EPFO extends deadline for employers to upload wage details, process pending pension applications

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Wednesday extended the deadline for employers to upload wage details and process over 3.1 lakh pending applications for pension on higher wages till January 31, 2025.

The extension comes in response to multiple representations from employers and employers’ associations, urging the organisation to provide additional time to complete the process.

The facility to apply for validation of options for higher pension was introduced in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order dated November 4, 2022. It was initially launched on February 26, 2023, with a deadline of May 3, 2023.

The deadline was later extended several times, first to June 26, 2023, and subsequently to July 11, 2023, allowing eligible pensioners and members to submit their applications.

By July 11, EPFO had received 17.49 lakh applications from pensioners and members, the government said in a release. However, over 3.1 lakh applications remain pending with employers despite multiple extensions for uploading wage details, including deadlines of September 30, 2023, December 31, 2023, and May 31, 2024.

"In spite of so many extensions, it has been observed that more than 3.1 lakh Applications for Validation of Options / Joint Options are still pending with employers. Many representations have also been received from Employers & Employers’ Associations wherein requests have been made to extend further time period for uploading wage details of applicant pensioners/members," the ministry of labour and employment stated.

"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," it added.

Employers have also been urged to respond to EPFO queries on over 4.66 lakh cases where further information or clarification has been sought. They are required to provide replies or update information by January 15, 2025.