Can I have both NPS and EPS?
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Yes, you can have both NPS and EPS accounts at the same time.
BAJAJ BROKING
Retirement planning is one of the most crucial decisions you make. Most importantly, it has to be taken while you are already on the job. From carefully analysing retirement income requirements to assessing your current financial commitments, there's a lot to consider. To help you in your retirement planning, the government of India also contributes. With welfare schemes like NPS (National Pension Scheme) and EPS (Employee Pension Scheme), planning your safe retirement income becomes easier.
EPS and NPS are both government-backed retirement plans. However, these two are quite different on various grounds. While EPS is a contribution made by the employer, NPS can be contributed by both employees and employers. Read on as we discuss EPS vs NPS, the two popular retirement schemes.
Employees Pension Scheme was launched by the government on 16th November 1995. It is open to anyone who is a member of EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation).¹ On the other hand, the National Pension Scheme is a voluntary pension scheme open to anyone who wants to build a retirement corpus.
Some of the striking differences between the two are given in the table below:
Particulars | EPS | NPS |
Define | EPS is a government-backed retirement scheme where the employees do not directly contribute. The employer contributes 8.33% of the basic pay of the employee (Basic +DA) | The National Pension Scheme is a retirement savings scheme introduced by the government. It is managed by the PFRDA ( Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of India). Individuals can contribute wilfully towards NPS accounts (Tier 1 and Tier 2) |
Scheme’s nature | EPS is a mandatory retirement plan applicable to members of EPFO. A total of 12% of the salary (basic + DA) of the employee must be contributed towards EPFO. Out of this 12%, 8.33% goes towards the EPS account and the remaining goes into the EPF account | The National Pension Scheme is a voluntary retirement plan. So, anyone willing to participate in the scheme may do so without any compulsion. |
Contribution by the employer | Employers contribute towards EPS and not the employees. So, there is no direct participation of the employee in EPS contribution. 8.33% out of the total 12% EPFO contribution by the employer goes towards the EPS account. This 12% is calculated based on the basic pay + dearness allowance of the employee | Being a voluntary retirement savings scheme, there is no compulsion for the employer to participate in the contribution. The employer may or may not contribute towards NPS on behalf of their employees. |
Contribution by the employee | Not applicable | Employees can contribute a voluntary amount towards NPS Tier 1, Tier 2, or both accounts. |
ROI | EPS offers stable returns once the employee retires. The returns are offered as a regular monthly pension to the employee. After attaining the age of 58, one can start receiving the benefits | NPS yields around 9-12% annualised returns. However, these are market-linked securities. So, the returns are dependent on the performance of the assets |
Eligibility criteria | Anyone who is a member of EPFO and has a fixed salary can participate in EPS. However, it is necessary for the employer to be the contributor | Anyone can participate in the National Pension Scheme as per their will. To start with, one has to open a Tier 1 account, after which they may open a Tier 2 account. |
Limit on contribution | 8.33% of the basic pay of the employee | There is no limit on the maximum investment permitted in the NPS account |
Tax benefits | There is no tax on the pension received | NPS subscription is eligible for tax benefit of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961 and up to ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD (1B) of the Income Tax Act of 1961 |
Withdrawal of funds | Individuals are eligible to apply for withdrawal of EPS funds after attaining 58 years of age or if they have been unemployed for 60 days¹ | NPS funds can be withdrawn after attaining 60 years of age or retirement. NPS Tier 2 account has no withdrawal restrictions |
Premature withdrawal | Only in specified conditions like marriage, higher education, etc. can one claim partial premature withdrawal | NPS Tier 1 account does not allow premature withdrawal. You can only withdraw after attaining the age of 60 years. There are no withdrawal restrictions on the NPS Tier 2 account |
There are different eligibility criteria sets for NPS and EPS accounts. These are:
Eligibility Criteria for NPS³
The individual must be an Indian resident or a Non-Indian resident
The age limit for NPS accounts is between 18-70 years of age
Must comply with KYC norms
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cannot subscribe to NPS
Eligibility Criteria for EPS¹
Anyone who is a member at EPFO can participate in the EPS
One must serve 10 years of service or attain 58 years of age to receive a pension
One may apply for a reduced pension after the age of 50 years.
EPS and NPS are both retirement savings schemes. If you are willing to choose to invest in either or both of these, here are a few factors that you may consider:
Employment status
As a salaried employee and a member of EPFO, it is mandatory for you to participate in the EPS account. However, NPS is a voluntary scheme and anyone can subscribe to NPS.
Risk appetite
NPS is exposed to market-linked securities like government bonds and corporate bonds, equity, etc. However, that's not the case with the EPFO. So, if you have a low-risk appetite, EPS is suitable.
Retirement goals
You need to assess your retirement goals and retirement financial needs to plan accordingly. Both of the schemes offer stable monthly pensions. With a higher risk tolerance, you may invest in NPS for higher returns or in EPS for stable returns.
Tax planning
Both NPS and EPS offer various tax benefits under the Income Tax Act of 1961. You may claim tax deductions and exemptions under both NPS and EPS.
Planning retirement is crucial during your working days. Be it NPS or EPS, it is essential to make informed decisions. While EPS offers stable returns, NPS has the potential for higher returns due to exposure to marked-linked securities. So, based on your risk appetite and financial goals, start investing in the most suitable retirement schemes today!
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Yes, you can have both NPS and EPS accounts at the same time.
Yes, you can transfer the EPS balance to an NPS Tier 1 account. So, the withdrawal rules of the NPS Tier 1 account apply, that is, after attaining 60 years of age.
EPF offers stable and risk-free returns, making it an ideal choice for conservative investors who prioritise security and guaranteed earnings. In contrast, NPS is market-linked, carrying some level of risk but also the potential for higher returns over time.
EPS is mandatory for EPFO members. Being a government-backed retirement scheme, EPS offers a stable monthly pension after retirement. So, if you want a regular income even after retirement, EPS can be a good idea.
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