EPFO disposed of over 98.5% applications for pension on higher wages: government

The retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has processed and disposed of 98.5% of the 15,24,150 applications for pension on higher wages (PoHW) as of July 16, Parliament was informed on Monday (July 21, 2025).

According to a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje, 4,00,573 demand letters were issued to applicants eligible for PoHW and 11,01,582 were rejected, while 21,995 are pending.

“EPFO has processed and disposed of applications for pension on higher wages as per the directions of the Supreme Court in its judgement dated November 4, 2022. As on July 16, 2025, more than 98.5 per cent applications have been disposed of by EPFO,” the Minister said in her written reply on Monday.

The cases of PoHW are being processed on the basis of the decision of the Supreme Court on November 4, 2022. Earlier in November 2022, the court had upheld the Employees’ Pension (Amendment) Scheme 2014.

The Employees’ Pension Scheme amendment of August 22, 2014, had raised the pensionable salary cap to ₹15,000 a month from ₹6,500 a month, and allowed members, along with their employers, to contribute 8.33% on their actual salaries (if it exceeded the cap) towards the EPS.

It had given all EPS members, as on September 1, 2014, six months to opt for the amended scheme.

Later, the EPFO had also extended the deadline for members as well as employers to submit documents many times.