EPFO extends Deadline to Upload Details By Employers for Higher Pension Option

EPFO previously provided an online facility for submitting Applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options for Pension on Higher Wages. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 04.11.2022, the facility was available to eligible pensioners and members. The service was launched on February 26, 2023, and would be available until May 3, 2023.

However, in response to employee concerns, the time limit was extended to June 26, 2023, to allow eligible pensioners and members a full four months to file applications.

A final 15-day window was also provided to eligible pensioners/members to resolve any issues. As a result, the deadline for employees to submit Applications for Validation of Option / Joint Options has been extended to 11.07.2023.

Till 11.07.2023, 17.49 lakh applications for Validation of Option / Joint Options have been received from pensioners / members.

Employers were also given an additional three months to submit wage details, etc. online by 30.09.2023, in response to representations received from Employers & Employers’ Associations requesting an extension of the time period for uploading wage details of applicant pensioners / members.

Many representations have now been received from Employers & Employers’ Associations requesting that the time period for uploading wage details of applicant pensioners / members be extended further. As of September 29, 2023, 5.52 lakh applications for Validation of Option / Joint Options were still pending with employers.

As a result, the request was sympathetically considered, and the Chairman of the Central Board of Trustees extended the time for employers to submit wage details and other information until December 31, 2023.