My Wife's pf amount is still not with drawn. She got retired on 07-06-24. So after 3 years can we opt for EPS pension instead of with drawing the money. What will be the pension amount likely on the PF amount of Rs 12 Lakhs
Ans: Let’s go through your concern in a very structured, detailed, and practical way. You’re asking about EPS pension eligibility for your wife, who retired on 07-06-2024 and has not withdrawn her PF yet. You also want to know whether she can opt for EPS pension after 3 years and how much pension she could expect on a PF amount of Rs 12 lakhs.
Here’s a complete, 360-degree perspective for you:
Understanding the Difference Between EPF and EPS
EPF is your provident fund savings account
It builds a retirement corpus, grows with interest
EPS is the pension scheme under EPF
It gives monthly pension after retirement
Contribution towards EPS is separate from EPF
Out of the employer’s 12% contribution, 8.33% goes into EPS (subject to salary cap)
Eligibility for EPS Pension
To get EPS pension, minimum 10 years of eligible service is required
Retirement age for full pension is 58 years
One can opt for reduced pension after age 50
If PF is not withdrawn, service continues to be counted
So, yes, she can apply for EPS pension even after 3 years
She just needs to keep the EPF account untouched
This is a valid approach used by many retirees
What Happens If You Withdraw Now
If you withdraw EPS amount now, you lose lifelong monthly pension
You only receive the lump sum EPS portion
Once withdrawn, pension option is no longer available
This decision is final and cannot be reversed later
So it’s wise to pause and assess pension eligibility properly
How EPS Pension Is Calculated
Pension depends on two factors:
Pensionable salary: average of last 60 months' basic + DA
Pensionable service: total years of contribution into EPS
The pension is calculated as:
(Pensionable salary x Pensionable service years) ÷ 70
For example, with Rs 15,000 pensionable salary and 20 years of service:
(15,000 x 20) ÷ 70 = Rs 4,285 approx per month
If pension is taken before 58, amount is reduced by 4% per year
So, if taken at 55, pension will be reduced by 12%
Is Rs 12 Lakhs in PF Relevant for EPS Pension?
The PF corpus (Rs 12 lakhs) is not used directly in EPS pension calculation
That is your wife’s savings in the provident fund
EPS contribution is small and fixed — not linked to total PF balance
Only her years of EPS contribution and pensionable salary matter
What to Do Now – Step-by-Step
Confirm Service Period & EPS Contribution
Login to her UAN portal
Download PF Passbook
Check how many years she was under EPS coverage
Check if she crossed 10 years of service (minimum for pension)
Decide on Withdrawal vs Pension
If she needs a large amount now, withdrawing may look attractive
But long-term, monthly pension gives stable cash flow
If no urgent need, it is better to wait
Timing Is Crucial
Waiting till 58 gives full pension
If pension is started at 55, there is a permanent 12% reduction
For every year after 58, pension increases by 4%
Plan as per income needs and inflation
Apply for EPS Pension
Use Form 10D
Submit online on EPFO portal or offline at EPF office
Pension will be credited monthly to her bank account
A Look at Practical Scenarios
Let’s assume the pensionable salary is capped at Rs 15,000
If she has contributed to EPS for 20 years:
Pension = (15,000 x 20) ÷ 70 = Rs 4,285/month
If she opts at age 55 (3 years early):
Pension gets reduced by 12% → Approx Rs 3,770/month
If she waits till 58:
She can receive full pension without reduction
If she waits till 59 or 60:
She gets 4% increase for each year → Higher monthly pension
These numbers are approximate, not final
Exact pension is decided by EPFO after processing her Form 10D
How to Plan With the EPF Balance (Rs 12 Lakhs)
Rs 12 lakhs is a good amount of retirement corpus
This can be withdrawn or kept to earn EPF interest till age 58
After withdrawal, reinvest this in actively managed mutual funds
Do not park it in low-return savings accounts
You can create SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) from mutual funds
This gives monthly cash flow just like pension, but better returns
Why You Should Avoid Index Funds
Index funds just copy the index, do not beat it
During volatile times, they fall fully with the market
No expert fund manager to protect your capital
They do not adjust sector allocations
You may get stuck in bad sectors like PSU or small caps
Active funds are managed with strategy and analysis
They offer downside protection and better long-term growth
For retired life, protection from loss is more important than hype
Why You Should Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
Direct funds offer no guidance or handholding
You miss rebalancing and timely reviews
You also carry behavioural risk of panic selling during crashes
Investing through a MFD backed by a Certified Financial Planner is safer
You get expert planning, fund selection, tax guidance and review
Long-term performance improves through behavioural discipline and strategy
Emotional Angle – Planning Together
Make these decisions jointly with your wife
Discuss monthly cash flow needs honestly
Decide how much you need from pension and how much from investment
Involve your children if needed
Retirement is a phase where teamwork matters more
Final Insights
Yes, your wife can opt for EPS pension even after 3 years of retirement
She must not withdraw PF now if she wants to be eligible
Confirm service years and pensionable salary through UAN portal
EPS pension may be approx Rs 3,770 to Rs 4,285/month based on timing
Withdraw PF only when needed, then invest smartly in mutual funds
Avoid index and direct funds – go with expert-guided active funds
This creates peace of mind and better retirement safety
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment