Quit Before 10 Years? Your EPS Pension Is at Risk

If you leave your job before completing 10 years under EPS, you don't get a monthly pension at retirement. But you're not empty-handed — you can either withdraw a lump sum or preserve your pension credit using a Scheme Certificate.

Here's what happened: EPS (Employees' Pension Scheme) requires a minimum 10 years of service to qualify for a monthly pension after age 58.. Employees who exit before 10 years can claim a one-time withdrawal benefit only after a 36-month waiting period from leaving the job.. Alternatively, early leavers can opt for a Scheme Certificate, which preserves their pension service record if they rejoin a covered employer later..

What you should do: Check your EPS service years on the EPFO member portal (passbook.epfindia.gov.in) before resigning — even one year short can cost you a lifetime pension.. If you have 8–9 years of service, negotiate a longer notice period or delayed exit date to cross the 10-year threshold before leaving.. If you've already left before 10 years, apply for a Scheme Certificate instead of the cash withdrawal — you can merge it with future EPS service at a new employer..

A Scheme Certificate never expires. Even if you take a 5-year career break, you can attach it to future EPS service and still qualify for the pension milestone.