Stuck with your higher EPS pension application? Here’s what you can do to resolve it

The first thing you should do is check the status of your application on the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) portal.

If your higher EPS pension application is stuck, start by checking its status online through the EPFO portal. Contact your employer to ensure all necessary documents have been submitted correctly. If there’s still no progress, file a complaint through the EPFO grievance portal or reach out directly to your regional EPFO office. Double-check for any missing or incorrect documents, and follow up regularly. As a last resort, consider legal options like filing an RTI to move the process forward. Staying proactive and persistent can help resolve the issue.

Let’s walk through some practical solutions to help you resolve any hiccups and ensure your pension is on its way.

The first thing you should do is check the status of your application on the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) portal. You can do this by logging into your Universal Account Number (UAN) account and navigating to the "Pension Status" section. This will give you an idea of where your application is in the process and if there are any updates or errors flagged.

In some cases, delays happen due to incomplete documentation or errors in the application submitted by your employer. Reach out to your HR or payroll department to ensure they’ve submitted all the necessary paperwork on time and accurately. They can also follow up with the EPFO on your behalf.

If checking online and contacting your employer doesn’t help, you can escalate the issue by submitting a grievance on the EPFO’s online grievance portal. Here's how:

• Visit the EPFO Grievance Management System.
• Select “Register Grievance” and enter your details.
• Provide your UAN, select "Pension" as the complaint category, and clearly explain the issue. The EPFO will respond with updates and steps to resolve the issue within a stipulated time.

Sometimes, direct contact can expedite the process. Visit your regional EPFO office or contact them via email or phone. You can find the contact details for your regional office on the EPFO website. It’s helpful to bring all your application-related documents for reference.

One of the most common reasons for a stuck application is missing or incorrect documents. Double-check that you’ve submitted all required documents such as:

• Pensionable service records
• Proof of salary (for higher pension cases)
• Form 10D and other relevant claim forms Ensure that there are no discrepancies in names, dates, or UAN details across your submitted documents.

Persistence can be key when dealing with bureaucratic processes. Make sure to follow up regularly with the EPFO and your employer. Sometimes, multiple follow-ups help draw attention to pending cases and speed up the process.

If you've tried all the above steps and still haven’t received any resolution, you can consider legal recourse. Filing a Right to Information (RTI) application or seeking assistance from a legal professional familiar with EPFO matters could help get the process moving.

Having your higher EPS pension application stuck can be frustrating, but by staying proactive, you can work through the issue. These steps can help you navigate through the process.