Pension Fund vs Provident Fund: What’s the Difference?

Pension fund vs Provident fund is two types of retirement plans used around the world. However, its characteristics differ from region to region. Provident funds are common in Asia and Mexico and generally work like Social Security in the United States.

Pension funds, also known as Retirement Plans, or more specifically defined benefit plans, are provided by employers or governments. And usually provide members with retirement benefits equal to a portion of their earnings. There is some differences between pension fund vs provident fund. And how do they work? and their benefits.

Definition of Pension fund vs Provident Fund

What is Pension fund

Simply put, the term pension means a regular payment from the state or another employer to an employee for past service. Pension Fund means a fund in which an employer pays amounts to provide benefits such as pension, retirement, and disability. The fund is financed by transferring a portion of the employer’s contributions to the employee’s provident fund to the pension fund.

If the employer pays her 12% to the provident fund, 3.67% will be paid to the provident fund and the rest will be diverted to the pension fund. The central government will also contribute her 1.16% of the employee’s salary to the pension fund if certain conditions are met.

What is Provident Fund

Saving means preparing for the future, and funding refers to the amount of money set aside for a specific purpose. The term retirement fund (PK) is understood to mean keeping a certain amount of money available for retirement. A certain amount is deducted from the employee’s salary and transferred to the fund in the form of contributions. Employers also participate in payments to the fund. The contribution rate to PF is 12%.

The employee’s account will be credited with the amount of interest earned from the investment of each party’s contributions in approved securities. When an employee retires or is dismissed, the reserve is paid. However, in the event of the death of an employee, the same shall apply to his legal representative.

How Does a Pension Fund vs Provident Fund Work?

Pension funds are pooled cash contributions from pension plans set up by employers, unions, or other organizations to provide for the retirement of employees and members. Pension price ranges are the most important funding bloc in maximum nations and dominate the inventory markets wherein they invest.

Provident Funds are similar to 401k plans. However, instead of being managed by an investment manager, provident funds are administered by government-run insurance companies. Employees put money into these accounts, and the insurer invests the money according to the plan’s guidelines.

Pension Fund vs Provident Fund Benefits

Pension Fund Benefits

A Pension scheme can provide protection in the form of lump sums and survivors’ pensions in the event of the death of a member. To encourage the pension plan, the state allows tax breaks for contributions to the pension plan and the growth of that investment.

Provident Fund Benefits

EPFO allows in certain cases. Medical emergencies, mortgage payments, building or buying a new home, home renovations, children or your own marriage, partial withdrawals. EPF members can also take out loans at a 1% interest rate after a financial emergency.

Pension Fund vs Provident Fund Which is a Better?

Pension Funds vs Provident Funds are both lucrative retirement schemes. They differ based on certain parameters such as eligibility, profitability, and contribution. Civil servants are automatically enrolled in the pension fund system by default to ensure their financial security. After retirement, it is up to the investor to invest that money in another plan.

To some extent, pension fund benefits are similar to pensions, but provident fund benefits offer much more flexibility in payments. The other major difference is that contributions to all Provident Funds are compulsory.

Final Thought

Pension Fund vs Provident Fund is two schemes of the government. Employees can be compensated for the services they provide over the years. Employees may receive all or part of the amount from the Provident Fund if they are dependent on it, such as building a home, getting married, becoming ill, or undergoing training. However, only one-third amount can be withdrawn in case of the pension fund.

Read Also: What are Bearer Shares | Know Everything About It

Leave a Comment