Good news for govt pensioners: UPS benefits in addition to NPS for THESE employees

The central government NPS subscribers who retired on or before March 31, 2025, with a minimum of 10 years of qualifying service can claim additional benefits under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). The offer will also be available for legally wedded spouse of such retired government employees. These benefits are under the UPS over and above the NPS benefits already claimed.

What are the additional benefits available for retired employees under UPS?

Eligible retirees who retired before 31st March 2025, under the NPS, are either eligible for a one-time payment equal to one-tenth of their last Basic Pay + DA for every completed 6 months of service or a monthly top-up if their NPS pension is less than the UPS amount plus Dearness Relief.

Additionally, arrears with simple interest as per the applicable Public Provident Fund (PPF) rates.

According to the ministry, subscribers and their spouses can claim these benefits through the physical mode, which involves visiting their respective Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) and submitting the relevant form. Online mode which include visiting the website http://www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/ups.php to fill out the online form, can also be used to claim these benefits.

Also read: Unified Pension Scheme extended for THESE employees: How to claim UPS benefits, deadline to apply

The NPS Trust on May 26 in a public notice announced that UPS benefits will also be available for subscribers who retired under NPS on or before March 31, 2025. This is valid for self or their legally wedded spouse, it said.

Notably, the last date or deadline to join UPS is June 30, 2025.

“The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is conducting regular webinar on UPS via website,” the notice said.

NPS: What does the public notice say?

“Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) introduced by central government, effective from 1 April 2025, are available to past retirees also (those subscribers who retired on or before 31/03/2025 and had completed a minimum 10 years of qualifying service in Central Govt.) and for their legally wedded spouse,” the notice said.