Eligibility to Withdraw Pension Contribution in EPF (EPS) – Complete Guide (2026)

Meta Title: Eligibility to Withdraw Pension Contribution in EPF (EPS) – Rules, Conditions & Process (2026)

Meta Description: Learn who is eligible to withdraw the pension contribution under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), withdrawal conditions, Form 10C, Scheme Certificate, and pension eligibility in this complete 2026 guide.

Eligibility to Withdraw Pension Contribution in EPF

Many Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) members assume that they can withdraw the pension contribution just like their PF balance. However, the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) follows different rules.

The employer contributes 8.33% of the employee’s pensionable wages (subject to the prescribed wage ceiling) to the EPS, while the remaining employer contribution goes to the EPF account. Unlike EPF, the EPS amount is not maintained as an individual balance earning interest. It is part of a pooled pension fund that provides retirement and family pension benefits.

This guide explains who is eligible to withdraw the pension contribution, when you can claim it, and when you should choose a Scheme Certificate instead.

What Is the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)?

The Employees’ Pension Scheme is a social security scheme administered by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). It provides:

• Monthly pension after retirement
• Early pension (subject to conditions)
• Disability pension
• Family pension
• Widow pension
• Children pension
• Orphan pension

The scheme is designed to provide long-term financial security rather than a lump-sum retirement benefit.

Who Can Withdraw the Pension Contribution?

Your eligibility depends mainly on your age and your total eligible EPS service.

1. Less Than 10 Years of Eligible Service

If you leave your job before completing 10 years of eligible EPS service, you generally have two options:

• Withdraw the EPS withdrawal benefit by filing Form 10C, or
• Obtain a Scheme Certificate to preserve your service and add it to future EPS-covered employment.

Choosing a Scheme Certificate is often beneficial if you expect to work again in an EPF-covered establishment because it helps you qualify for a future monthly pension.

2. Completed 10 Years or More of Service

If you have completed 10 or more years of eligible service, you cannot withdraw the pension contribution as a lump sum.

Instead, you become eligible for:

• Monthly pension from age 58, or
• Early pension from age 50 with a reduced pension amount, if applicable under the scheme rules.

3. At Age 58

At age 58:

• Members with at least 10 years of eligible service can claim a monthly pension.
• Members who do not meet the required service conditions may be eligible for withdrawal benefits as per the applicable EPS provisions.

Can You Withdraw Only the EPS Amount?

Yes, if you satisfy the eligibility conditions for an EPS withdrawal benefit, you may claim it through Form 10C. However, the benefit is paid according to the scheme’s prescribed formula—it is not a refund of an individual EPS account balance.

When Should You Choose a Scheme Certificate?

A Scheme Certificate is recommended if:

• You have less than 10 years of eligible service.
• You plan to work again under EPF.
• You want to combine your future service with your previous service.
• You want to qualify for a monthly pension later.

The certificate preserves your pensionable service for future use.

Documents Required

To claim EPS withdrawal benefits, you may need:

• UAN
• Aadhaar
• PAN (if applicable)
• Bank account details
• Cancelled cheque or passbook
• Form 10C
• KYC-completed EPF account

How to Apply for EPS Withdrawal

Online Process

1. Log in to the EPFO Member Portal.
2. Go to Online Services.
3. Select Claim.
4. Choose Form 10C (if eligible).
5. Verify your bank details.
6. Complete OTP verification.
7. Submit the claim.

EPFO will process the claim after verification.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Your EPS claim may be rejected if:

• You have completed 10 years of eligible service but applied for a withdrawal benefit.
• Your KYC is incomplete.
• Aadhaar is not linked with your UAN.
• Your bank details are incorrect.
• Service records are incomplete or inconsistent.
• Required documents are missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw my EPS contribution after 5 years?

Yes, if you have less than 10 years of eligible service and satisfy the applicable withdrawal conditions, you may claim the withdrawal benefit or opt for a Scheme Certificate.

Can I withdraw EPS after 10 years?

No. After completing 10 years of eligible service, you are generally entitled to pension benefits rather than a lump-sum withdrawal.

Is Form 10C compulsory?

Yes. Form 10C is used to claim the EPS withdrawal benefit or to obtain a Scheme Certificate, depending on your eligibility.

Is the EPS amount shown in the passbook?

No. Unlike EPF, EPS does not maintain an individual balance with interest in the passbook. Withdrawal benefits are calculated under the scheme rules.

Conclusion

Eligibility to withdraw the pension contribution under the Employees’ Pension Scheme depends mainly on your length of eligible service and age. If you leave employment before completing 10 years of eligible service, you may claim the EPS withdrawal benefit through Form 10C or preserve your service with a Scheme Certificate. Once you complete 10 years of eligible service, you generally become eligible for a monthly pension instead of a lump-sum withdrawal.

Before making a decision, consider whether preserving your service for a future pension may provide greater long-term financial security than taking an immediate withdrawal benefit.