EPFO has released a new circular on 23 April 2023 with Subject “Application for validation of option / joint options- Scrutiny of information and wage details submitted by the employee and employer – Reg.” with reference to instructions issued vide circulars dated 29.12.2022, 05.01.2023, 25.01.2023 and 20.02.2023 regarding the Hon’ble Supreme Court judgment dated 04.11.2022 in Sunil Kumar B. vs. Others.
The latest EPFO circular was issued in continuation of the earlier instructions vide above circulars.
The key points covered in the EPFO’s latest circular were around the applications / Joint options to be examined by Field. In case, the requirements are complete, the wage details submitted by the employers will be verified with the data available with the field offices.
To complete the Joint Option declaration form, go to the EPFO portal via this link – https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in. I have also created a detailed blog and a video on how to fill the EPFO Joint Option form for Higher Pension.
Key Point 1
The first point talks about the dual validation of details filled in the form by Field Officer. It describes the actions to be taken in case of matching or mismatching of records with Field Office with those submitted (approved) by Employer.
The cases where FO(Field Office) details and employers’ details match, the dues will be calculated and an order will be passed by APFC / RPFC-II / RPFC-1 for depositing / transferring the dues.
The cases where there is a mismatch, the same will be informed to the employer and the employee / pensioner by APFC /RPFC-II. They will be given a time of one month to complete the information.
Key Point 2
The second point talks about the validation of details filled by the employer and what remedial actions will be available in case of a rejection by employer.
In case submitted application form / joint option is not approved by the employer, before any rejection, an opportunity will be given to the employer for providing any additional proof or evidence or correct any mistakes / errors (including those made by employees / pensioners).
Such opportunity will be for a period of one month and under intimation to the employees / pensioners.
Key Point 3
The second point talks about the validation of details filled by the employer and what remedial actions will be available in case of a rejection by employer.
In cases where the submitted information is not complete or seems erroneous or any information in application/ joint option form needs correction request or not found eligible, APFC/RPFC-II will seek information from the employers under intimation to the employees/ pensioners within one month.
If complete information is received, the case shall be processed further as at Point 1 above.
However, if, complete information is not received within one month, the order will be passed on merit by the APFC /RPFC-II/RPFC-1.
Key Point 4
The last point talks about Grievance Redressal.
Any grievance by the applicant can be registered on EPFiGMS after submission of his request form and payment of due contribution, if any.
The registration of such grievance shall be under specified category of higher pension with reference to Supreme Court Judgment dated 04.11.2022.
All such grievances shall be addressed and disposed of at the level of Nominated Officer. Grievances will be monitored by the Officer in-Charge of Regional Office and Zonal Office.
You can now also amend the EPFO Joint Application form by deleting the previously submitted form and submitting a new one.
If you have any questions, leave a comment below.