When the primary earning member of a family dies, the financial impact can be devastating. But for eligible salaried workers covered by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), their families may have access to multiple forms of financial support. These include the deceased member’s provident fund savings, survivor pension benefits for eligible spouses and children, and an insurance payout under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme. The benefits are governed by different EPFO schemes, with eligibility and payouts depending on factors such as the member’s service and circumstances of death.
The Employee Provident Fund Organisation allows nominee and eligible family members to get the PF balance, pension and other benefits of an EPFO employee in case of his/her death.
The first document needed to avail the EPFO claim is the death certificate. The nominee, surviving family member or legal heir must submit it along with the claim. EPFO’s composite death-claim form also lists other documents that may be required, including proof of the children’s date of birth when claiming pension, a scheme certificate where applicable, and a cancelled cheque or attested bank-passbook copy for account verification. Once the documentation is in place, the family can claim benefits under three different EPFO schemes: EPF: The PF balance of the EPFO member who died can be claimed by the nominee or eligible family members/legal heirs. The death-claim process can also be made through the composite claim form. EPS: The family may also be entitled to benefits under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). Depending on the circumstances, eligible family members can receive a survivor pension. This can include a widow/widower pension and pension for eligible children.
EPFO provides Form 20 for claiming the provident-fund amount after the member’s death. EPFO’s death-claim instructions specify Form 10-D for pension claims by eligible family members, including a spouse and children below 25 years, subject to the applicable EPS provisions.
