Government clarifies: No new EPFO early pension rules introduced in 2025

The clarification came in response to a Lok Sabha question seeking details on whether new provisions allowed pension commencement from age 50.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment Sushri Shobha Karandlaje said that the Government had not issued any fresh rules in 2025.

"No such rule has been introduced in 2025. However, it is informed that as per para 12(7) of the Employees Pension Scheme 1995, a member upon exit from employment and having rendered eligible service for pension, if he so desires, may be allowed to draw an early pension from a date earlier than 58 years of age but not earlier than 50 years of age. In such cases, the amount of pension is reduced at the rate of four per cent for every year the age falls short of 58 years," Sushri Shobha Karandlaje said.

This clarification forms the key takeaway from the Ministry’s response, as expectations had been building regarding possible reforms in early pension access.