Employees’ Pension Scheme: Types of EPS Pension, Eligibility, & Benefits

The EPS was launched on the 16th of November 1995. This scheme plays an important role in ensuring that employees and their families receive sustained financial protection during old age, in case of disability, or in the unfortunate event of death. 

Are you a working employee? Do you qualify under EPS eligibility? 

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What is the EPS Scheme?

EPS full form is Employees’ Pension Scheme.

It is a compulsory social security programme run by the Government of India. The EPS scheme provides a monthly pension to employees in the organised sector after retirement or disability. In case of a member’s death, the pension is paid to their family. The scheme is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation.

What is the EPS Eligibility?

To qualify for benefits under this scheme, the applicant must satisfy the following conditions:

• The applicant must be a member of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme of 1952 or must belong to an exempted establishment under Section 17 of the Act.
• The applicant’s pay must not exceed fifteen thousand rupees per month, unless they are making the additional one point one six percent contribution permitted for higher salaries.
• The applicant must have completed a minimum of ten years of eligible service.
• The applicant must have contributed to the Employees’ Pension Fund.

EPS Eligibility for Specific Pension Types

Superannuation Pension:

• The applicant must be at least fifty-eight years old.
• The applicant must have completed ten years of service.

Early Pension:

• The applicant must have completed at least ten years of service.
• The applicant must choose early pension between the ages of fifty and fifty-eight.

Family Pension:

• The applicant must be the spouse or child of a deceased eligible member.
• The applicant must provide proof of the relationship and the member’s death.
• The member must have contributed for at least one month.

Post Selection Conditions

• The applicant must submit all required documents for verification.
• The applicant must follow EPFO guidelines related to pension disbursement.
• International workers may also be eligible under specific social security agreements.

EPF Pension Rules for Private Employees

Private sector employees who are members of the Employees’ Provident Fund automatically become part of the Employees’ Pension Scheme. The rules are the same for all EPF-covered establishments. 

• A member must complete at least 10 years of eligible service to qualify for a pension.
• Pension normally begins at age 58
• An early pension can be taken between age 50 and 58, with a 4 percent reduction for each year below 58.
• Pension can be delayed up to age 60, with a 4 percent increase for every additional year.

Want to compare EPS with a voluntary retirement pension plan?
Read our detailed guide on what is NPS to understand its features, tax benefits, and long-term returns.

Types of Pensions Under the EPS Pension Scheme

Type of Pension	Who Receives It	Key Conditions
Superannuation Pension	Member	Given after retirement at age fifty eight with at least ten years of eligible service.
Early or Reduced Pension	Member	Available from age fifty to fifty eight for members with at least ten years of service.
Disability Pension	Member	Paid for life if the member becomes permanently and totally disabled during employment. The member must have contributed for at least one month.
Family Pension	Dependants of the member	Paid to family if the member dies while in service or after service.
Widow or Widower Pension	Spouse	Monthly pension given until death or remarriage of the spouse.
Children Pension	Children of the member	Each child receives twenty five percent of the widow pension until age twenty five, for up to two children.
Orphan Pension	Orphaned children	If there is no surviving spouse, each orphan receives seventy five percent of the widow pension for up to two children.
Withdrawal Benefit	Member who leaves employment

Source: https://www.epfindia.gov.in/, https://www.myscheme.gov.in/

EPS Minimum Pension

The Employees’ Pension Scheme guarantees a minimum pension of 1,000 rupees per month for eligible members. This amount may be lower if the member takes early pension or opts for commutation.
For disability cases, the minimum pension is 250 rupees per month.
For widows, the pension cannot be less than 450 rupees per month.

EPF Benefits

1. Retirement Savings in the Form of a Lump Sum

Both the employee and the employer contribute 12 percent of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance every month. This accumulated amount, along with interest at the current rate of 8.25 percent per annum for the financial year 2024 to 2025, is paid to the member upon retirement or resignation after the applicable waiting period.

2. Pension Benefits through the Employees’ Pension Scheme 

A portion of the employer’s contribution, specifically 8.33 percent capped at a salary of 15,000 rupees, is directed into the Employees’ Pension Scheme. Members who complete at least 10 years of service become eligible for a lifelong monthly pension once they attain 58 years of age.

