The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued 1,49,806 pension payment orders for higher contributions to retired applicants in line following the November 2022 Supreme Court order, PTI reported.
The apex court in its order asked the Centre to facilitate higher contribution to the as per their actual wage so that members can get higher benefit.
EPFO: Pension scheme disbursal — Latest updates
In a written reply to Lok Sabha on Monday (10 August), Minister of State (MoS) Shobha Karandlaje said:
- The Ministry of Labour and had received 15,24,365 claims under contribution for higher wages for higher pension, she said. Of these claims, 11,595 were pending as of 5 August this year.
- Further, the minister added that 1,49,806 pension payment orders (PPOs) on higher wages have been issued to the retired applicants based on the SC’s 2022 order.
Over 85 lakh pensioners on roll till March 2026
- As of 31 March 2026, total number of under the Employees’ Pension Scheme is 85,84,604, according to the minister. And the total amount of pension disbursed under EPS, as of 31 March 2026, is ₹15,819.28 crore.
- Karandlaje also told the Parliament that the EPS 1995 has been superseded by EPS 2026. She added that the Centre is committed to ensuring robust social security coverage to members of schemes while taking into consideration the sustainability of the fund and the future liabilities thereon.
EPS withdrawal benefits
- EPFO has introduced a 12-month waiting period for premature final EPF settlement and a 36-month waiting period for withdrawal benefits under EPS.
- It has liberalised and simplified partial and advances — members can withdraw up to 75% of their balance under three broad heads: essential needs, housing needs and special circumstances.
- The move aims to enable access to funds for unemployment-related expenses, medical emergencies, education, housing and other critical requirements.
- Members are free to avail 75% of their balance twice each year under special circumstances without assigning any reasons, she stated.
Here’s a stepwise guide for how can check your pension claim on the official EPFO portal, the Umang app, through SMS, or missed call facilities.
Check EPF claim status using Umang — Stepwise guide
- Download the Umang app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Register on the app with your -linked mobile number and set a 4-digit M-PIN (remember this for future login).
- After signing in, search for EPFO under the “All Services” section and on the main service page, tap on “Employee Centric Services”.
- Select the option labelled “Track Claim” (sometimes listed under “General Services” as “Know Your Claim Status”).
- Input your 12-digit Universal Account Number () and click Get OTP.
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and click Login or Submit.
- Your screen will display all claims made under that UAN. Click on a specific Claim ID to see detailed information, including the Tracking ID, Claim Type, and current Claim Status.
Check EPF claim status on EPF portal — Stepwise guide
- Log in to the — unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface.
- Click Online Services in the top navigation bar and select Track Claim Status.
- Your Tracking ID, Form Type, and current status will appear.
Check EPF claim status using SMS, Missed Call
To check claim via , send a message from your registered mobile number (linked with UAN) to 7738299899 in the following format:
- EPFOHOUAN NumberLanguage
- Example — EPFOHO 123456789012 BEN
The language codes are ENG (English), HIN (Hindi), PAN (Punjabi), GUJ (Gujarati), MAR (Marathi), KAN (Kannada), TEL (Telegu), TAM (Tamil), MAL (Malayalam), BEN (Bengali).
You will receive an automated reply with your claim status or account balance information.
To check claim using missed call or toll-free call method
- Give a l from your registered mobile number to 9966044425 to receive an automated reply with claim status or account details.
- Or call the EPFO’s toll-free number: 1800 118 005 or 1800 114 470 and ask for the status.