EPFO New Rule – If you’re someone who receives a pension through EPFO, there’s a crucial update that you simply can’t ignore. Starting August 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is rolling out a new compliance rule that will directly impact how pension benefits are disbursed under the EPS-95 scheme. According to the new directive, all pensioners must submit a verification form, or else their pension might get suspended. Yes, you read that right. If you fail to complete this step, your pension payments could stop until your documents are verified and approved.

So, What’s This New Rule All About?

EPFO has announced that from August 2025, all pensioners under the EPS-95 (Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995) will be required to fill out a new declaration form. This form isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s a proper declaration where you’ll confirm that you’re still eligible for the pension. The form will include your personal details, employment status (if any), and other relevant information. Basically, they want to recheck and reconfirm that you’re still eligible to receive your pension benefits.

The good news? You can submit this form online or offline. So whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer the traditional way, there are options for everyone. You can go online through the EPFO member portal using your UAN (Universal Account Number), or use the UMANG app developed by the Indian government. If that’s not your thing, you can walk into the nearest EPFO office or Common Service Centre (CSC) and submit your form physically.

Why Is EPFO Making This Move?

Now, you might be wondering why EPFO is doing this all of a sudden. Well, there’s actually a solid reason behind it. According to EPFO, this rule is being introduced mainly to weed out duplicate or fraudulent pension claims. Over the years, there have been instances where pensions were paid to people who had already passed away or were no longer eligible. That’s not just unfair—it’s a drain on the country’s financial resources.

This move is also aimed at keeping the KYC (Know Your Customer) records fresh and up to date. It ensures that the system remains transparent and that the money reaches only the genuine beneficiaries. By asking pensioners to re-verify their status and details, EPFO hopes to streamline the pension disbursement system and reduce errors or misuse.

What Happens If You Don’t Submit the Form?

Here’s the part that everyone needs to take seriously. If you fail to submit the declaration form by the deadline of August 31, 2025, EPFO has made it clear that your pension payments will be suspended. Not reduced. Not delayed. Suspended. That means you’ll stop receiving your monthly pension until the required verification is completed.

This rule is applicable to all pensioners under the EPS-95 scheme, even if you’re someone who has been receiving your pension on time without any issues till now. So don’t assume that because your pension has been coming regularly, you’re off the hook. Every pensioner will need to comply with this.

How to Submit the Form – Step-by-Step Options

If you’re planning to get this done online, head over to the EPFO member portal. You’ll need your UAN and registered mobile number to log in. Once you’re in, you can find the form under the ‘Pension’ section. It’s a pretty straightforward process, and you’ll get a confirmation once it’s submitted.

Alternatively, you can use the UMANG app. It’s a government-backed app that allows for quick, paperless submissions. Just install it on your phone, log in using your details, and find the relevant pension form. This is a convenient option for those who are comfortable using mobile apps.

If online isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can also visit your nearest EPFO office or Common Service Centre (CSC). Just carry your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and mobile phone with you. The staff there will help you fill out and submit the form on the spot.

What Should Pensioners Do Right Now?

First and foremost, stay updated. Keep an eye on all EPFO announcements and circulars. They usually provide step-by-step guidance on how to comply with these rules. Secondly, don’t wait until the last minute. Try to submit the form as early as possible. The closer you get to the deadline, the more crowded the EPFO offices and online servers might get.

Also, make sure your Aadhaar number, bank details, and mobile number are correctly linked with your EPFO account. If any of these details are missing or outdated, your form submission might get rejected or delayed, causing unnecessary trouble.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are advised to visit the official EPFO website or consult an authorized EPFO representative for the latest and most accurate updates regarding pension-related compliance.