1) If last 5 -7 yrs salary is less than compared to previous 10/15 years salary then pension(EPS) will be less ? /how pension calculated ?Please explain with one example using formula 2) In EPF inoperative accounts (more than 3 yrs) can we get interest on the balance every year ? upto which age?

Ans: If you have maintained the same EPF account and have been shifting it as you moved companies, you will get it from one single source account. Even if different accounts have got created, you can merge them by following EPFO procedure and get a single pension.

Ans: Certainly! Let’s address your queries regarding the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) and the process for pension withdrawal:

EPS Withdrawal After 10 Years of Service:
If you have completed less than 10 years of service or have attained the age of 58 years (whichever is earlier), you are eligible for lump-sum withdrawal from your EPS account.
However, if you have completed 10 or more years of service, you cannot withdraw the EPS amount. Instead, you can opt for a Scheme Certificate by filling Form 10C along with the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar or Non-Aadhaar).
The Scheme Certificate allows you to transfer your pension benefits if you join another employment later.
Pension will be paid to you after attaining the age of 58 years123.
Filing Form 10D for Immediate Pension:
To receive pension immediately after retirement, you need to fill Form 10D.
Unfortunately, Form 10D cannot be filed online. You’ll need to submit it physically to the EPFO Office.
Submission of Form 10D:
After your retirement, submit Form 10D to the EPFO Office to initiate the process of receiving pension.
Ensure that you complete all necessary documentation accurately.
Interest on EPF Account:
Until you decide to withdraw your EPF amount, it continues to earn interest.
As of now, the interest rate is determined by the EPFO and is subject to change periodically.
Since you are retiring on 30th April 2024, you can continue earning interest until you decide to claim your EPF.
Claiming EPF Account After Maximum Extended Period:
After the maximum extended period (usually 3 years of inactivity), you can still apply for EPF withdrawal.
While the process may not be available online, you can submit the necessary forms physically to the EPFO Office.
Remember to consult with your employer or the EPFO directly for any specific details related to your individual case. Best wishes for your retirement!

Ans: Since you've been working in the organization since 2010, you'll be eligible for a monthly pension from this scheme.

The pension amount is calculated based on your service years and average salary during the last five years of employment. The maximum salary considered for this calculation is Rs 15,000, irrespective of your actual salary.

Pension Calculation
For your case, the pension amount under EPS can be estimated using the following factors:

Service Years: 14 years (from December 2010 to January 2025)
Average Salary: Rs 15,000 (since it is capped under EPS)
The formula used by EPS for calculation is:

Pension Amount = (Service Years) * (Average Salary) / 70

So, based on this formula, your pension is calculated as:

Monthly Pension = 14 * Rs 15,000 / 70 = Rs 3,000 per month (approximately)

This amount is an estimation and may vary slightly depending on other factors considered by the EPS at the time of your retirement.

Provident Fund Contribution
Your contribution and your employer’s contribution towards the PF will also create a significant corpus. With 17 years of service, the accumulated amount in your PF account should be substantial. Once you retire, you can either withdraw this amount or opt for periodic payouts to supplement your pension.

Recommendations for Post-Retirement Financial Planning
Maximize PF Benefits: Ensure you withdraw your PF in a manner that maximizes your benefits. If you don't need a lump sum, consider periodic withdrawals.

Invest Wisely: Invest your PF withdrawal in diversified mutual funds to generate a stable post-retirement income. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you in selecting the right funds based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Health Coverage: Ensure you have adequate health insurance to cover medical expenses post-retirement. Relying solely on pension and savings might not be enough for unforeseen medical costs.

Budget Planning: Create a detailed budget for your post-retirement life. Factor in regular expenses, medical costs, and leisure activities. This will help you manage your finances efficiently.

Consider Professional Guidance: As you approach retirement, professional financial advice becomes more crucial. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner will ensure that your retirement funds are managed optimally.

Finally
Your pension from the EPS will provide a steady income, but it may not be enough to cover all your expenses. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan ahead, invest wisely, and ensure that your financial future is secure.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in