epfo-processes-98-percent-higher-pension-applications-but-faces-72-percent-rejection-ra

EPFO Processes 98.5% of Higher Pension Applications but Faces 72.3% Rejection Rate

Summary: EPFO processed 98.5% of 15.24 lakh higher pension applications, with a 72.3% rejection rate nationwide and 87.5% in Chennai and Puducherry.

Category: Personal Finance 

Following a Supreme Court order, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) undertook a large-scale exercise to process higher pension applications from members. As of July 16, 2025, the organisation had processed 98.5% of the total 15.24 lakh applications received. 

However, the high rejection rates, especially in certain regions, have sparked concern among pensioners and employees awaiting clarity on their claims.

Nationwide EPFO Pension Rejection Rate Stands at 72.3%

Out of the 15,24,150 total applications, 11,01,582 were rejected, which equates to a rejection rate of 72.3%. Only 4,00,573 applications were approved and demand letters issued, while 21,995 remain under review. This high rejection rate has left a significant number of applicants disappointed and seeking answers from the authorities.

Chennai and Puducherry Face 87.5% Rejection Rate

The Chennai and Puducherry regions have recorded one of the highest rejection rates in the country. Of the 72,040 applications submitted, 63,026 were rejected, amounting to 87.5%. This has caused considerable anxiety among pension seekers in the region, many of whom had expected favourable outcomes following the Supreme Court directive.

Background to the Higher EPF Pension Dispute

The issue originated from a 2014 circular that restricted higher pension benefits for employees earning above a certain salary cap. In November 2022, the Supreme Court clarified that members enrolled before 1 September 2014, and either still working or retired after that date, are eligible for a higher pension calculated on actual salary rather than the capped limit. This ruling prompted a flood of applications to the EPFO from eligible members.

Read More: Over 11 Lakh EPFO Higher Pension Claims Rejected, Only 4 Lakh Approved! 

Lack of Clarity on Rejections and Pending Claims

Despite the scale of rejections, the EPFO has not disclosed specific reasons for the denial of applications. Additionally, there is no clear timeline for processing the 21,995 applications that remain under review. This has left many retirees unsure about their future pension benefits.

Conclusion

While the EPFO has processed applications at a swift pace, the rejection rates have overshadowed the progress. Without transparent communication and timely resolution of pending claims, confidence among pensioners may continue to erode.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all related documents carefully before investing.