When you withdraw your Provident Fund (PF) balance, you might assume you're getting the full amount saved during your employment. But a part of your contribution—specifically under EPS (Employees’ Pension Scheme)—does not come to your account at that time. Instead, it remains with the EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation). However, this money isn’t lost—it can benefit you later. Here's a complete breakdown of how EPS works, when you can claim it, and the rules you should know.
🧾 Understanding the Difference Between EPF and EPS
When both you and your employer contribute to the EPF, a portion of the employer’s share (8.33%) goes to EPS. Here's how they differ:
| Feature | EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) | EPS (Employees’ Pension Scheme) |
|---|---|---|
| Returns | Earns annual interest | No interest given |
| Withdrawal | Can be withdrawn anytime (with terms) | Withdrawn only under specific rules |
| Purpose | Savings + retirement corpus | Monthly pension post-retirement |
🧠 What Happens to EPS When You Withdraw PF?
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If you’ve worked for less than 10 years, you can withdraw your EPS amount by filling Form 10C.
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But if you don’t claim it, the EPS balance remains with EPFO, as it doesn’t automatically come with the PF amount.
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Many employees forget about this amount since no interest is earned and it's not credited directly.
📝 Note: You are only eligible for a monthly pension under EPS if:
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You've completed 10 years of service, and
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You’re at least 58 years old.
🔍 How to Check Your EPS Status
Even if you've withdrawn your PF amount, your EPS contribution record is never deleted. It remains linked to your UAN (Universal Account Number). To check it:
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Log in to the EPFO Member Portal using your UAN and password.
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Go to the "View" section.
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Click on "Service History".
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You’ll find the full employment history, including EPS contributions.
❓ What if You Left Your Job Before 10 Years?
If your service period was less than 10 years, and you've already withdrawn your PF but not the EPS part, here’s what to do:
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Visit the EPFO website.
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Download or fill Form 10C online (if your KYC and Aadhaar are linked).
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Submit the form to claim a refund of your EPS balance.
✅ Tip: Don’t delay this—otherwise, the amount stays unused and unclaimed.
🧓 What Happens After 10 Years of Service?
Once you’ve completed 10 years of continuous service, you cannot withdraw your EPS. Instead, you become eligible for a monthly pension, which you can start receiving after the age of 58. For this:
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Apply for pension using Form 10D.
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Ensure that your employer has correctly filed your service history.
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Keep all KYC documents and UAN details up to date.
📌 Final Words: Don’t Miss Out on Your EPS Benefits
Many employees unknowingly leave their EPS amount unclaimed. Unlike EPF, you don’t earn interest on EPS, and it doesn't automatically get transferred. That’s why it’s essential to:
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Understand the difference between EPF and EPS,
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Regularly check your EPS status on the portal,
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Claim it using Form 10C if you’ve left before 10 years,
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Or plan for pension if you qualify.
With the right steps, you can make sure your years of hard work result in long-term financial security—even beyond just your PF balance.
