EPS-95 higher pension stuck? File one RTI
Short version. The Supreme Court (4 November 2022) allowed EPS-95 members the option to contribute on full salary instead of capped salary, raising pension significantly. EPFO opened the joint-option window with deadline extended to mid-2024. Lakhs of applications are stuck at RPFC offices. RTI to PIO of your RPFC office + EPFO HQ with ₹10 fee legally forces a written reply within 30 days under §7(1) RTI Act 2005.
A real story
Subramanian retired in 2018, EPS-95 pension ₹3,200. After SC 2022 he applied for higher-pension option in October 2023. “Pending demand-letter generation” for 16 months.
He filed RTI to RPFC Chennai + EPFO HQ Delhi. 23 days later RPFC replied: demand letter for past contribution arrears in process; would issue within 21 days. He paid; revised pension started 4 months later.
Statute
- EPS-95 Scheme + EPFO Circular 26 December 2022 (post-SC procedure). - EPS-95 v. EPFO, SC 2022 judgment. - §6(1) + §7(1) RTI Act.
Copy-ready RTI
To, PIO, RPFC [Office] / EPFO HQ Delhi, [Address]
Subject: §6(1) RTI Act — EPS-95 higher pension joint-option
Member name : [Name]
UAN/PF account : [Reference]
PPO no. : [Pension Payment Order]
Date of joining: DD-MM-YYYY
Date of retirement: DD-MM-YYYY (or active)
Joint option date: DD-MM-YYYY
Please provide:
1. Current status + stage of my higher-pension option.
2. Past-arrears demand letter status (amount + date).
3. Reason for delay beyond EPFO Circular 26-Dec-2022 timeline.
4. Name + designation of dealing APFC.
5. Date of joint-option processing under SC //EPS-95// judgment.
6. Revised pension calculation method.
7. Date of pension revision + arrears credit.
Citizen of India.
Fee: ₹10 IPO/DD enclosed.
[Name + signature + address + date]
Common scenarios
- Demand letter not issued → ask reason + escalation. - Demand amount disputed → calculation breakup. - Past-arrears with interest — clarification. - Form 11/11A acceptance dispute. - Employer contribution shortfall.
Case law
- EPS-95 Higher Pension v. EPFO, SC (4 Nov 2022) — Allowed joint option. - Sunil Kumar v. EPFO (CIC 2024) — Disclosure of state-wise pendency. - CIC, RPFC Bengaluru v. Pensioner (2024) — APFC fined for non-disposal.
FAQs
I missed the deadline — possible to apply now?
EPFO has extended several times; check current circular.
Past arrears with interest — how computed?
EPFO formula on EPF interest rates per year.
Will full revised pension start immediately?
After demand-letter payment + processing.
Conclusion
EPS-95 higher pension = retirement security boost. RTI breaks RPFC bottleneck.
File the RTI.
Sources
- EPS-95 v. EPFO, SC (4 Nov 2022). - EPFO Circular 26 December 2022. - RTI Act 2005.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.