Can You Defer Your EPFO Pension to 60 Without Prior Notice? Share Your Experiences!

Deferring EPFO Pension from 58 to 60 Years

We can defer the EPFO pension from 58 years to 60 years with or without contributions. If we defer with contributions, the service until 60 years will be counted. Since there is hardly any publicity about this point, most eligible employees are not aware of it. Please share instances where employees are benefiting from this provision.

It was mentioned in the notification that prior intimation of this deferment is to be given to the respective RPFC. In case such "prior intimation" is not given, but contributions are made to the pension fund until 60 years, can the employee opt for deferment of the pension until 60 years (with contribution)?

**Location**: Jaipur, India

epfo pension, Country-India, City-India-Jaipur, human resource head, pension fund

Employees in India covered under the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) have the option to defer their pension from 58 years to 60 years with or without contributions. This provision allows for the counting of service until 60 years if deferred with contributions. However, due to limited awareness of this benefit, many eligible employees may not be fully informed.

In instances where employees are benefiting from this provision, it is crucial to ensure compliance with the notification requirement of providing prior intimation to the respective RPFC (Regional Provident Fund Commissioner). Failure to give prior intimation but contributing to the pension fund until 60 years raises the question of whether the employee can still opt for deferment of pension till 60 years with contributions.

To address this situation effectively, employees should consider the following steps:

- Step 1: Review the specific guidelines outlined by EPFO regarding pension deferment and contribution requirements.
- Step 2: If prior intimation was not provided, consult with the RPFC to understand the implications and options available.
- Step 3: Submit a formal request to the RPFC explaining the circumstances and seeking clarification on the possibility of opting for deferment with contributions despite the lack of prior intimation.
- Step 4: Provide any supporting documentation or evidence to support the request for deferment with contributions.
- Step 5: Await a response from the RPFC regarding the feasibility of the deferment request and any additional steps to be taken.

By following these steps and engaging proactively with the RPFC, employees can seek clarity on their eligibility for pension deferment till 60 years with contributions, even in cases where prior intimation was not initially provided.

Important Note: It is advisable for employers and HR departments to raise awareness among employees about such provisions to ensure they can make informed decisions regarding their pension benefits.