Can I Merge My Pension Certificates or Access Funds by Surrendering Them?

Dear friends, I have worked in two different companies and had my EPF accounts settled. I also received scheme certificates for the pension portion. My queries are:

1. Could I surrender the certificates and access the current funds available in my account?
2. Is it possible to merge those certificates into a single certificate representing the combined value?

Please provide clarification.

Regards,
V. Raajaram

Dear Rajaram, there is no need to merge the scheme certificates. EPS service is up to 58 years. If you have not attained 58 years, wait until 58 so that the future service can also be added with the previous services. If you have already crossed 58, surrender your scheme certificates. Altogether, if the service is 9 years and six months or above, you are eligible for a pension. If the service is below 9 years and six months, you are eligible for withdrawal benefit. Form 10D or 10C respectively can be used for the above cases.

Regards,
Abbas P.S