Navigating EPF and Family Pension: Should I Merge My Past and Present Services?

I have worked for 16 years in one company with a basic salary of Rs 18,000 per month and had an EPF account from 1991 to 2007. Currently, I am working with another company since April 2010 to date with a basic salary of Rs 7,500 per month.

Please advise whether I should obtain a scheme certificate from my previous company and add my service to the present company or leave the EPF in the former company as the basic salary in the previous company was higher. Is it possible to receive a family pension at the age of 58 from both companies? Also, could you clarify if the family pension depends on the last month's basic salary?

You are advised to get a scheme certificate from the PF office after availing the EPF amount or simply transfer the entire amount to the present company's PF account. Ensure there is a single line break between paragraphs.

Family Pension Calculation

Family pension depends on the last year's salary, not the last month's. Getting a pension from two companies is not recommended; you will have to transfer the last EPF to the new one.

Managing Two Pensions

If you really want to have two pensions, then you must open two bank accounts in separate branches, and EPFO must not know about it (it is not right, that is why).

Scheme Certificate Handling

If you obtain the Scheme certificate, then you must keep it properly. When the pension is applied for, it should be attached as a document.

Pension Eligibility and Transfer

No two pensions are payable to one employee. However, if you transfer, you will receive a higher amount of pension.