An EPFO Scheme Certificate allows eligible members under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 to preserve their pensionable service when they leave a job and later join another establishment covered by EPS. Members with 10 years or more of eligible pensionable service generally become entitled to pension benefits, while a Scheme Certificate helps carry previous service forward when they change jobs.
The certificate is different from withdrawing the pension benefit itself. EPFO says a member with less than 10 years of eligible service may also obtain a Scheme Certificate, while a member with 10 years of eligible service who leaves before age 58 is to be issued one and cannot take the EPS withdrawal benefit in that situation.
What is an EPFO Scheme Certificate?
A Scheme Certificate is an EPS document that records a member's eligible pensionable service so that it can be carried forward.
If the member later joins another establishment covered by EPS, the earlier pensionable service can be combined with the service under the new employer. This can help the member meet the service requirement for pension and determine pensionary benefits.
EPFO's pension manual also states that not obtaining or claiming a Scheme Certificate does not, by itself, forfeit the member's membership.
Who is eligible for an EPFO Scheme Certificate?
Eligibility depends mainly on the member's EPS service and age at the time of leaving employment.
| Situation | Scheme Certificate / EPS position |
|---|---|
| Less than 10 years of eligible service | Member may opt for a Scheme Certificate or withdrawal benefit, subject to applicable rules |
| 10 years or more eligible service, below 58 | Scheme Certificate is to be provided; withdrawal benefit is not allowed |
| 10 years or more service and age 58 | Eligible for monthly pension subject to EPS rules |
| 10 years or more service and age 50–57 | May qualify for reduced early pension after leaving employment |
| Total and permanent disablement | Monthly disablement pension can apply irrespective of age/service, subject to EPS rules |
These conditions come from EPFO's pension manual and the EPS Form 10C instructions.
Why is 10 years of EPS service important?
The 10-year threshold is important because EPS pension entitlement generally requires at least 10 years of eligible membership/service.
EPFO states that a member becomes eligible for pension after completing 10 years of cumulative membership in EPS, 1995. When a member changes jobs, the Scheme Certificate allows earlier pensionable service to be added to service under a new employer.
For example, if someone has eight years of eligible EPS service with one employer and subsequently joins another covered establishment, the earlier service can be carried forward. The relevant service can then be combined rather than treated as an entirely new pension record.
Can you withdraw PF and still keep the pension benefit?
This is where EPF and EPS need to be distinguished.
The provident fund balance and the pension component are governed by different provisions. A member may withdraw eligible EPF accumulations while preserving pensionable service through a Scheme Certificate, depending on their circumstances and applicable rules.
EPFO specifically describes the Scheme Certificate as a way for members who withdraw their EPF contribution to retain EPS membership for future pension benefits.
However, the statement that every member with more than 10 years can simply withdraw PF in full and simultaneously choose to retain the pension annuity is too broad. The exact benefit depends on the member's age, EPS service, employment status and the applicable withdrawal/pension provisions.
What is Form 10C?
Form 10C is the EPFO form used for claiming an EPS withdrawal benefit or a Scheme Certificate.
The official Form 10C specifically covers claims for “Withdrawal Benefit/Scheme Certificate” under the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995.
The form contains details such as the member's personal information, last establishment, date of joining, reason for leaving employment and date of leaving service.
When should you choose a Scheme Certificate instead of withdrawal benefit?
The decision primarily depends on whether you want to preserve your pensionable service for future EPS benefits.
If you have less than 10 years of eligible service and are leaving employment, the EPS framework provides an option between withdrawal benefit and a Scheme Certificate, subject to the applicable conditions. EPFO advises that opting for the certificate can be useful because earlier service can be carried forward when the member joins another covered establishment.
For someone who expects to work again in an EPS-covered establishment, preserving the service record can therefore be important.
What happens when you join another company?
Suppose an employee has accumulated pensionable service with Company A and subsequently joins Company B, which is also covered by EPS.
