Key Bullet Points:
✔ 98.5% applications processed – EPFO disposes of most higher pension requests as per Supreme Court orders.
✔ 11 lakh claims rejected – Only 4 lakh applicants approved, raising concerns over eligibility criteria.
✔ Chennai & Puducherry see high rejections – Over 63,000 applications turned down in these regions alone.
EPFO’s Higher Pension Verdict: 11 Lakh Claims Rejected, Only 4 Lakh Approved
The long-pending issue of higher pensions under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme has reached a crucial juncture, with the government revealing fresh data on claim approvals and rejections. According to the latest update, the EPFO has processed over 98.5% of applications, but a staggering 11 lakh requests have been denied, leaving many retirees in limbo.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, informed the Lok Sabha that as of July 16, 2025, the EPFO has disposed of most applications in compliance with the Supreme Court’s November 2022 ruling. While 4 lakh applicants received approval, a massive 11 lakh claims were rejected, sparking concerns over transparency in the evaluation process.
Regional Disparities: Chennai & Puducherry Hit Hard
The data reveals stark regional disparities, with Chennai and Puducherry witnessing a rejection rate of over 87%—63,026 out of 72,040 applications were turned down. However, the government has yet to clarify the exact reasons behind these high rejection numbers, leaving affected pensioners frustrated.
A Legal Battle That Changed Everything
The dispute traces back to 2014, when the EPFO capped pension benefits for employees earning above a certain threshold. However, the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict on November 4, 2022, brought relief to many by allowing EPF members who joined before September 1, 2014, to opt for pensions based on their actual salaries rather than the previous capped amount.
Since then, 4,00,573 demand letters have been issued to eligible applicants, while 21,995 cases remain pending. Despite progress, the lack of clarity on rejection criteria and unresolved cases continues to fuel uncertainty among pensioners.
What’s Next for Rejected Applicants?
With no official explanation for the rejections, affected members are left questioning whether re-appeals or fresh applications will be entertained. The EPFO has previously extended deadlines for submissions, but whether another opportunity will arise remains unclear.
For now, approved applicants can breathe a sigh of relief, while the fate of 11 lakh others hangs in the balance. As the government faces mounting pressure to provide answers, retirees await further updates on their financial future.
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