Guidance Required on Pension Scheme Certificate (EPS)

[NovNine]

Dear Experts,

I request your guidance on the following matter for my understanding and further action.

I have worked in private sector companies for over 20 years. After exiting my previous employment, while applying for PF withdrawal, the pension portion (EPS) was not paid and instead a Pension Scheme Certificate was issued by the department.

After one year, I have rejoined the same company. Kindly advise what action is required regarding the Pension Scheme Certificate received earlier. Should it be submitted to the employer/EPFO for continuation of pension service?

Please confirm whether my understanding and this communication are correct.

Thank you for your support.

 

[YAGAY andSUN]

Your understanding is correct. Since the EPFO issued a Pension Scheme Certificate on exit, it means your past EPS service has been preserved and not withdrawn, which is the settled legal position under the EPF & MP Act, 1952—EPS service cannot be paid in cash once eligible and must be carried forward. On rejoining the same (or any) establishment covered under EPFO, the Pension Scheme Certificate should be submitted to the employer/EPFO so that your earlier pensionable service is clubbed and continued. The UAN is critically important as it is the single lifelong identifier that links all PF and EPS service periods across employments; ensuring the same UAN is used allows EPFO to seamlessly add past and future service for final pension eligibility.

[NovNine]

Hello YAGAY and SUN, Thank you for quick response 

AI Summary

Pension Scheme Certificate: submit certificate and maintain same UAN to preserve and continue EPS service. Pension Scheme Certificate issuance preserves prior EPS service rather than permitting cash withdrawal; the certificate evidences preserved pensionable service that must be submitted to the employer/EPFO on re-employment so earlier service can be clubbed with ongoing service. Maintaining the same UAN is essential to link past and future PF/EPS periods for final pension eligibility.