EPS-95 Pension Hike 2025: For millions of people who have spent their lives toiling in factories amid the hum of machines or sweating in offices, receiving pensions in old age has always been a source of concern. Since 2014, the pension received under EPS-95 (Employees’ Pension Scheme) was only ₹1,000 per month. In today’s times, this amount wasn’t even enough to cover a week’s ration. But now, in november 2025, the government has finally taken a major step. The minimum pension has been increased to ₹7,500 (including dearness allowance).
This is no less than a relief package for approximately 6.5 million pensioners across the country. A demand that had been unfulfilled for many years now appears to be fulfilled.
The result of years of hard work and struggle
This decision didn’t come without a hitch. EPS-95 pensioners had been raising their voices for years. Retired employees took to the streets in states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. They said, “₹1,000 isn’t enough to sustain a household for a week these days.”
These pensioners formed the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee and launched a movement. In January 2025, they met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, where she clearly stated that paying such a low pension in a time of rising inflation was unfair. Pressure on the government continued to mount, and finally, in november 2025, a relief was announced.
The Big Announcement of november 2025
On november, 2025, the EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization) decided in its board meeting that the minimum pension would now be ₹7,500. This would include DA (Dearness Allowance), which would increase every six months according to inflation.
This is considered the biggest reform to the EPS-95 scheme in nearly 11 years. Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that there will be no delays this time, and the new pension amount will begin crediting accounts from the beginning of November 2025.
Who can benefit?
Several conditions have been set to benefit from this scheme:
At least 10 years of service with the EPFO is required.
Pension is available only after the age of 58.
Widow and family pension cases are still under process, but the government has assured that a resolution will be found soon.
Previously, approximately 3.66 lakh people received a minimum pension of ₹1,000. Of these, 2.06 lakh pensioners were receiving government subsidies. Now, the new pension will certainly bring some relief to their lives.
How much will the benefit be?
If someone previously received a pension of ₹1,000, it will now increase directly to ₹7,500. Furthermore, as inflation increases, the pension will also automatically increase because DA will be included.
Category Old Pension New Pension (from October 2025) Increase
Minimum Pension ₹1,000 ₹7,500 (including DA) Increase of ₹6,500
Average Pension ₹1,500–₹2,000 ₹8,000–₹9,000 Almost a four-fold increase
High Pensioners ₹3,000+ ₹10,000+ with optional improvements
Reactions from People
Retired employees across the country have welcomed this decision. In responses from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, people said that now they will at least be able to survive with dignity. Many elderly people said that this decision, while late, was the right one.
However, some pensioners believe that the government should also increase the maximum pension limit so that those who have served for a long time receive appropriate benefits.
Looking Forward
Experts say that the government is now considering linking pensions to the inflation index. If this happens, pensions will automatically increase in the future, and people will not need to take to the streets repeatedly.
The EPS-95 Pension Hike 2025 has brought smiles to the faces of millions of elderly workers. Those who formed the backbone of the country’s economy in their youth are now receiving a respectable pension in their old age. This amount of ₹7,500 is not just a financial support, but a victory for the working class.