Struggling to Start EPS Pension at 58: How to Get a Missing Scheme Certificate?

I worked with a company for 17 years and left in 2016. After that, I did not work anywhere. In 2016, I missed taking the EPS scheme certificate from my employer/EPFO; however, the EPFO portal is clearly showing my service tenure of 17 years. Now I have crossed 58 years of age. I submitted Form 10D online on the EPFO portal to start EPS; they rejected it, saying 'mention scheme certificate.' So I submitted Form 10C to get the Scheme Certificate, but they rejected it, saying 'scheme certificate already issued.' I tried to raise a grievance on the EPFIGMS portal, but that did not help. Please let me know if the Scheme Certificate is mandatory when the EPFO portal is already showing service tenure. If it is mandatory, what is the way to get the Scheme Certificate issued now?

Hi, yes, the scheme certificate is compulsory, and you need to surrender it to the PF office to receive a pension.

Now, the solution for your case is to contact the respective PF Office where your 17 years of PF contributions have been paid. Contact the PRO of the PF Office, who will be able to assist you.

Obtaining a Monthly Pension Under EPS

For obtaining a monthly pension under EPS, a Scheme certificate is mandatory, and the PF office will not process your case without it. Please approach the PF office nearest to you with relevant details for a solution.

Vmlakshminarayanan and rkn61, thank you for the reply; it was helpful. My PF account is with EPFO's Bandra-Mumbai Office, but I live in Pune. Would it be possible to request the EPFO Pune office for my scheme certificate? Kindly advise.

I can provide some information on the Scheme Certificate issued by the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in India. Please note that the rules and procedures might have changed since then, so I recommend verifying the current guidelines by visiting the official EPFO website or consulting with EPFO officials directly for the most up-to-date information.

Scheme Certificate Overview

A Scheme Certificate is not mandatory for all EPF members. It is typically issued to employees who have completed 10 years of eligible service and have not attained the age of 58 years at the time of leaving their employment. However, if a member does not meet the criteria for a Scheme Certificate, they are eligible to withdraw the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) amount in the form of a monthly pension after attaining the age of 58 years.

Eligibility for Monthly Pension

Since you have completed 17 years of service and have crossed the age of 58 years, you are eligible for a monthly pension under EPS. It appears that you mistakenly applied for Form 10C (for withdrawal of EPS amount) instead of Form 10D (for pension claim) on the EPFO portal.

Steps to Claim Monthly Pension

To claim your monthly pension, you should submit Form 10D online through the EPFO portal. Make sure to select the correct option for claiming a pension under EPS. In case you encounter any difficulties during the online submission, you can approach your nearest EPFO office for assistance or clarification.

Scheme Certificate Issuance

Regarding the Scheme Certificate, it may have been issued at the time of your leaving in 2016, and that could be the reason why your subsequent application for Form 10C (for Scheme Certificate) was rejected. If you are eligible for a Scheme Certificate, it is typically issued at the time of leaving the employment.

Resolving EPS Pension Claim Issues

To resolve any issues related to your EPS pension claim or Scheme Certificate, it is advisable to contact the EPFO directly through their toll-free helpline number or visit the nearest EPFO office. They will be able to guide you on the specific steps to take and assist you with the necessary documentation.

Please note that EPF rules and procedures may be subject to change, and it is essential to verify the current guidelines on the official EPFO website or by contacting EPFO officials directly for accurate and up-to-date information.