EPS-95 pension hike likely? Minimum pension may rise above Rs 1,000; check who could benefit most

A long-pending demand of EPFO pensioners may finally move forward, with the labour ministry reportedly examining a revision in the minimum monthly pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95). The present guaranteed pension stands at Rs 1,000 a month, and any upward revision could bring relief to lakhs of retirees receiving low payouts.No official figure has been announced yet. But if the minimum pension is revised to Rs 1,500, Rs 2,000, Rs 2,500 or Rs 3,000, the biggest beneficiaries are expected to be members with lower pensionable salaries and shorter contributory service, according to an ET report.For several EPS members, the pension calculated under the formula remains below Rs 1,000. They currently receive Rs 1,000 only because of the minimum pension guarantee. If this floor is raised, their monthly income could automatically increase.Employees who contributed to EPS and completed at least 10 years of eligible service generally qualify for pension benefits. EPS contributions are calculated on wages up to the ceiling of Rs 15,000 per month, according to an ET report.Some higher-pension members who opted under earlier rules may already receive substantially higher pensions and may not benefit unless the increase is significant.Monthly pension = (Pensionable salary × Pensionable service) ÷ 70Those completing 20 years or more of service get an additional two-year weightage in pensionable service.This means members already receiving above the revised minimum level may not gain from a smaller hike.So members below roughly Rs 7,000 average pensionable pay are protected by the current floor.Any increase in the minimum EPS pension is likely to favour retirees with lower salaries and service periods closer to the 10-year eligibility mark. Those already receiving higher monthly pensions may not see much change unless the final revision is much larger.