If an Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) member passes away, the money in their EPF account does not disappear.
The amount can be claimed by the nominee or eligible family members.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) allows families to apply for the deceased member’s PF savings, pension, and insurance benefits online through its portal.
Here’s everything you need to know about the process.
Who Can Claim the EPF Money?
In most cases, the EPF amount is paid to the nominee registered by the member.
If no nominee has been added, the money is given to eligible family members, such as the spouse or children.
If the member had no family but had nominated someone to receive pension benefits, that nominee can claim the pension.
If there is no family and no pension nominee, the dependent parents are eligible to claim the benefit.
To avoid delays in receiving PF, pension, or insurance benefits, members are advised to submit Form No. 2 through their employer.
This form can also be submitted online.
How to File an EPFO Death Claim Online
The entire claim process can be completed through the EPFO member portal.
First, enter the deceased member’s Universal Account Number (UAN) along with the beneficiary’s Aadhaar details and date of birth.
An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with the deceased member’s EPF account for verification.
After verification, choose the death claim option, enter the date of death, and upload the death certificate.
Next, provide the beneficiary’s contact details, address, bank account information, and upload a cancelled cheque.
Finally, verify the claim using the OTP sent to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked mobile number and submit the application.
Documents Required for an EPFO Death Claim
Keep the following documents ready before starting the online claim:
Death certificate of the EPF member.
Deceased member’s 12-digit UAN.
Beneficiary’s Aadhaar, name, and date of birth.
Copy of a blank or cancelled cheque.
Form 10D for claiming pension benefits by eligible family members, pension nominees, or dependent parents.
Form 10C for withdrawal benefits if the member died after the age of 58 and had not completed 10 years of service.
Form 5(IF) to claim benefits under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme.
How Will the Claim Amount Be Paid?
Once the claim is approved, the money is transferred directly to the claimant’s bank account.
To avoid delays, make sure the cancelled cheque clearly shows the bank account number and IFSC code.
Important Point to Remember
Claimants should note that Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) may apply to death claims, just as it does in certain cases involving living EPF members.
Submitting the correct documents and bank details can help ensure a faster and smoother claim process for eligible family members.
