If you’ve spent your life working hard and contributing to your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), you may assume your pension will automatically begin once you retire. But EPFO pension rules in 2025 have changed, and if you’re not updated, you could miss out on the pension payments you rightfully deserve.
That’s right—your pension won’t start unless you take action. In this post, we break down the most important updates to the EPFO pension rules, including who qualifies, how early and late pensions work, what happens if you worked less than 10 years, and—most importantly—why Form 10D is now mandatory.
What Are the New EPFO Pension Rules in 2025?
Under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), any EPFO member who contributes for at least 10 consecutive years becomes eligible for a pension upon retirement, typically at the age of 58. But as of 2025, there’s a major update: you must now submit Form 10D to activate your pension.
Previously, many retirees assumed their pension would start automatically upon turning 58 or leaving their job. That’s no longer the case.
Key Highlights of the New EPFO Pension Rules:
- Minimum 10 years of EPS contributions are mandatory for pension eligibility
- Pension typically begins at age 58
- Early pension can be claimed from age 50 with reduced payouts
- Deferred pension till age 60 yields increased benefits
- Form 10D submission is required to activate pension payments
Also Read: EPFO Pension Hike 2025: Shocking ₹7,500 Boost Announced—Is Your Pension About to Skyrocket?
Form 10D: What It Is and Why You Must Submit It
Form 10D is the official application form for starting monthly pension payouts under EPS. Submitting it signals to EPFO that you are ready to receive your pension.
Without submitting Form 10D:
- Your pension won’t be processed, even if you’re eligible
- You may continue earning interest on your EPF corpus, but pension payouts will be stalled
- EPFO won’t act based on employer records alone—you must initiate the process yourself
You can submit Form 10D online via the EPFO portal, or offline at your nearest EPFO office.
Early Pension: Get It Before 58—But At a Cost
If you don’t want to wait until 58, EPFO offers an Early Pension option from the age of 50. However, there’s a catch—you receive less pension.
Here’s how it works:
- Early pension is available for those aged 50 to 58
- Pension amount is reduced by 4% for every year you take it early
- For example, retiring at 56 means you’ll receive 92% of the pension you would have received at 58
How to apply: Submit the Composite Claim Form and select Early Pension using Form 10D.
Late Pension: More Money If You Wait Until 60
If you’re still employed at 58 and choose to defer your pension, EPFO rewards your patience.
What’s the benefit of delaying pension?
- If you delay until age 59, your pension increases by 4%
- At age 60, you receive 8% more than what you’d get at 58
- You can continue contributing to the pension fund during these additional two years
This makes deferred pension a smart move for those still earning after 58 and looking for higher monthly payouts.
Worked Less Than 10 Years? Here’s What Happens
If your total contribution to the pension fund is less than 10 years, you are not eligible for monthly pension benefits. But you still have two options:
Option 1: Withdrawal
- Withdraw your EPS balance as a one-time lump sum
- This includes both your EPF and EPS contributions
Option 2: Pension Scheme Certificate
- If you plan to work again in the future, you can request a Pension Scheme Certificate
- This lets you carry forward your service history and combine it with future contributions
- Once you hit 10 years of total service, you become eligible for monthly pension at retirement
Also Read: EPF Withdrawal Rules 2025: You Won’t Believe What’s Changed for Employees!
How to Claim Your Pension Easily
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your pension starts on time and without hiccups:
Step 1: Ensure You’ve Met Eligibility
- At least 10 years of EPS contributions
- Age 58 (or 50–58 for early pension)
- Not currently employed (if applying for pension)
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Aadhaar card
- UAN (Universal Account Number)
- Bank account details (linked with Aadhaar)
- Service history and employment certificates (if needed)
- Pension Scheme Certificate (if applicable)
Step 3: Fill and Submit Form 10D
- Log in to the EPFO member portal
- Navigate to the “Services” section and choose “Pension” > “Form 10D”
- Fill in your personal, employment, and bank details
- Upload necessary documents
- Submit online, or take a printout and submit at your local EPFO office
Also Read: ₹7,500 EPS-95 Pension Is Here! Supreme Court’s Big Win for Retirees in 2025 – Are You Eligible?
FAQs: Clearing Your Confusion on EPFO Pension Rules
Q1. Is Form 10D required even after 58?
Yes. Without Form 10D, your pension will not start, regardless of age.
Q2. Can I submit Form 10D online?
Yes. It can be filled on the EPFO portal, but in many cases, physical submission is still required for final processing.
Q3. What if I worked only 7 years?
You are not eligible for a pension, but can withdraw your EPS contributions.
Q4. Can I delay Form 10D submission?
Yes, but your pension payments will be delayed accordingly. There is no automatic start, so submit early to avoid gaps.
Q5. Will I lose my money if I don’t apply?
No. Your money is safe, but it won’t be disbursed until the correct procedure is followed.