Big Boost for Retired Workers
Good news for lakhs of retired employees in India. Government has decided to double the minimum pension under EPS-95 scheme. From 2025, you will get ₹7,500 every month instead of old ₹1,000. This change starts from April 2025 and helps around 60 lakh pension holders. Trade unions and pensioners were asking for this for long time because old amount was too small for rising prices of food, medicine and bills. Labour minister said in parliament that this step makes life easier for old people. If you are part of EPS-95, check your details soon to get the benefit. This is like a gift for those who worked hard all life.
Main Points of the Scheme
EPS-95 is a social security plan started in 1995. Employer and government put money in fund. From your salary, 12% goes to EPF, and 8.33% of that to pension fund. Now minimum pension jumps to ₹7,500, which gives relief from high costs. Old pension of ₹1,000 was not enough for basics. Government added extra budget for this so scheme keeps running. If your pension was low, it will go up automatically. Go to EPFO website to see your status. This helps workers from small jobs too.
Who Can Get It and How to Apply
To get EPS-95 pension, you need at least 10 years of job and age over 58. If your pension is less, new rule applies and it increases. Apply at EPFO office or online portal. Keep documents like Aadhaar card, bank details and old pension certificate ready. Government says from 2025, this change for all. Women and low earners get more help. If any problem, contact EPFO. This makes sure everyone gets fair share.
See this table for old and new pension comparison:
| Category | Old Minimum Pension | New Minimum Pension (From 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Pensioner | ₹1,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Over 80 Years | ₹1,000 | ₹7,500 + DA |
| Widow Pension | ₹600 | ₹3,750 |
And this table shows main eligibility rules:
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Over 58 years |
| Service Time | At least 10 years |
| Membership | EPF contribution |
| Documents | Aadhaar, bank passbook |
These tables make it clear how big the change is.
Government Support in Budget
Government gives 1.16% of salary up to ₹15,000 every year for EPS-95. Now for higher pension, they put extra money in budget because fund had some shortage. Labour ministry says this helps pensioners fight price rise. Trade unions welcome it but ask for DA also. If you are pensioner, check bank account for change from April. This step shows care for old workers.
Benefits and Some Issues
This increase means retired people can afford medicine, food and home costs better. Old ₹1,000 was hard to live on, but ₹7,500 gives some ease. Still, some pensioners feel it is not enough as prices go up fast. Government says they will think about more increase based on fund health. EPFO started helpline for doubts. If your pension does not go up, complain there. This helps families too.
What Next
From 2025, EPFO will tell all pensioners about this. If any new change, watch news. Pensioner groups thank government and push for more demands. Overall, this is big step that helps lakhs of homes. Check your details today so you do not miss out.