With a Scheme Certificate, the earlier pensionable service can be carried forward and combined with the later period of service. EPFO specifically says that different spells of membership with different employers can be consolidated for pensionary benefits, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.
This is one of the main purposes of the Scheme Certificate.
Can a person with less than 10 years of service get a Scheme Certificate?
Yes.
EPFO's pension manual states that a member with less than 10 years of eligible service can also obtain a Scheme Certificate or choose the withdrawal benefit if eligible.
This is important because the certificate can preserve the existing pensionable service for a future period of EPS-covered employment.
What happens if you have 10 years of service?
The rules are different once a member has completed 10 years of eligible service.
According to EPFO's pension manual, a member who has completed 10 years of eligible service but has not reached 58 years is to be issued a Scheme Certificate and cannot receive the withdrawal benefit. The member may become eligible for pension at 50 or above at a reduced rate, subject to the EPS conditions.
At age 58, a member with the required pensionable service can qualify for monthly member pension under the EPS framework.
How can you apply for an EPFO Scheme Certificate?
EPFO has provided a facility for applying for a Scheme Certificate through the UMANG app.
EPFO announced the UMANG facility specifically for EPS members seeking Scheme Certificates. The announcement said an active UAN and a mobile number registered with EPFO are required for the service.
The exact digital options available can change as EPFO updates its online services, so members should check the current EPFO/UMANG interface before submitting a claim.
What information is required for Form 10C?
The official Form 10C asks for several details related to the member and their previous employment.
Common information includes:
- Member's name and personal details.
- Date of birth.
- Details of the establishment where the member was last employed.
- Date of joining the establishment.
- Reason for leaving employment.
- Date of leaving employment.
- Address and required claim details.
- Member's signature or thumb impression where applicable.
These fields are listed in EPFO's official Form 10C.
Does a Scheme Certificate guarantee a fixed pension amount?
No.
A Scheme Certificate preserves eligible pensionable service; it does not by itself guarantee a particular pension amount.
The eventual EPS pension depends on the applicable pension calculation rules, including pensionable service and pensionable salary. Other conditions under the scheme can also affect the benefit.
What happens to the Scheme Certificate if the member dies?
A Scheme Certificate can also be relevant to family pension benefits.
EPFO states that if a member holding a Scheme Certificate with 10 years or more of eligible service dies before reaching 58, the family can be eligible for pensionary benefits under the scheme, with the service recorded in the certificate taken into account.
This makes the certificate relevant not only to the member's future pension but also to certain family-pension situations.
EPFO Scheme Certificate: Key points at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A certificate preserving eligible EPS pensionable service |
| Main purpose | Carry previous pensionable service to future EPS-covered employment |
| Is 10 years mandatory to obtain it? | No; EPFO says members with less than 10 years may also obtain one |
| What happens after 10 years? | Pension entitlement becomes possible subject to EPS conditions |
| Which form is used? | Form 10C for Scheme Certificate/withdrawal-benefit claims |
| Can service be carried forward? | Yes, eligible service can be consolidated across covered employment |
| Can it help with family pension? | Yes, it can be relevant to eligible family-pension benefits |
| Is the certificate itself the pension? | No; it preserves service for determining future pensionary benefits |
EPFO Scheme Certificate: Quick Q&A
What is an EPFO Scheme Certificate?
It is an EPS document that allows eligible pensionable service to be preserved and carried forward when a member changes employment.
Is a Scheme Certificate available after 10 years?
Yes, and EPFO's rules specifically provide for a Scheme Certificate for members with 10 years or more of eligible service who leave before age 58. Such members cannot take the EPS withdrawal benefit in that situation.
Which form is required for a Scheme Certificate?
Form 10C is the EPFO form used for claiming a Scheme Certificate or EPS withdrawal benefit.
Can previous EPS service be combined with a new employer's service?
Yes. EPFO says different spells of EPS membership with different employers can be consolidated to determine pensionary benefits, subject to the scheme's eligibility conditions.