In India, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is essential as it provides financial security during old age. After retirement, subscribers to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) usually become eligible for an EPF pension at age 58.
Employees’ Pension Scheme
The EPFO offers the Employees’ Pension Scheme, a social security program for those with EPF accounts. Under the plan, workers in the organized sector are eligible for a pension upon reaching retirement age of 58.
Who is eligible
In order to be eligible for availing benefits under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), an individual has to fulfil the following criteria:
- He should be a member of EPFO
- He should have completed 10 years of service
- He has reached the age of 58
- He can also withdraw his EPS at a reduced rate from the age of 50 years
- He can also defer his pension for two years (up to 60 years of age) after which he will get a pension at an additional rate of 4% for each year
- Members who have contributed to the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) will get consistent income through these perks.
Types of Pension under EPS 95
According to the EPFO newsletter, the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) offers several types of pension benefits from April 2024 to June 2024.
Superannuation Pension
Superannuation pension if he has rendered eligible service of 10 years or more and retires on attaining the age of 58 years .
Early Pension
Early pension, if he has rendered eligible service of 10 years or more and retires or otherwise ceases to be in the employment before attaining the age of 58 years.
Disablement Pension
The Disablement Pension under EPS 95 provides financial support to members who become permanently and totally disabled during their service.
Widow and Children Pension
The Widow/Widower Pension ensures financial support to the spouse of a deceased EPFO member. This benefit provides a monthly pension to the surviving spouse, helping them manage their financial needs after the loss of their partner.
Children Pension under EPS 95 provides financial assistance to two surviving children of a deceased EPFO member at a time. Each child is eligible for a monthly pension until they reach the age of 25, supporting their education and well-being.
Orphan Pension
The Orphan Pension offers financial support to children of deceased members if their spouse is also not alive. This pension provides a monthly amount, helping orphans manage their living and educational expenses.
Nominee Pension
The Nominee Pension is provided to the nominated beneficiary in the event of the death of an EPFO member who had no spouse or children. This ensures that a designated nominee receives financial support, maintaining the deceased member’s intent to provide for their chosen individual.
Each type of pension caters to different contingencies, ensuring comprehensive social security coverage for EPFO members and their families.