The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) notified the UPS Regulations, 2025 on March 19, 2025. These guidelines detail the eligibility, benefits, and claim process for UPS, especially for past retirees.
Who can claim UPS benefits?
The scheme covers:
- Subscribers who retired on or before March 31, 2025, under NPS.
- Their legally wedded spouses, if the subscriber is no longer alive.
- The retiree must have completed at least 10 years of qualifying service in the Central Government.
Key UPS benefits for retirees and spouses
These benefits are in addition to existing NPS benefits, including annuity payouts.
One-time lump sum
Retirees will receive one-tenth of their last drawn basic pay plus dearness allowance, for every six months of qualifying service.
This is applicable on superannuation, voluntary retirement, or retirement under FR 56(j).
Monthly top-up
UPS guarantees a fixed pension (50% of average basic pay over the last 12 months of service for those with 25+ years of service).
If the NPS annuity is lower, a monthly top-up will be paid to bridge the gap.
Interest on arrears
Simple interest, as per Public Provident Fund (PPF) rates, will be paid on delayed UPS payouts.
Note: Examples for calculating UPS benefits are provided in Schedule VII of the UPS Regulations, 2025.
How to apply for UPS benefits
You can apply either offline or online till June 30, 2025.
Offline process:
- Submit the filled Form B2 (for subscriber) or Form B4/B6 (for spouse).
- Submit to the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the office from where the subscriber retired.
- Forms are available at: www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/ups.php
Online process:
- Visit the above portal.
- Fill the form and submit it electronically to the respective DDO.
Why UPS matters
UPS introduces pension certainty. Unlike NPS, where pensions vary, UPS offers a guaranteed 50% of the average basic pay (last 12 months) as pension, provided the employee has 25 years of qualifying service.
PFRDA is also conducting regular webinars to guide stakeholders. Visit www.pfrda.org.in or scan the QR code in the official notice for updates.
