The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) is one of the biggest sources of monthly income after retirement for EPF members. The government has now introduced EPS 2026, replacing the old EPS-95 rules.
The new scheme makes the pension claim process easier, faster, and completely time-bound.
If you are an EPF member, here’s a simple guide to claiming your pension and understanding the important family benefits available under the new rules.
Check If You Are Eligible for EPS Pension
Before applying, make sure you meet these conditions:
Minimum 10 years of service: You must complete at least 10 years of pensionable service to receive a monthly EPS pension.
Retirement age: The regular pension starts at the age of 58. However, if you have completed 10 years of service, you can choose an early pension from the age of 50. The pension amount will be lower than the regular pension.
Less than 10 years of service: If you have worked for less than 10 years, you cannot receive a monthly pension. Instead, you can claim a one-time withdrawal benefit.
Keep Your EPFO Details Updated
Your EPFO records must be correct to avoid delays or rejection of your claim.
Make sure your Aadhaar, PAN, bank account details, and date of birth are updated in your EPF account.
Your Universal Account Number (UAN) should also be activated and linked with Aadhaar. Any mismatch in your records may delay or reject your pension claim.
Choose the Right Claim Form
The form you need depends on the type of benefit you want.
Form 10D: Use this form if you are eligible for a monthly pension after completing the required service.
Form 10C: Use this form if you have worked for less than 10 years and want to withdraw your pension amount as a lump sum.
Pension Claims Can Now Be Filed Online
You no longer need to visit the EPFO office to submit your pension claim.
Simply log in to the EPFO member portal using your UAN and password, fill in the required form, and verify your application using the Aadhaar OTP.
Under the new EPS 2026 rules, EPFO must settle your pension claim within 20 days.
If the claim is delayed without a valid reason, interest at 12% per year will be payable for the delay. This amount can also be recovered from the salary of the responsible official.
5 Important Pension Benefits for Your Family
EPS 2026 provides financial support not only to the employee but also to family members after the member’s death.
1. Widow/Widower Pension: The spouse receives a monthly pension for life. It continues until remarriage or death.
2. Children’s Pension: Up to two children receive a monthly pension until they turn 25. Each child gets 25% of the widow’s pension.
3. Orphan Pension: If both parents are no longer alive, eligible children receive a higher orphan pension of up to 75% of the widow’s pension.
4. Nominee Pension: If the member is unmarried or has no family, the nominee registered through Form 2 (e-Nomination) receives the pension.
5. Pension for Dependent Parents: If there is no spouse, child, or nominee, the pension is paid to the dependent parents, first to the mother and then to the father.
The new EPS 2026 rules aim to make pension claims quicker and more transparent while ensuring financial security for employees and their families after retirement or in case of the member’s death.
