EPFO Extends Deadline For Employers To Process Pending Higher Pension Applications; Check Details Here

“In spite of so many extensions, it has been observed that more than 3.1 lakh applications for validation of options or joint options are still pending with employers,” EPFO said in a statement

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the deadline for employers until January 31, 2025, to process and upload approximately 3.1 lakh pending applications for the validation of options or joint options under the pension scheme for higher wages. Additionally, employers have been given time until January 15, 2025, to respond to requests for additional information or clarifications in over 4.66 lakh cases, where applications have already been received and reviewed by EPFO.

“In spite of so many extensions, it has been observed that more than 3.1 lakh applications for validation of options or joint options are still pending with employers,” EPFO said in a statement. 

"Therefore, a final opportunity is being given to the employers till 31.01.2025 to ensure that employers process and upload these pending applications for validation of option / joint options," the EPFO stated, citing numerous requests from employers and employers' associations for an extension to allow more time to upload the wage details of applicant pensioners or members, according to a The Economic Times Report.

“Employers are also requested to submit replies/update the information by 15.01.2025, in over 4.66 lakh cases where EPFO has sought additional information or clarification in respect of applications that have been received and examined by EPFO,” it said in a statement issued on Wednesday. 

EPFO launched an online facility on February 26, 2023, for submitting applications to validate options/joint options for pension on higher wages, following the Supreme Court's order dated November 4, 2022.

The initial submission window was set until May 3, 2023, but was extended to June 26, 2023, to provide eligible pensioners and members with four months to file their applications. An additional 15-day extension was granted until July 11, 2023, to resolve any issues faced during the filing process.

As of July 11, 2023, EPFO had received 17.49 lakh applications from pensioners and members to validate options/joint options.

Subsequently, multiple extensions have been granted to employers to upload the wage details of applicant pensioners and members, with the final deadline set for May 31, 2024, to ensure employers can process the applications.