3. Life Insurance through the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme

EPF members are automatically covered under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme. This offers life insurance protection to the nominee or legal heir if the employee passes away while in service. The assured benefit can go up to 7 lakh rupees, providing crucial support to surviving dependants.

4. Tax Benefits for Members

Employee contributions qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act up to 1.5 lakh rupees per year. The interest earned and the final withdrawal amount are usually exempt from tax, provided the member has maintained at least five years of continuous service.

5. Partial Withdrawals for Important Life Needs

Members can make partial withdrawals from their EPF balance during their service for specific situations such as:

• Medical treatment for the member or family
• Higher education of children
• Marriage expenses for the member, children, or siblings
• Purchase or construction of a house
• Repayment of a home loan
• Renovation or alteration of an existing home

6. Financial Support During Unemployment

In the event of job loss, a member can withdraw up to 75 percent of the EPF balance after one month of unemployment. The remaining 25 percent can be withdrawn after two months of continued unemployment.

7. Secure and Stable Long-Term Savings

EPF is backed by the Government of India, which ensures a risk-free and stable investment. It remains one of the safest ways for salaried employees to build long-term financial security without market exposure.

EPS Registration Process

A. EPS Registration

Here is the simple Application Process for the Employees’ Pension Scheme

You can complete the application process online.

Step 1: Activate the Universal Account Number
The applicant visits the EPFO Unified Portal and selects the option under the Employees section for Member UAN or Online Services. The applicant enters the UAN, mobile number, and the CAPTCHA code, requests an OTP, verifies it, and is redirected to the UAN activation page.

Step 2: Set Password and Complete KYC
The applicant creates a secure password and uploads KYC documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details. Verification generally takes three to five working days.

B. Application for Pension (Form 10D)

Step 1: Login
The applicant logs into the EPFO portal using the UAN, password, and CAPTCHA. This opens the member dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to Pension Claim
Under Online Services, the applicant chooses Pension on Superannuation or Retirement, which is Form 10D. The form must be filled with all mandatory details. The Save and Preview option allows the applicant to review all entries.

Step 3: Upload Documents
Scanned documents in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format, each within a maximum size of two megabytes, must be uploaded.

Step 4: OTP Verification and Final Submission
The applicant enters the OTP received on the registered mobile number and email address. After validation, an acknowledgement number appears. This should be saved for future reference.

C. Tracking the Application Status

• Through the EPFO portal, using the Track Claim Status feature
• By sending an SMS to 7738299899 in the format EPFOHO, followed by UAN and ENG

Here is how you can contact them for any help and support

• EPFO helpline: 1800 118 005 (from eight in the morning to eight in the evening)
• Email: epfigms@epfindia.gov.in
• The EPFiGMS grievance portal or the nearest regional office can be contacted for support.

EPS Documents Required

• What documents are required for claiming Employees’ Pension Scheme benefits?
• Identity proof such as Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter Identity Card
• Bank account details, including a cancelled cheque or a passbook copy
• Proof of date of birth, such as a birth certificate or school leaving certificate
• Death certificate for family pension claims
• Relationship proof for family pension
• Disability certificate from EPFO-approved doctors
• Service proof, such as the EPF passbook or employment records

What are the EPS Withdrawal Rules?

A member can withdraw the Employees’ Pension Scheme amount only if they leave employment before completing ten years of eligible service. This benefit is called the withdrawal benefit, and it is calculated according to Table D of the scheme. 

Once a member completes ten years of service, they cannot withdraw and must receive a pension at the eligible age. Withdrawal is not allowed after completing ten years, except under specific conditions mentioned by the EPFO.

Final Word

The Employees’ Pension Scheme remains one of the most important social security systems for workers in the organised sector. It provides steady financial support through every stage of life, whether it is retirement, disability, or the well-being of a member’s family. 

Disclaimer– The rankings and figures in this article have been compiled from multiple verified reports, credible news sources, and public financial data available as of 2025.
All values are approximate and may vary with newer updates, revisions, or changes in official records.

EPS Scheme- FAQs