The sudden demise of a working family member can be emotionally and financially devastating. Fortunately, most working members have various benefits and entitlements that their nominees or legal heirs can claim. While Provident Fund (PF) is the most well-known, there are several other claims available to help support the family during difficult times.

1️⃣ Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)

· The nominee can claim the full PF balance in the employee’s account.

· Both employee and employer contributions, along with accrued interest, are payable.

· Process: Submit Form 20 to the EPFO along with the death certificate and nominee details.

2️⃣ Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)

· If the deceased was enrolled under EPS, the nominee is eligible for pension benefits.

· This includes:

o Family pension for spouse

o Pension for minor children (until they reach adulthood)

· Process: Submit a pension claim form to EPFO along with identity documents and death certificate.

3️⃣ Gratuity

· If the employee worked for 5 years or more, the family is entitled to gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.

· Nominee can claim the full gratuity amount.

· Process: Submit a gratuity claim form to the employer or the company’s HR department.

4️⃣ Life Insurance or Group Insurance

· Many employers provide group life insurance coverage.

· The nominee can claim the insurance amount from the insurance provider or employer.

· Some policies may include accidental death benefits.

5️⃣ Leave Encashment

· Any unused earned leave of the deceased employee can be encashed by the nominee.

· Process: Submit a leave encashment claim to the employer along with death certificate.

6️⃣ Other Benefits

· Health Insurance: If the employer provides health insurance, dependents may get coverage for a period.

· Outstanding Salary and Allowances: Any pending salary, bonuses, or allowances are payable to the nominee.

· Retirement Benefits: If there were any specific retirement plans, the nominee can claim the maturity amount.

Checklist for Nominees

1. Collect all identity documents of the deceased and nominee.

2. Obtain the death certificate from the local authorities.

3. Collect employment and contribution records (PF, EPS, gratuity, insurance).

4. Fill out the claim forms for each benefit.

5. Submit documents to the respective authorities (EPFO, employer, insurance company).

Conclusion

Nominees of a deceased working member are entitled to multiple financial benefits, not just the Provident Fund. These include pension, gratuity, insurance, leave encashment, and other allowances, all of which can provide crucial financial support to the family. Ensuring proper documentation and timely claims is essential for accessing these benefits efficiently.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.