable salary × Pensionable service) ÷ 70.
Pensionable salary: Generally, the average monthly pay over the preceding 60 months, subject to applicable EPS limits.
Pensionable service: Eligible contributory service considered under EPS rules.
Formula example: With Rs. 15,000 pensionable salary and 25 years of service, pension is about Rs. 5,357 monthly.
Important: Members retiring at 58 after 20 years of pensionable service may receive an additional two-year weightage.
For a more precise estimate, EPFO also provides an official pension calculator, whose result is indicative.
Types of pensions in the Employees’ Pension Scheme
The EPS 95 pension scheme offers various pensions, including those for widows, children, and orphans, providing support to the deceased member's family.
1. Child pension
Surviving children receive a child pension, in addition to the monthly widow pension, until they turn 25. The amount is 25% of the widow pension, and a maximum of two children can receive this benefit.
2. Widow pension
Widows are eligible for a pension under the Widow or Vridha pension, which continues until their death or remarriage. If there are more than one widow, the pension is payable to the eldest widow.
3. Reduced pension
If an EPFO member completes 10 years of service and is between 50 and 58 years old, they can opt for early pension. However, If the member is below 58 years of age, the pension amount is reduced by 4% for every year.
4. Orphan pension
If the member passes away without a surviving widow, the member's children can receive a monthly orphan pension, which is 75% of the monthly widow pension value. Up to 2 children can benefit from the orphan pension.