EOBI (Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution) is a government-run social security scheme that provides pension benefits to registered workers in Pakistan's formal sector — distinct from any company-specific Provident Fund or gratuity scheme.
How EOBI Contributions Work
Registered employers contribute to EOBI on behalf of their employees (with a smaller employee contribution in most structures), based on a percentage of a notified minimum wage figure rather than your actual salary — meaning EOBI contributions are relatively modest even for higher earners.
Who Is Covered
Employers with a minimum number of employees (as defined by EOBI regulations) are generally required to register their staff. Many smaller, informal businesses don't register employees at all, which is one reason EOBI coverage isn't universal across Pakistan's workforce despite being technically mandatory for qualifying employers.
What You Get From It
After meeting minimum contribution and age requirements, registered workers become eligible for an old-age pension, with additional provisions for survivor's pension and invalidity pension in qualifying circumstances. The pension amount is generally modest compared to a private Provident Fund balance, which is why EOBI is best understood as a baseline safety net rather than a primary retirement plan.
Checking Your EOBI Status
Registered workers can check their contribution history and registration status through EOBI's official channels using their CNIC — worth doing periodically to confirm your employer is actually making the contributions they're supposed to.
EOBI vs. Provident Fund vs. Gratuity
These three are often confused. EOBI is a government scheme independent of your specific employer. Provident Fund and Gratuity are employer-specific benefits — see our Provident Fund vs. Gratuity guide for that comparison.