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Government Pension Scheme: The central government has implemented the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) from April 1 this year. The good thing is that central government employees retiring on or before March 31, 2025, have also been allowed to come under this scheme. UPS is a fund-based pension scheme, which has been introduced under the National Pension System (NPS). The purpose of this scheme is to provide a fixed and guaranteed pension to government employees.

Let us tell you that in the year 2004, the National Pension System (NPS) was started in place of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Since then, government employees have been demanding the withdrawal of the NPS scheme and the reinstatement of OPS.

Last date to apply
The application window for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) was started on 1 April 2025 and 30 June 2025 is the last date to apply. If a person applies under this scheme after June 30, his application will not be accepted. The special thing about this scheme is that it applies to all former employees or their legally married spouses. However, note that this scheme is only for government employees.

What are the benefits of the UPS scheme?

In this scheme, the benefit of a lump sum pension will be given by calculating based on the average salary and dearness allowance of the last six months of the job. Apart from this, monthly top-ups will also be available. The calculation of this top-up is done by reducing the UPS payment and dearness relief admissible to the annual amount under the existing NPS.

Another special thing about this government scheme is that it also provides benefits to the spouses of retired employees. The 'legally married' spouses of retired persons are eligible for this scheme.

The PPF-like facility will also be available.
This scheme offers an interest rate equal to the Public Provident Fund on any outstanding amount related to it.

How can you apply?

Eligible applicants can apply both offline and online to avail of UPS benefits. To apply offline, you will have to download the form from the NPS website. Then fill out the form and submit it to the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the last office. To apply online, you can fill the form directly on the website and submit it.

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