Pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS‑95) rely on consistent updates and clear communication about rule changes. Recently, misinformation circulated claiming that all EPS pensioners must submit a new form by July 28, 2025, to avoid suspension of benefits. Meanwhile, official bodies and Parliamentary committees are discussing potential pension hikes and improvements to the system. Let’s explore what’s factual, what’s proposed, and what EPS‑95 pensioners should do.
No July 28 Deadline for New Form
Viral Claims
Social media users recently shared posts suggesting that EPFO had issued an urgent directive requiring EPS‑95 pensioners to file a new form by July 28, 2025, or face benefit suspension. This caused significant anxiety among retirees.
Official Clarification
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) and EPFO have denied these claims. There is no such mandatory form or deadline. These rumours stem from misunderstandings around new EPS rules implemented on January 1, 2025, but do not include any form-filing requirement.
What Changed on January 1, 2025?
Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS)
From January 1, 2025, EPFO launched a Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS). This allows EPS pension payments to be issued through any bank branch in India, regardless of the pensioner’s location—eliminating the need to transfer a PPO (Pension Payment Order) when relocating. Over 7.8 million EPS pensioners benefit from this, making withdrawals smoother and more convenient.
Minimum Pension Hike on the Table
Parliamentary Panel Recommendations
A parliamentary committee under MP Basavaraj Bommai urged the Labour Ministry to conduct the first third-party evaluation of EPS by end of 2025, given the scheme’s 30-year history. It also recommended raising the minimum EPS pension from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 monthly to better match current inflation and living costs.
Current Coverage
Presently, the government tops up pensions below ₹1,000 through a grant-in-aid. As of FY 2023–24, around 3.66 million pensioners received the ₹1,000 minimum, with 2.06 million supported by the central grant. The Labour Ministry’s earlier proposal to raise the minimum to ₹2,000 was not approved by the Finance Ministry in 2020, but it was resubmitted in pre-Budget documents for FY 2025.
Rumored Pension Increase Up to ₹7,500
Speculative Reports
Some media outlets and commentators speculated that the government might increase minimum EPS pensions to ₹7,500, citing draft documents or early proposals. While these numbers circulated widely online, they are yet to be officially confirmed by EPFO or government sources.
Lack of Official Confirmation
So far, neither the Labour Ministry nor EPFO has issued official notifications on a ₹7,500 minimum pension. Until any legislative or budget announcement is made, these figures remain speculative.
How Will Pensioners Be Affected?
| Change | Impact on Pensioners |
| No July 28 form deadline | No action needed; benefits won’t be suspended |
| CPPS (from Jan 1, 2025) | Pensioners can access pensions from any bank branch nationwide |
| Minimum Pension Hike | If approved, pensions below ₹1,000 may increase to ₹2,000–₹7,500 |
What Pensioners Should Do
- Ignore viral form-filing messages: These are false—no form is required by end-July.
- Stay updated on official channels: Check EPFO and PIB announcements for any new developments on pension amounts.
- Ensure bank details are up-to-date: With CPPS in effect, correct bank account and branch info is essential.
- Watch for evaluation updates: The EPS evaluation should finish by late 2025, potentially triggering pension hikes.
- Verify your pension status: Confirm your monthly pension amount to understand whether you currently receive the ₹1,000 minimum or more.
Final Thoughts
EPS‑95 pensioners should take comfort in knowing that their pensions are secure and unaffected by any viral form-filing deadlines. The successful implementation of CPPS since January 2025 significantly improves administrative ease, especially for retirees relocating across India. The ongoing scheme evaluation and parliamentary recommendations suggest a possible boost in the minimum pension—from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 or higher—by the end of the year.
Until formal announcements are made, EPS pensioners can stay informed through reputable government channels: EPFO, PIB Fact Check, and official press releases. If you’re receiving the minimum pension, keep a close eye on updates that may directly impact your monthly income. With due diligence and verified information, pensioners can prepare for positive changes ahead—without panic or misinformation disrupting their peace of mind.