EPFO: How Families Can Claim PF, Pension, and Insurance Money After a Member’s Death

Kokila Chokkanathan
When a subscriber of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) passes away, their family is entitled to receive benefits from the Provident Fund (PF), pension, and insurance schemes. Here’s a complete guide on how the process works:

1. Provident Fund (PF) Claim

  • The PF balance accumulated by the deceased is payable to nominees or legal heirs.
  • Steps to Claim PF:
Obtain the death certificate of the subscriber.

Submit Form 20 (for PF) to the EPFO through the employer or online portal.

Attach necessary documents: PF account details, nominee details, and ID proof of claimant.

EPFO processes the claim and transfers the PF amount directly to the nominee’s bank account.

2. Pension Benefits

  • Subscribers who were part of the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) leave a pension fund for their family.
  • Eligible Beneficiaries:
    • Widow/widower
    • Children (minor or dependent)
    • Nominee specified in the EPF account
  • Steps to Claim Pension:

Submit Form 10D (for monthly pension) along with the death certificate.

If the pension is for a child, Form 10C may also be needed for withdrawal or pension continuation.

Pension is credited monthly to the beneficiary’s account after verification.

3. Insurance Money (EDLI – Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance)

  • EPF subscribers are also covered under EDLI, which provides insurance coverage on death.
  • Claim Procedure:
Submit Form 5IF along with the death certificate.

Provide details of PF account and nominee.

The insurance amount (up to ₹7 lakh as per current EDLI rules) is paid to the nominee.

4. Online Claims Through UAN Portal

  • EPFO allows online claims if the Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated and linked to the bank account.
  • Steps:
Log in to EPFO UAN portal.

Go to “Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)” and select death claim.

Upload scanned documents and submit the form.

Track the status online; funds are directly transferred to the nominee’s account.

5. Important Points to Remember

  • The nominee should be correctly registered in the PF account. If there’s no nominee, legal heirs need a succession certificate or court order.
  • Claim forms must be accurately filled to avoid delays.
  • All documents like death certificate, PF account details, and ID proofs are mandatory.
  • EPFO aims to settle claims within 30 days of submission.
Tip: To avoid complications, subscribers should update nominee details in their EPF account and keep all account-related documents accessible for their family.

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.

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