New Delhi: EPFO, the retirement fund body, has extended the deadline for filing applications for higher pensions until July 11.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, “EPFO has made an online facility available for submitting Applications for Validation of Option or Joint Options for Pension on Higher Wages.” The facility is available to eligible pensioners or members in accordance with a Supreme Court judgement dated November 4, 2022.”
“The facility was launched on February 26, 2023, and was only supposed to be available until May 3, 2023.” However, in response to staff concerns, the deadline was extended to June 26 in order to provide eligible pensioners and members a full four months to file applications.
Approximately 16.06 lakh Applications for Validation of Option or Joint Options have been received, according to sources, until June 26, 2023.
The announcement said of the amended date, “A final opportunity of 15 days is being given to remove any difficulty faced by the eligible pensioners/members.” As a result, the deadline for workers to submit Applications for Validation of Option / Joint Options has been extended to 11.07.2023.”
What to do if you have problems submitting online:
According to the statement, any eligible pensioner or member who has trouble completing an online Application for Validation of Option / Joint Option due to an issue with KYC updation should immediately file a grievance with EPFiGMS for settlement.
“Please submit your grievance by selecting the ‘Higher Pensionary Benefits on Higher Wages’ grievance category.” This will ensure that such a grievance is properly documented for future action,” according to the statement.
“Meanwhile, many representations have been received from Employers & Employers’ Associations requesting that the time period for uploading wage details of applicant pensioners/members be extended.” “The request has been considered sympathetically, and employers have been given an additional three months to submit wage details and other information online by September 30, 2023,” it said.
