For private-sector employees planning retirement around 2030, calculating the monthly pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) has become far more straightforward. With clear rules and a fixed formula, workers can now estimate their post-retirement income well in advance and plan accordingly.
Understanding the EPS Pension Formula
The monthly pension under EPS is calculated using a simple formula:
Pensionable Salary × Years of Service ÷ 70.
The pensionable salary includes basic pay plus dearness allowance (DA) and is currently capped at ₹15,000 per month, even if an employee earns more. A minimum of 10 years of service is required to be eligible for pension benefits under the scheme.
What 25 Years of Service Means for You
For someone completing 25 years of service with the maximum pensionable salary of ₹15,000, the calculation is straightforward. Multiplying ₹15,000 by 25 and dividing the result by 70 gives a monthly pension of approximately ₹5,357.
This means that even for employees with higher actual salaries, the pension amount remains linked to the statutory cap unless higher contributions are opted for under revised rules.
When Can You Start Drawing Pension?
The full pension under EPS becomes payable at the age of 58 years. However, members also have flexibility. A reduced pension can be availed from 50 years of age, while those who defer retirement until 60 years receive an enhanced pension for the delayed period.
Contributions and Policy Updates
Both the employee and employer contribute to EPS through monthly Provident Fund (PF) contributions. Recently, Labour Minister Shobha Karandlaje informed Parliament that around 99 per cent of higher pension claims have already been settled by the EPFO, following directions from the Supreme Court.
Under the upcoming Social Security Code, employees will also have the option to contribute on salaries exceeding ₹15,000, if they choose to do so.
How to Check Your Pension Details
Employees looking for clarity on their retirement savings can easily access their EPF passbook online through the EPFO portal. This provides a clear snapshot of contributions and helps in realistic retirement planning.
With predictable rules and improved transparency, EPS now allows private-sector workers to better prepare for financial security after retirement.