Understanding Claim Forms
When an EPF member passes away, their nominees or legal heirs must initiate a claim process to receive the accumulated funds. For this, the Employees'
Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) provides three essential forms. Form 20 is designated for the final settlement of the Provident Fund amount, to be filed by the nominee or the legal heir. Secondly, Form 5-IF is specifically for claiming the Employees' Deposit-Linked Insurance (EDLI) benefit, which is applicable if the member died while in service. Lastly, Form 10-D is used to claim the monthly pension benefits. All these forms can now be conveniently submitted online, streamlining the process for beneficiaries and expediting the disbursal of these crucial financial entitlements, ensuring families receive support during a difficult time.
Key Prerequisites for Claims
Before initiating an EPFO death claim, it's crucial to ensure certain prerequisites are met to facilitate a smooth application. Foremost, the deceased EPF member must have duly filled out a nomination form during their active service. This nomination acts as the primary document identifying the rightful beneficiary. Additionally, for the EDLI scheme benefits to be processed, the employer must have accurately recorded the member's 'date of exit' in their records. If a member passes away while still employed, their EPF account may become inoperative after three years from the date of death. Therefore, timely filing of claims by family members or nominees is essential to prevent any loss of interest and to ensure the prompt release of funds.
Online Claim Application
The EPFO has significantly simplified the death claim application process through its online portal. To begin, visit the official EPFO website (epfindia.gov.in) and navigate to the 'Online Services' section, selecting the option to log in to the UAN member portal. Once logged in, you will find an option for 'Death Claim Filing By Beneficiary'. Here, you'll need to input the deceased member's UAN, along with your details as the beneficiary, including your name and Aadhaar number, ensuring these match the UAN records. Upon entering this information, an authorization PIN will be generated and sent to the Aadhaar-registered mobile number via OTP. After verifying this OTP, you will proceed to fill out the relevant forms. You can select Form 10-D for pension, Form 20 for final settlement, and Form 5-IF for EDLI benefits. Each form will require specific details, such as IFSC code for pension claims and bank account details for final settlement. After submitting all required information and verifying with OTPs, review all entered death claim details thoroughly before pressing the submit button. A 'Claim Generated Successfully' message will appear, followed by the e-sign process, which involves demographic authentication and Aadhaar-based verification.
Simplified Claims for Minors
In recognition of the challenges faced by minor children who are beneficiaries of a deceased EPF member, the EPFO has introduced a streamlined process to expedite claim settlements. Previously, in cases where the nominee was a minor, a Guardianship Certificate was often mandated, adding a layer of complexity and delay. To alleviate this, the EPFO has implemented a policy that eliminates the need for a Guardianship Certificate if a bank account is opened in the minor's name. Payments can then be directly credited to this designated bank account, significantly simplifying the procedure for disbursing Provident Fund accumulations to minor children and ensuring they receive their rightful financial support without undue administrative hurdles.
Pension Eligibility After Death
For the families of deceased EPF members, pension benefits are a critical aspect of financial security. The eligibility for family pension and children's pension is tied to the member's contribution to the Pension Fund. Specifically, if an EPF member has made at least one month's contribution, which includes any part of a month, to the Pension Fund, their family becomes eligible for pensionary benefits after their demise. This ensures that even with a relatively short period of contribution, the family can still receive a monthly income stream, providing ongoing support and stability. This provision highlights the EPFO's commitment to safeguarding the financial well-being of dependents.
