Hello Guruji, Query regarding pension amount I joined a MNC private company in 1993 and resigned in2015 , I got a pension certificate which says I will get a pension of ?6500 pm. Post that I went abroad for 4 years and returned in 2019. I joined an Indian company for 1 year till 2020 with a salary of ?4L pm basic salary + other allowances. Post that I joined an MNC for 3.5 years , which ended last month at a basic salary of ?4.5 L pm. How much pension amount can I expect and from when ? I am 53+ years of age. Will it be both combined or how ? Please help regards Abhi

Ans: Your pension amount is determined by various factors including your years of service, average salary, and the pension scheme offered by your employer. Private firms typically have different pension schemes, so it's important to review your employment contract or consult with your HR department for details on your specific pension plan.

Your pension amount may also be influenced by any contributions you've made towards the pension scheme during your employment. Generally, the longer your service and the higher your salary, the higher your pension amount is likely to be.

To get an accurate estimate of your expected pension amount, it's best to consult with your employer or a financial advisor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances and the details of your pension scheme.

Ans: Certainly, to estimate your pension after retirement, it's essential to consider various factors such as your years of service, salary, and the pension scheme offered by your company. Typically, private limited companies have their own pension schemes or contribute to government schemes like the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF). You should contact your company's HR department or refer to your employment contract for specific details regarding your pension entitlements.

For future planning, assess your current financial situation, including savings, investments, and any outstanding liabilities. Determine your retirement goals, expected expenses, and desired lifestyle. Consider consulting with a financial advisor or Certified Financial Planner who can analyze your financial status and help you create a personalized retirement plan. It's never too late to start planning for retirement, and with proper guidance, you can secure a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.

Ans: First, let me commend you for planning ahead for your retirement. Given your work history in India and abroad, understanding your pension can be complex. Let's break it down to make it simple and clear.

Eligibility for Pension
You mentioned working in a private company in India from 1991 to 2007. The Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) of 1995, managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), would cover this period. To be eligible for a pension under EPS, an employee must complete at least 10 years of service and attain the age of 50 for early pension or 58 for regular pension.

Service Period Calculation
You have worked in India for 16 years (1991 to 2007). This makes you eligible for the EPS pension since you meet the minimum requirement of 10 years.

Pension Calculation Method
The EPS pension is calculated based on the pensionable salary and the number of years of service. The pensionable salary is the average of the last 60 months of basic salary and dearness allowance (DA).

Understanding Pensionable Salary
From your information:

Basic Salary: Rs. 8,510
Dearness Allowance (DA): Rs. 6,051
So, your pensionable salary would be the sum of your basic salary and DA.

Early Pension at Age 55
Since you are currently 53 and considering early pension at 55, there is a reduction factor applied. The pension amount is reduced by a percentage for each year before 58.

Additional Considerations
Inflation and Future Value
It is important to consider the impact of inflation on your pension amount. While the pension might seem sufficient now, its value will decrease over time due to inflation. You might want to explore other investment options to supplement your pension income.

Savings and Investments
Since you have worked abroad, you might have accumulated savings and investments there. It's essential to factor in these amounts when planning your retirement. Diversifying your investments can help ensure a stable and sufficient income during retirement.

Health Insurance
Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Healthcare costs can be significant in retirement, and having insurance can protect you from unexpected medical expenses.

Planning for Retirement
Given your current age of 53, you have a few more years to plan and save for your retirement. Here are some steps you can take:

Assess Your Financial Situation
Evaluate your current savings and investments.
Calculate your future income needs, considering inflation.
Diversify Your Investments
Invest in a mix of low-risk and high-risk options.
Consider mutual funds for long-term growth.
Review Your Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance.
Consider a term life insurance policy if you don't have one.
Create a Retirement Budget
Estimate your monthly expenses in retirement.
Include costs for healthcare, travel, and leisure activities.
Final Insights
Your pension from EPS will provide a basic level of income. However, considering inflation and future financial needs, it's crucial to have a diversified investment portfolio. Planning now will help ensure a comfortable and secure retirement.

Thank you for your detailed query. Your foresight in planning for retirement is admirable. By following these steps and regularly reviewing your financial plan, you can achieve a financially secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Estimating Your Pension Amount from EPS
Understanding Your Financial Journey
First, it's commendable that you are planning for your retirement. Knowing the specifics of your employment history helps in estimating your pension accurately. You worked in a private company in India from 1991 to 2007 and have been working abroad since then. Your last drawn basic salary was Rs. 8,510 and Dearness Allowance (D.A.) was Rs. 6,051.

Basics of Employee Pension Scheme (EPS)
Eligibility:

Service Period: Minimum of 10 years of service is required to be eligible for the pension.
Age: Pension starts at the age of 58, but you can opt for early pension at 55 with a reduced amount.

Pensionable Salary:

It is the average salary of the last 60 months before exiting the EPS scheme.
For simplicity, let’s assume your last drawn basic + D.A. as the pensionable salary, which is Rs. 14,561 (8510 + 6051).
Pensionable Service:

Your service period is from 1991 to 2007, which is 16 years.
Early Pension Reduction
If you opt for early pension at 55, there is a reduction of 4% per year before 58. So, if you start at 55, it’s a reduction of 12% in total.

Calculating Your Pension
Without Reduction (at age 58):
Monthly Pension =(14561×16 / 70)=Rs. 3,327

With Early Pension Reduction (at age 55):
12% reduction for starting 3 years early:

Reduced Pension=3327×0.88=Rs. 2,928

Factors to Consider
Inflation: The calculated amount may seem small due to inflation over the years.

Additional Savings: Consider building a supplementary retirement corpus through other investment avenues.

Current Employment: Check if your current employment abroad provides any pension benefits or savings plans.

Recommendations for Financial Security
Mutual Funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: Invest in equity mutual funds for long-term growth to supplement your pension.
Debt Funds: These provide stability and reduce overall portfolio risk.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

Discipline: Start a SIP to ensure disciplined investing.
Diversification: Allocate investments across different mutual fund categories for risk mitigation.
Reassess LIC Policy:

Surrender: Consider surrendering any traditional LIC policies and reinvesting in higher-return mutual funds.
Term Insurance: Opt for term insurance for adequate life cover at a lower premium.
Emergency Fund:

Essential: Set aside 6-12 months’ worth of expenses in a liquid fund for emergencies.
Regular Review:

Monitor Investments: Periodically review and adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and personal circumstances.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to optimise your investment strategy.
Conclusion
With your pensionable service and the pension formula, your estimated pension amount at age 55 is approximately Rs. 2,928 per month. This amount is relatively modest, so it’s crucial to supplement it with additional savings and investments. By investing in mutual funds through SIPs, maintaining an emergency fund, and considering term insurance, you can build a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in