Higher EPS-95 Pension: EPFO received 15.24 lakh applications -- where cases are still pending
EPFO has received 15.24 lakh applications for higher EPS-95 pension, but 11,595 cases remained pending as of August 5, 2026. The latest Lok Sabha data shows significant differences in pending cases across EPFO regions, with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh reporting the highest backlog.
- Aug 12, 2026,
- Updated Aug 12, 2026 5:35 AM IST
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has received 15,24,365 applications from employees seeking higher pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95), with 11,595 cases still pending as of August 5, 2026.
The latest figures were shared by Labour and Employment Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje in the Lok Sabha on August 10, in response to a question from MP MK Raghavan on the status of higher EPS pension applications.
15.24 lakh applications received
The higher pension option follows the Supreme Court’s November 4, 2022 judgment, which allowed eligible EPS members who had contributed on actual basic salaries above the statutory wage ceiling to opt for a higher pension, subject to applicable conditions.
Following the judgment, EPFO provided an online facility for members to submit applications for validation of joint options. The government has since issued instructions to regional EPFO offices for processing these applications.
As of August 5, a total of 15.24 lakh applications had been received across EPFO's zones. Telangana, with Hyderabad as the regional office, recorded the highest number at 1,65,331 applications, followed by Mumbai-1 (Bandra) at 1,26,444 and Maharashtra excluding Mumbai at 1,26,311.
MUST READ: EPFO 2026: 8 key changes to PF rules covering withdrawals, claims, service and nomination
11,595 applications remain pending
Despite the large number of applications processed, 11,595 cases remained pending as of August 5.
Punjab and Himachal Pradesh reported the highest number of pending cases at 3,004, followed by Delhi, Uttarakhand and Jammu with 1,389. Maharashtra excluding Mumbai had 1,380 pending cases, while the Orissa/Bhubaneswar zone had 1,341 and Kerala and Lakshadweep had 1,251.
| EPFO Zone | Applications received | Pending cases |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab & Himachal Pradesh | 44,946 | 3,004 |
| Delhi, Uttarakhand & Jammu | 95,419 | 1,389 |
| Maharashtra, excluding Mumbai | 1,26,311 | 1,380 |
| Orissa, Bhubaneswar | 49,234 | 1,341 |
| Kerala & Lakshadweep | 81,665 | 1,251 |
| Chennai & Puducherry | 72,044 | 631 |
| Telangana, Hyderabad | 1,65,331 | 501 |
| Mumbai-1, Bandra | 1,26,444 | 406 |
| Bengaluru | 1,09,307 | 9 |
What has the government said about delays?
Karandlaje said EPFO has taken action to implement the Supreme Court's directions in a time-bound manner. The ministry said instructions have been issued periodically to regional offices for timely disposal of higher EPS pension applications.
The government has also conducted regular video conferences with zonal and regional EPFO offices to monitor the processing of applications.
What is higher EPS pension?
Under the standard EPS framework, the employer contributes 8.33% of basic pay, subject to the applicable wage ceiling. The higher pension option allows eligible members to contribute based on their actual basic salary and dearness allowance, rather than being restricted to the standard ceiling.
Since pension calculation considers the average pensionable salary over the last 60 months, a higher pensionable salary can result in a higher monthly pension for eligible subscribers. Members generally require at least 10 years of eligible service to qualify for an EPS pension after retirement at 58.
ALSO READ: Changed jobs before 10 years? Here's what happens to your EPS money under the new pension scheme
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has received 15,24,365 applications from employees seeking higher pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95), with 11,595 cases still pending as of August 5, 2026.
The latest figures were shared by Labour and Employment Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje in the Lok Sabha on August 10, in response to a question from MP MK Raghavan on the status of higher EPS pension applications.
15.24 lakh applications received
The higher pension option follows the Supreme Court’s November 4, 2022 judgment, which allowed eligible EPS members who had contributed on actual basic salaries above the statutory wage ceiling to opt for a higher pension, subject to applicable conditions.
Following the judgment, EPFO provided an online facility for members to submit applications for validation of joint options. The government has since issued instructions to regional EPFO offices for processing these applications.
As of August 5, a total of 15.24 lakh applications had been received across EPFO's zones. Telangana, with Hyderabad as the regional office, recorded the highest number at 1,65,331 applications, followed by Mumbai-1 (Bandra) at 1,26,444 and Maharashtra excluding Mumbai at 1,26,311.
MUST READ: EPFO 2026: 8 key changes to PF rules covering withdrawals, claims, service and nomination
11,595 applications remain pending
Despite the large number of applications processed, 11,595 cases remained pending as of August 5.
Punjab and Himachal Pradesh reported the highest number of pending cases at 3,004, followed by Delhi, Uttarakhand and Jammu with 1,389. Maharashtra excluding Mumbai had 1,380 pending cases, while the Orissa/Bhubaneswar zone had 1,341 and Kerala and Lakshadweep had 1,251.
| EPFO Zone | Applications received | Pending cases |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab & Himachal Pradesh | 44,946 | 3,004 |
| Delhi, Uttarakhand & Jammu | 95,419 | 1,389 |
| Maharashtra, excluding Mumbai | 1,26,311 | 1,380 |
| Orissa, Bhubaneswar | 49,234 | 1,341 |
| Kerala & Lakshadweep | 81,665 | 1,251 |
| Chennai & Puducherry | 72,044 | 631 |
| Telangana, Hyderabad | 1,65,331 | 501 |
| Mumbai-1, Bandra | 1,26,444 | 406 |
| Bengaluru | 1,09,307 | 9 |
What has the government said about delays?
Karandlaje said EPFO has taken action to implement the Supreme Court's directions in a time-bound manner. The ministry said instructions have been issued periodically to regional offices for timely disposal of higher EPS pension applications.
The government has also conducted regular video conferences with zonal and regional EPFO offices to monitor the processing of applications.
What is higher EPS pension?
Under the standard EPS framework, the employer contributes 8.33% of basic pay, subject to the applicable wage ceiling. The higher pension option allows eligible members to contribute based on their actual basic salary and dearness allowance, rather than being restricted to the standard ceiling.
Since pension calculation considers the average pensionable salary over the last 60 months, a higher pensionable salary can result in a higher monthly pension for eligible subscribers. Members generally require at least 10 years of eligible service to qualify for an EPS pension after retirement at 58.
ALSO READ: Changed jobs before 10 years? Here's what happens to your EPS money under the new pension scheme